Sports
Ramona Rodeo Queens Pageant Held Saturday
Contestants competed in horsemanship in the morning and took part in the pageant in the evening. Five contestants vied for senior queen and four for junior queen.
Ramona Rodeo festivities kicked off Saturday with the selection of its queens to lead the 31st annual event. Nine candidates vied for the titles in the senior and junior divisions.
Events began at 9 a.m. in the Fred Grand Arena with horsemanship competition, followed by the contestants being interviewed by the judges. The pageant began at 6 p.m. in the Ramona Outdoor Community Center Pavilion.
Ramona cowgirl Markie Battaglia, Miss Rodeo California 2010 and first runner-up for the national title last year, was the master of ceremonies for the horsemanship event. The pageant was presented by KSON radio personality Kimo Jensen.
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Pageant director is Joani Georgeson, assisted by Denise Awrey. More information about all rodeo activities can be found online at www.ramonarodeo.com.
The contestants for senior rodeo queen were Shelby Tomes, Dierdre Marie Ryan, Kayla Douglas, Lilienne Cullen and Sarah Baughman.
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Shelby, 17, is a junior at Ramona High School. She participates in barrel racing and also is a gymnast and a runner.
Dierdre, 18, is a senior at Montecito High School. She competed in junior barrel racing at the rodeos in Ramona and Poway and holds championships from 2008 and 2010. She is active with Santana Riders and Ramona Wranglers 4-H Club.
Kayla, 18, attends Cuyamaca Community College with plans to transfer to CalPoly San Luis Obispo for a degree as a veterinarian, specializing in equine chiropractic and acupuncture. She has competed in barrel racing and pole bending, among other rodeo events.
Lilienne, 17, is a junior at Ramona High School. She is involved with the sports medicine program and on the track team. She is in an internship program at Palomar Medical Center and also competes in barrel racing and gymkhana events.
Sarah, 17, is a junior at El Capitan High School in Lakeside. She works as an exercise rider and horse trainer. She is a member of Future Farmers of America and competes in barrel racing.
Junior rodeo queen contestants were Jessica Phillips, Kilyaahwil Linton, Megan Buckley and Alexis Awrey.
Jessica, 14, is a freshman at Ramona High School. She participates in barrel racing, gymkhana and cheerleading.
Kilyaahwil, 16, is a sophomore enrolled in Mountain Valley Academy. She is involved with drama, dancing, golf, karate, swimming and Girl Scouts.
Megan, 16, is a junior at Ramona High School where she is on the varsity basketball team. She also competes in gymkhana events as a member of Ramona Santana Riders.
Alexis, 15, is a sophomore at Ramona High School. She belongs to Ramona Wranglers 4-H Club and competes in barrel racing and pole bending as a member of the California High School Rodeo team.
