Rowdy Israel rides her horse during the ’62 Days parade in Canyon City on Saturday, June 17, 2023.

Rowdy Israel is in Wyoming, and she’s looking to make some noise.

The Dayville native and current Oregon High School Rodeo Association queen recently wrapped up her duties as the queen of the Elgin Stampede, and now she is seeking another crown.

Israel and high school rodeo queens from 44 U.S. states, five Canadian provinces, Mexico and New Zealand will compete for the title of National High School Rodeo Queen in Gillette, Wyoming, from Wednesday, July 12, until Saturday, July 22.

“I’ve been preparing for nationals for the past two months — getting wardrobes together, horsemanship competition so I’ve been riding my horse a lot, interview, rodeo knowledge, rodeo terminology, horse knowledge, rodeo standings and results, the NHSRA rule book — I’ve just been studying all of that and reading and studying,” she explained.

That still doesn’t cover all the things Rowdy will need to know or be proficient at in attempting to claim the title of national rodeo queen. Israel will also recite a two-minute speech about Oregon that she’s written herself and perform a reining pattern on her horse as part of the competition.

“It’s an 11-day competition,” Israel added.

Israel admitted to being a bit nervous ahead of the competition, but those nerves are massively outweighed by the excitement she feels at the opportunity before her.

“I am super-excited to go represent my county and state,” she said.

“There of course are always a little bit of nerves, but I’m just excited to go and get this amazing opportunity.”

Israel’s mother, Nicole, has done everything within her ability to support and aid her daughter in her journey to the national rodeo, something Israel is extremely thankful for.

“My mom has been a huge supporter through my whole queen journey and has never given up on me,” she said. “It means extremely a lot to me.”

There may be a little girl in Grant County with aspirations of diving into rodeo queen competition who is a little hesitant for whatever reason, but Israel said factors such as living in a small town shouldn’t deter anybody from aspiring to the highest goals within rodeo.

“Yes, we live in a small community, but there are so many people to reach out to and so much more than our little community. Amazing opportunities — it’s a world of family, and once you’re in it you become family,” she said.

“Reach for the stars and never give up on your dreams.”

Currently in Wyoming, where she will represent both Grant County and the state of Oregon, Israel said she really appreciates all of the support she’s received from the community.

“I hope I’m making everybody proud,” she said.