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FALLON - One year ago, Jodi Thacker felt her dreams come true when she was crowned the 2008 Silver State International Rodeo queen.
“When I think about it, it still doesn't seem that long ago,” Thacker said. “I still remember exactly when they called my name. It was like all the hard work had paid off.”
Now an 18-year-old high school graduate heading to Utah Valley University to major in psychology, Thacker has returned to Fallon for her last week as queen and to pass her title on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Churchill County Fairgrounds.
“I think I'm going to feel sad because I have just loved this,” Thacker said. “This is kind of the last high school rodeo I'll do.”
Last year, Thacker impressed Fallon and the judges with her bright personality and mind, winning most of the individual categories including interview, written test, horsemanship, impromptu speech and the two minute prepared speech.
“Jodi did so well in her knowledge of all high school rodeo events,” said Marcia de Braga, SSIR executive secretary.
As queen, Thacker traveled and let people know about the SSIR at other rodeos including the 2008 National High School Finals Rodeo. Last year, Thacker said her goal as queen was to represent the SSIR, and she believes she accomplished that this year.
“A lot of people still don't know exactly what the SSIR is all about,” Thacker said. “I've gone from the top to the bottom of Utah just getting the word out about Silver State. I've had a lot of fun doing it.”
While in Fallon, Thacker will help with the 2009 queen competition, and have the opportunity to mentor the contestants. Thacker said the main advice she has is to enjoy the experience.
“That is one of the biggest things I want to get across to them,” Thacker said. “Even for those it doesn't work out for because it's going to be something you remember for the rest of your life.”
One of Thacker's last acts as the SSIR queen will be a farewell speech. She said she will use the speech to thank everyone who has supported her.
“I think there's just so many people that I need to thank,” Thacker said, adding that she'll thank her parents the most. “They are amazing. They have been to everything. You don't see it very often when a dad is at every queen contest you compete in. They've done so much for me.”
De Braga agreed. Thacker's family has helped her overall performance.
“It's not hard to figure out how she's done such a good job because she has such great family support and such a strong rodeo background,” de Braga said.
Even though she will be sad to pass on her title, Thacker said she is grateful for the experience and opportunity to represent the SSIR. She said on the day of the crowning ceremony, she will think of her favorite quote from Dr. Seuss:
“Don't cry because it's over,” she said. “Smile because it happened.”
“When I think about it, it still doesn't seem that long ago,” Thacker said. “I still remember exactly when they called my name. It was like all the hard work had paid off.”
Now an 18-year-old high school graduate heading to Utah Valley University to major in psychology, Thacker has returned to Fallon for her last week as queen and to pass her title on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Churchill County Fairgrounds.
“I think I'm going to feel sad because I have just loved this,” Thacker said. “This is kind of the last high school rodeo I'll do.”
Last year, Thacker impressed Fallon and the judges with her bright personality and mind, winning most of the individual categories including interview, written test, horsemanship, impromptu speech and the two minute prepared speech.
“Jodi did so well in her knowledge of all high school rodeo events,” said Marcia de Braga, SSIR executive secretary.
As queen, Thacker traveled and let people know about the SSIR at other rodeos including the 2008 National High School Finals Rodeo. Last year, Thacker said her goal as queen was to represent the SSIR, and she believes she accomplished that this year.
“A lot of people still don't know exactly what the SSIR is all about,” Thacker said. “I've gone from the top to the bottom of Utah just getting the word out about Silver State. I've had a lot of fun doing it.”
While in Fallon, Thacker will help with the 2009 queen competition, and have the opportunity to mentor the contestants. Thacker said the main advice she has is to enjoy the experience.
“That is one of the biggest things I want to get across to them,” Thacker said. “Even for those it doesn't work out for because it's going to be something you remember for the rest of your life.”
One of Thacker's last acts as the SSIR queen will be a farewell speech. She said she will use the speech to thank everyone who has supported her.
“I think there's just so many people that I need to thank,” Thacker said, adding that she'll thank her parents the most. “They are amazing. They have been to everything. You don't see it very often when a dad is at every queen contest you compete in. They've done so much for me.”
De Braga agreed. Thacker's family has helped her overall performance.
“It's not hard to figure out how she's done such a good job because she has such great family support and such a strong rodeo background,” de Braga said.
Even though she will be sad to pass on her title, Thacker said she is grateful for the experience and opportunity to represent the SSIR. She said on the day of the crowning ceremony, she will think of her favorite quote from Dr. Seuss:
“Don't cry because it's over,” she said. “Smile because it happened.”
