2025 MRK Queen Contestants
Shelby Ney - Russell, KS |
Shelby Ney is the 22-year-old daughter of Merl and Brandy Ney. Shelby is currently a student at Fort Hays State University and will graduate from FHSU this December with her bachelor’s degree in biology. She was raised on her family's Angus ranch just south of Russell, KS. When she is not helping on her family’s ranch you can find Shelby traveling the state competing in either breakaway, team roping or barrels. Shelby is a 5th
ranch has been in the heart of Kansas since 1864. After completing her degree through FHSU she is going to begin her master’s degree through OSU as an online student in the spring of 2025. Being a true Kansan she is super excited to see where the wind will take her next! |
Kaitlyn Peters - Lakin, KS
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Agriculture has always been an integral part of Kaitlyn Peters and her home, Lakin, Kansas. The eldest daughter of Alan and Emmy Andra Peters, and granddaughter of Tom and Connie Wright IV is continuing in her family’s heritage by pursuing a bachelor's degree in Agronomy: Range Management and a certificate in Equine Science at Kansas State University. During her time at school, Kaitlyn has competed regionally and nationally in Soils Judging, was awarded the 2024 KSU Little American Royal Reserve Horse Showmanship Champion title, has Rodeo Club for the 2024-25 academic year, a member of the Wheat State Agronomy Club, served as a House Manager at Alpha of Clovia 4-H Cooperative Leadership House, served as the People Pleaser’s Charity Livestock Classic Chair, competed in livestock judging contests with Lakin FFA, and showed horses, beef cattle, goats and rabbits in Kearny County 4-H and local show circuits in Southwest Kansas. After graduation, Kaitlyn is determined to become a Certified Professional in Range Management as well as a Certified Rangeland Management Consultant.
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Charity Pulliam - Arkansas City, Ks
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Charity Rose Pulliam of Arkansas City, Kansas is the 24-year-old daughter of Kevan Pulliam and Yvonne and Aubrie Tarr. She is a graduate of Oklahoma State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in agricultural sciences and natural resources with a major in agricultural communications and minor in animal sciences. While at OSU, she was a member of the cow horse judging team and the Oklahoma State Paddle People. Charity plans to pursue an MSJ through the University of Kansas. She currently works as a rodeo and western lifestyle journalist for Rodeo Life Media and is working to obtain her PRCA Music Director card. |
Rebecca Thornton - Hepler, KS |
Rebecca Shea Thornton is the 24 year old daughter of Angela Reed and Ryan
Strait. Originally from Concordia, Kansas, she has since made the tiny town of Hepler her home. Her Rodeo Queen journey started when she won the title of NCK Saddle Club Queen in 2018. She then went on to win the titles of Miss Rodeo Junction City 2019 and Miss CPRA 2024. When she isn’t working or in school, Rebecca enjoys reading books, spending time with her animals and creating custom bead and leatherwork items. She found a love of beading while spending more time at home and it has since blossomed into a passionate business opening new doors for creativity. Rebecca has two associates degrees, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. After completing her education, she will seek a career in the western fashion industry. Being someone who doesn’t come from a rodeo background was a challenge, until she realized that this is an excellent way to reach new people and immerse them in the rodeo world and agriculture industries. Experiences like being able to join FFA in high school, to carrying flags at the International Finals Rodeo and being a member of the Pivot Team during RODEOHOUSTON has created some fond memories and fostered relationships that she knows she can carry with her throughout her life. Her Faith is second to none in her life. Through the trials that she has endured, she credits all of her success to her Heavenly Father, and will tell anyone that she would not be able to live this life or chase this dream if it wasn’t for His will and blessings. If there is anything that Rebecca would tell people, it is to “be a light.” The verses of Matthew 5:14-16 go on to say that “you are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand., and it gives light to all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.” She truly believes that the world needs to see the good you do, not by the words you use, but by the actions you choose. |
2025 MTRK Contestant
Maggie Hood - Chanute, KS |
Maggie Hood is the daughter of Victor and Janalin Hood of Chanute KS. She competitively breakaway ropes with the Kansas High School Rodeo Association, and likes to spend every spare moment in the practice pen. She is the proud owner behind The Painted Pony Photography, where she hopes to preserve the traditional artistic style of the cowboy way of life. Maggie has a God-lit fire to promote the western lifestyle and rich rodeo heritage of those who come before her. In the future Maggie plans on attend Fort Scott Community College to obtain a marketing degree while she college rodeos.
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Sarah Nemechek - Goodland, KS |
Sarah Nemechek is the 17-year-old daughter of Penny and Jerry Nemechek. She is from Goodland, Kansas where she will attend Goodland Junior Senior High as a senior in the fall. She enjoys spending time playing with her dogs, weightlifting, and playing sports. Sarah plans to attend Kansas State University Majoring in animal science. After finishing her undergraduate degree, she hopes to attend vet school and return to a rural area to help aid in the shortage of veterinarians.
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Tessa Watchous - Newton, KS |
Tessa Watchous is the 15-year-old daughter of Klee and Jennifer Watchous of Newton, KS. Tessa’s interest in animals began at a very early age. She has exhibited horses, cattle, swine, and rabbits. Tessa is a four time Run For A Million qualifier. She competes in NRHA shows across the United States. Tessa is homeschooled and enjoys the flexible schedule it affords so that she is able to achieve her performance horse goals. When she is not on the back of a horse, she enjoys baking, making jewelry, singing, and spending time with her family. to edit.
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2025 MRK Pageant Judges
Coming Soon