In reflecting upon her year as Cochrane Lions Rodeo Queen, Jessie Miller lists attending the crowning of new queens and princesses among the highlights of a hectic year.

This Monday, she will be attending another of one; only this time it will be her turning over the crown to the new queen for the Cochrane Lions Rodeo.

Jessie, 18, is in her last days as the face of the Cochrane Lions Rodeo and serving as an unofficial ambassador for Cochrane. It was everything she expected… and more.

“My year was nothing short of amazing,” says Jessie. “It actually surpassed my expectation. I didn’t know I’d grow this much as a human and equestrian, and I didn’t think I’d be this proud of myself after my year. My year as the 2018 Cochrane Lions Rodeo Queen is something I’ll never forget!”

It’s nothing short of amazing how many events she has attended here and across the province. Thanks to its growing reputation as a premier rodeo royalty program, more opportunities to showcase the Cochrane continue to be presented.

“I have attended 60-plus events and can honestly say, I enjoyed every last one.”

Rodeo queens and princesses are more than the face of rodeos, though. They become active in causes like the Calgary Stampede Queens Alumni “Giddy Up” events, where they work to bring the Stampede to families with children challenged by physical and mental disabilities.

“I can’t even describe the amazing feeling in words when those kids and families remembered me from the couple times I met them, and our conversations just took off from where we left them. Those kids and their families are some of the most encouraging people I have ever met. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to meet them all.”

Attending the Grassroots Final Rodeo in Calgary was another highlight. There she met her sponsor, Elizabeth Chandless-Kane, of Aria Studios (the official sponsor of Miss Rodeo Canada & CS First Nations Princess), and 2017 Miss Rodeo Canada Ali Mullin, her all-time rodeo queen role model.

“It was the first time I met these ladies who in my past year have made a huge impact on me and all became queens I aspire to be like. I got to watch some amazing rodeo action as well. It was just such a great time and I’ll never forget what fun we all had.”

Would she do it all again?

“Absolutely! Not only would I do all the traveling, public speaking and rodeos again, but just to be able to spend another year with the kids that I met throughout my year would be something I’d never pass up. The kids have most certainly been the best part of my year.”

“Hopefully, in the near future, I would be honoured to take another rodeo queen title.”

She’ll now be taking courses for Equine Rehabilitation and Equine Wellness so when she travels to future rodeos she’ll be able to help the equine perform at their best. As well, she plans to attend auctioneering college.

Susan Black, coordinator of the Cochrane Lions Rodeo Royalty committee, speaks highly of Jessie’s year.

“She’s been just a fabulous ambassador for the Lions and the town,” says Susan.

A huge part of the royalty program is to encourage personal growth of already amazing young women, she explains, and like those before her Jessie came into her own during the year.

Jessie is genuine and open, has a great sense of humour and always showed sincere appreciation to sponsors for their support, says Susan. Her shyness stripped away as the year went on.

“I think we saw her moving through the world and understanding the importance of those connections in a very real way. She has always been good at connecting with people but she’s lost that shyness totally and not in a bad way, but certainly in a way that’s more engaging. We’ve heard nothing but accolades from her participation.”

The new queen will be crowned on Monday at the final day of the Cochrane Lions Club Labour Day Weekend Rodeo.