By Vanesa Brashier, editor@bluebonnetnews.com
Cheyanne Barrett, 16, a sophomore at Tarkington High School, will represent Liberty County, Texas, when she competes in the Texas High School Rodeo Association Queens Contest this June in Abilene.
At the present time, Barrett concurrently holds the titles for Miss Rodeo Cleveland Livestock Show, Miss Dayton FFA Rodeo Queen and Texas High School Rodeo Association Region V Rodeo Queen.
Barrett has competed in rodeo competitions since the age of 3, winning her first title for TVE Tiny Tot. Since that time, she has picked up numerous titles as Miss Tyler County Western Weekend Duchess, Miss Tyler County Western Weekend Queen, Jasper County Rodeo Queen, Texas High School Rodeo Association Miss Rodeo Princess and Miss Rodeo Trinity Valley Exposition.
With so many wins under her belt, the competitions do not intimidate her. She says she looks forward to being on stage and competing in the rodeo arena. It’s the travel that gives her pause.
“I am more worried about winning and going to nationals in Wyoming.
I am always nervous when I travel so far from home,” she said with a laugh.
Her parents, Shelene and Raymond Barrett of Tarkington, accompany her on all the trips, which helps, but Barrett would rather be at home in Tarkington, where she also performs with the Thundering Horns Marching Band.
At the competition in Abilene, she and other queen candidates will be judged on horsemanship, speech, appearance, interview, Miss Congeniality and impromptu questions.
“I actually enjoy talking in front of people, so it doesn’t bother me. I have to give a prepared speech, so I will write it at home and present it to anyone who is willing to listen – at home, school or church,” she said.
The queen candidates are also required to take a written exam, so Barrett spends time going over the Texas High School Rodeo Rulebook in order to be prepared for whatever topic is given.
“I want to pursue a career in public speaking and advocate rodeo to people who don’t know much about it,” she said. “I don’t think rodeo is a dying sport but I would hate for that to happen. I want to give people the experience of rodeo who wouldn’t have it otherwise.”
She hopes to impart her love of rodeo, which she describes as a tight-knit community of people who share a similar interest.
“To me, it’s more than the sport. It’s about a community,” Barrett said.
After high school, Barrett plans to attend a four-year university to pursue a degree in medicine. Whether that training will apply to animals or humans is still up for debate.
“I want to work for the Justin Sports medical team and am also considering becoming a large animal chiropractor,” she said.
With an expensive trip to Abilene and possibly to Wyoming in her future, Barrett is hoping to secure some sponsors. She currently has only a saddle sponsor – Hendrix Machinery of Livingston.
Sponsorship ranges in price from $50 to 1,000. Anyone with an interest should contact her mother by emailing chelene.morgan-barrett@halliburton.com.