Lincoln Journal Star
For the second year in a row, an Idaho cowgirl was crowned queen of the National High School Finals Rodeo.
Kylie Whiting, of Star, Idaho, took the crown from Shaylee May Warner, last year's winner, in a coronation ceremony on Saturday afternoon, the final day of the Finals Rodeo at the Lancaster Event Center in Lincoln.
Kylee Whiting of Idaho stands on stage as the newly crowned National High School Finals Rodeo queen.
EAKIN HOWARD, Journal Star
Whiting's attendants, finishing second, third and fourth, respectively, in the contest, were Olivia Favero of Utah, Genevieve Blanchard of Texas and Ashton Werth of Nebraska. A total of 43 queens representing states, Canadian provinces and Mexico took part.
The queen competition, which began July 16 and extended throughout the week of performances in Lincoln, included contests in appearance, test score, speech, interviews, horsemanship and personality, among others. Whiting took top honors in five categories.
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As queen, Whiting received scholarships, a saddle, buckle, boots, leather jacket, sunglasses and Western art, in addition to other prizes.
The last time a contestant from the same state as the reigning queen won the title was 2013, when Idaho also pulled off the repeat.Â
Photos: Competitors round the barrels and more on Day 5 at National High School Finals Rodeo
National High School Finals Rodeo, 7.22
Melissa Armendariz of Hermosillo, Mexico, competes in barrel racing at the National High School Finals Rodeo on Thursday, July 22, 2021, at the Lancaster Event Center.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
National High School Finals Rodeo, 7.22
Morgan Beckstrom of Spanish Fork, Utah, competes in barrel racing at the National High School Finals Rodeo on Thursday, July 22, 2021, at the Lancaster Event Center.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
National High School Finals Rodeo, 7.22
Hannah Belvin of Durango, Colo., competes in barrel racing at the National High School Finals Rodeo on Thursday, July 22, 2021, at the Lancaster Event Center.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
National High School Finals Rodeo, 7.22
Luke Mavity of Dickinson, N.D., competes in tie-down roping at the National High School Finals Rodeo in July. The event, hosted by the Lancaster Event Center for the first time, helped drive record-setting lodging tax revenues in July.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
National High School Finals Rodeo, 7.22
Molly Bell of Avon, Ill., competes in barrel racing at the National High School Finals Rodeo on Thursday, July 22, 2021, at the Lancaster Event Center.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
National High School Finals Rodeo, 7.22
Hannah Belvin of Durango, Colo., competes in barrel racing at the National High School Finals Rodeo on Thursday, July 22, 2021, at the Lancaster Event Center.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
National High School Finals Rodeo, 7.22
Luke Crigger of Rural Retreat, Va., competes in tie-down roping at the National High School Finals Rodeo on Thursday, July 22, 2021, at the Lancaster Event Center.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
National High School Finals Rodeo, 7.22
Kade Berry of Poolville, Texas, competes in bareback riding at the National High School Finals Rodeo on Thursday at the Lancaster Event Center.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
National High School Finals Rodeo, 7.22
Pyper Lillico of Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, competes in barrel racing at the National High School Finals Rodeo on Thursday, July 22, 2021, at the Lancaster Event Center.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
National High School Finals Rodeo, 7.22
Lexi Huffman from Sistersville, W. Va., cuts a tight turn in barrel racing at the National High School Finals Rodeo on Thursday, July 22, 2021, at the Lancaster Event Center.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
National High School Finals Rodeo, 7.22
Rachel Kittle of Woodland, Ala., competes in barrel racing at the National High School Finals Rodeo on Thursday, July 22, 2021, at the Lancaster Event Center.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
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