The crowning of the 2016-17 Cochrane Lions Rodeo Royalty took place on the final day of the 50th annual rodeo weekend – Sept. 5, where former queen Nicole Bauer took off her crown and stepped aside for new royalty.
Queen Leah Jackson was the successful candidate and will be making some of her first appearances this week as she steps into a role that will see her attending more than 60 events across the province throughout the next year as a Lions Club royal and western heritage representative.
“I’m looking forward to meeting all these new people … I never thought I would be here, but here I am thanks to all the help from my parents and trainer,” said Jackson, a 16-year-old Grade 12 student attending St. Timothy High.
Jackson was the successful candidate competing against one other applicant (another withdrew her application) in a series of personal interviews, riding competitions and public speaking events in front of the Rodeo Royalty Committee last week.
“She is incredibly mature for her age,” said committee co-chair Susan Black. “Leah is a great rider and has the most optimistic, sunny disposition.”
Black said Jackson’s “engaging” personality won over the committee.
Jackson’s plans post high school include studying chemistry and mathematics at the University of Alberta.
Her first events this week include attendance at a Lions Club dinner Sept. 6 and the Princess Prance (a one-km or five-km walk or run) Sept. 11 in Calgary in honour of the Make A Wish Foundation.
