A local cowgirl was crowned a winner at a provincial rodeo earlier this month.
Caitlin Tugnum of Williams Lake was named Miss BC High School Rodeo Queen at the BC High School Rodeo Association (BCHSR) Provincial High School finals in Quesnel, which was held from June 6-9. She was one of five finalists and was crowned the winner after a series of events and challenges, and will go on to compete in the National High School Finals Rodeo in Rock Springs, Wyoming from July 14-20.
Tugnum won the Modelling, Prepared Speech, and Personality categories while tying for first in the Appearance and Personal Interview categories as well, and also won the season leader buckle in the queen event. The Rodeo Queen's job is to spread awareness about the western way of life while promoting the beautiful sport of rodeo, and Tugnum encapsulated that perfectly en route to the crown and the nationals.
"I am grateful and excited for the opportunity to represent the BC High School Rodeo Association and lead Team BC to the National High School Finals Rodeo in Rock Springs," Tugnum said.
Two other Williams Lake natives will be joining Tugnum in Wyoming for the nationals — Brandon Loring, who was the season leader in bull riding and ended provincials with a 3/4 split, and Cooper Seelhof, who was the BCHSR South Division reserve All Around Cowboy, champion trap shooter and reserve provincials champion team roper in heeling.
