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Queen Contest

Santa Maria Elks Rodeo & Parade 2023 Queen Candidates

2024 Elks Queen Candidates

(left to right)
Alexis Righetti (St. Joseph High School), Nevaeh Rogers (Black Student Union), Tori Ortiz (VTC Enterprises), Jenna Ramirez (Kiwanis Club of Guadalupe)

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2023 Elks Rodeo Queen, Michaela Jamison

Congratulations to the 2023 Elks Rodeo Queen Michaela Jamison from VTC Enterprises!!

My name is Michaela Jamison and I am 17 years old. I am honored to be the 2023 Elks Rodeo Queen Candidate representing VTC Enterprises. I have been helping with queen campaigns at VTC Enterprises since 2015 when I was 9 years old. It has been my dream to run for rodeo queen with VTC Enterprises since I was Princess-for-a-Day in 2017. Now my dream is finally coming true 6 years later and I am very excited to have VTC Enterprises as my sponsor. I am a junior at Righetti High School where I maintain a 4.2 GPA. I am a member of Righetti’s Interact Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the California Scholarship Federation. I am also a part of Pacific Christian’s youth group and involved with their children's ministry. I am engaged with our community by volunteering and working at various non-profit fundraisers with my parents throughout the years. After high school I plan to attend a 4-year university to major in education. I am so thankful to have been chosen by VTC Enterprises this year as their 2023 Elks Rodeo Queen candidate. VTC Enterprises, whose mission is to assist individuals with disabilities to achieve their life goals, does so much to create unique opportunities for individuals with disabilities. I look forward to helping them raise money this year to enrich the lives of these individuals.

For more information, click here.

2023 Queen Candidate Announcement Video

2024 Elks Queen Candidate, Tori Ortiz

Hi, my name is Tori Ortiz and I am 18 years old. I was born with optic nerve hypoplasia which caused blindness from birth. Even though I have no vision, it has never stopped me from seeing the world. Currently, I am a senior at Righetti High School. I take pride in being involved in my school including the Warrior Goat program. The program allows students with disabilities to be paired up with a mentor and learn the skills necessary to raise and show goats at the Santa Barbara County Fair, at no cost to them. In July 2023, I won grand champion goat and was top of my class in intermediate showmanship with my breeding doe, who was named Pearl.

After high school I plan to go to community college, transferring afterward to California Polytechnic State University where I will study animal science. My goal in life is to show that people who are blind can achieve their dreams, no matter how big they are. VTC Enterprises is an organization that helps enrich the lives of adults with disabilities by teaching them vocational skills. . I am honored that VTC Enterprises chose me as their Rodeo Queen Candidate for 2024.

Never in my life did I think that my dream of being a Rodeo Queen Candidate for VTC Enterprises would come true. It will be a fun campaign and a very educational experience for me, my family, and my community. Through my campaign I hope to spread awareness about blindness and about adults with developmental disabilities. I also hope to raise a lot of money for VTC and of course, my ultimate dream is to be crowned Rodeo Queen.

For more information, visit: https://vtcrodeoqueen.com/

2024 Elks Queen Candidate, Jenna Ramirez

Hello, my name is Jenna Ramirez. I am honored to be named as this year's 2024 Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Queen Candidate representing Kiwanis of Guadalupe! I am 17 years old and currently a junior attending Pioneer Valley High School. As a scholar-athlete, I enjoy being a member of the Varsity Water Polo and Swim teams. I am also involved with Pioneer Valley FFA and have developed a love for raising livestock for the Santa Barbara County Fair. I like to challenge myself by taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes, to help prepare myself for college, as I plan to pursue a career in the medical field. I also have the pleasure of being a member of the National Society of High School Scholars (which recognizes academic excellence among high-achieving students).

Outside of school, my passion over the past 10 years has been dancing Flamenco and Salsa with The Garcia Dance Studio. The studio has provided me with many opportunities to help give back to my community, such as volunteering for food and toy drives that benefit youth and convalescent centers.

The rodeo has a special place in my heart as it has been a family tradition for generations. I am looking forward to starting this journey and representing such a wonderful organization who provides support for the community through clubs, sports, and scholarships. Thank you for all the love and support and cheers to a wonderful Rodeo!!

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/GuadalupeKiwanisElksRodeo...

2024 Elks Queen Candidate, Alexis Righetti

My name is Alexis Righetti, I’m18 years old, and was born and raised in Santa Maria. I’m currently a senior at St. Joseph High School where I’m involved in the Environmental Advocacy Club and am a co-leader for our school’s Art and Design Club. I’m currently a member of my school's Knights 4-H Club and am raising a heifer in preparation for the Santa Barbara County Fair. I have had the pleasure of participating at the county fair for the past two years with my club.

At St. Joseph High School I participate in a Speech & Debate course along with two Advanced Placement (AP) courses. I spend a lot of my free time reading, making art where I raise and answer questions through my art pieces, and working part time at the Far Western Tavern as a hostess. After high school I plan to attend a 4-year college and major in illustration and to hopefully pursue a career in character design.

The rodeo has been a big part of my family’s history and I’m excited to participate in it as St Joseph’s Queen Candidate. I am grateful for this opportunity to contribute to my community and raise money for tuition assistance to help support students receive a Catholic education.

For more information, visit: https://sjhsrodeoqueen.com/

2023 Elks Queen Candidate, Nevaeh Rogers

Hello, my name is Nevaeh Rogers and I am excited to be the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Queen candidate representing the United Black Student Union of California this year! I am 19 years old and was born and raised here in Santa Maria. Currently, I am a first year Elementary Education major student at Allan Hancock College with the hopes of transferring to a 4 year university next year. My passion for education and to help future generations in their educational journey stems from the education I received both in school and at home. As a volunteer soccer coach for Santa Maria Youth Soccer as well a Girl Scout leader, I have been able to use many of the skills to help reach out to the youth in our community.

While working with the Black Student Union I have learned their goal of reaching out to the black youth and helping them gain more exposure to opportunities and activities in our community. As an African American who grew up here on the central coast with little to no exposure to the black community this is a goal that I am proud to help support. I have been volunteering for as long as I can remember, from Girl Scouts, to Elks Junior Antlers, assisting in the snack bar for the local youth football games to my current Rodeo Queen endeavor. I have always enjoyed helping in my community and meeting so many people who also give back. I can't wait to see how I can help the Black Student Union and serve my community.

Special Thanks to...

Thank you for your support of the Elks Rodeo Queen Candidates!