Bolling crowned RCA Nebraska Teen Miss

Taylor Bolling, a senior at Clearwater Public Schools, was crowned Nebraska Rodeo Champs of America Nebraska Teen Miss, Sept. 21, in Taylor.

Macy Zentner, Miss Clearwater Rodeo 2018, was selected RCA Miss Nebraska. She was crowned by current Miss Clearwater Rodeo, Ashleigh Nelson.

Previously, the RCA pageant was held online, according to Nelson. Contestants would submit a video and judging took place online.

"This is the first actual pageant in Nebraska," Bolling said.

This year, contestants showcased rodeo and horsemanship knowledge and utilized public speaking skills during the competition.

Bolling said the first element of competition was a test about rodeo knowledge.

"It was a mixture of matching and short answer questions," she said.

Participants modeled rodeo dresswear.

"That part was new for me," she added.

Public speaking skills were put to the test when each contestant was required to answer an impromptu question.

"I had to answer what the weirdest thing you would find in my purse," Bolling said.

She also gave a short speech about the most defining quality leaders possess.

After contestants changed into arena wear, each took part in a 15-minute interview with judges.

In the arena, each contestant saddled and unsaddled a horse, rode laps demonstrating the queen wave and flag bearer, completed a barrel pattern and worked a steer.

Bolling admitted she was nervous during the competition.

"I didn't know how it would turn out. I was surprised when I won," she said.

As part of her queen duties, Bolling will represent the RCA at area rodeos, fairs and parades.

Following graduation, she plans to attend NECC and enter the vet tech program.

"I'd like to compete in rodeo, either in breakaway or mixed team roping," she said.