Five young ladies compete for crown

On March 13, five young ladies competed at the Bar J Arena in Dayton to be crowned the Cleveland Livestock Show and Dairy Day Queen. The competition is comprised of giving prepared and impromptu speeches, answering personality questions, a written test, questions on horsemanship knowledge and a horsemanship pattern.

A panel of judges, Callie Hanson of Dayton, Dawn and Amber Simons of Rosenburg and Martha Wilson of Moscow, Texas interviewed all of the contestants. The Cleveland Livestock Show and Dairy Day Rodeo will take place on April 16 and 17, 2021 with the winner being crowned on the night of April 17.

The contestants meet every Tuesday night to practice on horseback in preparation for a routine they will do every night at the 2021 Rodeo.

The current CLS and DD Queen Hailey Crowson was crowned in 2019 but had her reign extended through 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Previous winners also take an active role in the competition as lunch was provided by the 2018 CLS and DD Queen, Cheyanne Barrett along with Lone Star Cleaners of Cleveland.

The contestants also sold raffle tickets, pecans and found sponsors, and under the guidance of Susan Rollins, each contestant for the last three years has received a scholarship for participating in the annual competition.

CONTESTANTS

Pennie Heflin

Parents: Robert W Heflin Jr & Angel Heflin

School: Freshman at Tarkington High School

Activities: Basketball and FFA

After graduation: plans to attend Sul Ross State University to further my education to become a Vet.

Fun Fact about Pennie: Well... you see never dye your hair with kool-aid.

Marlee Brooks

Parents: Bryan & Amanda Brooks

School: Jr at Cleveland High School

Activities: FFA, 4-H, Indianette Drill Team, Rodeo, Showing Livestock and Dance.

After graduation: plans to study Agriculture at Sam Houston State

Fun fact about Marlee: She is a world traveler and has visited Dubai five times and Alaska once.

Maci Collins

Parents: Mark & Kim Collins

School: Sr at Hardin High School

Activities: Shows her Horse in ranch events and shows cattle at local fairs

After graduation: plans on attending Sam Houston State University to receive her pre vet degree and hopefully onto Texas A&M vet School

Fun fact about Maci: she enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing the guitar, and being outdoors.

Ally Havard

Parents: Shane Hayard & Jannie Craig

School: Jr at Emerson & Yeager Homeschool Academy

Activities: Barrel racing, working cattle and shows multiple animals at the Co Fair.

After graduation: plans to attend College to become a pediatric nurse or nurse in the trauma unit.

Fun fact about Ally: she owns a full blooded mini Australian Shepherd

Hana Lindsey

Parents: James & Dana Lindsey

School: Freshman at Tarkington High School

Activities: President of Tarkington 4H, Green hand officer for Tarkington FFA(secretary), shows pigs and a member of the Southern Bell drill team.

After graduation: plans to attend college to become a Vet or Ag Teacher

Fun Fact about Hana: she owns a Dragon loves to go mudding and ride her horse flash.