Junior Kelli Buxton prepares to crown new Rodeo Queen

Anniston Weber, Co-Editor-in-Chief|June 14, 2016

Junior Kelli Buxton was crowned Ellis County Rodeo Queen last year during her sophomore year of high school. Now, as a junior, Buxton is preparing to retire her crown and hand it off to a new queen.

“I’m sad to see this end,” Buxton said. “But I’m excited to move on to something different and new.”

Buxton said she has been involved with the Ellis County Rodeo Pageant for quite a few years.

“Some girls from my 4-H club were involved and it looked fun,” Buxton said.

As Rodeo Queen, Buxton had to secure a sponshorship, make two Ellis County appearances and two out of county appearances.

“The experiences of the appearances depend on the event,” Buxton said. “I went to ones where they introduced me and I signed pictures. During other ones I went to nursing homes, modeled an outfit and signed pictures.”

Buxton was also involved in many pageant activities. Pictures of Buxton modeling for Rodeo queen can be viewed below.

“I had to compete in different events for the pageant,” Buxton said. “To be crowned queen, I had to receive a minimum score of 80 and I got an 88.”

Events Buxton participated in were speech, modeling, interview, horsemanship and photogenics.

“I had a lot of fun going to appearances,” Buxton said. “Just being able to say I’m a title holder is really awesome because of how many opportunities it brings.”

Buxton will be crowning the new Rodeo Queen on June 15.

“My reign as queen has officially ended,” Buxton said. “I’m looking forward to crowning the new queen.”