Krystal Carlascio
The brown-eyed cowgirl, Krystal Carlascio, is the proud 21-year old daughter of James Carlascio and Michelle Kolb of Aberdeen, South Dakota, along with her brothers, Jace and Grant. She is a 2007 honors graduate of Aberdeen Central High School, where she was active in 4-H, track, soccer, dance, and anything on horseback. Her motto: "Everything we do, win or lose, will make us a better, well rounded individual." This is how she has balanced the demands of school, sports, life, and her love for rodeo! Krystal is currently a senior at South Dakota State University pursuing her Bachelors of Science in Nursing. Her future career goals include specializing in Cardiology and return to SDSU to obtain her master's degree. Krystal is proud to show her western roots, wearing her cowboy boots, and representing South Dakota's #1 sport, Rodeo. Krystal is the current Miss Rodeo Aberdeen, proudly representing her hometown. She is honored to grow up in a time and place with endless possibilities. Krystal wishes everyone good luck in the rodeo's arena this weekend and in life's arena.
Teri Joe Weidner
Teri Joe Weidner is the 22 year old daughter of Dean and Karla Weidner of Wolsey, SD, and Becky Odenbach of Hamill, SD. She is currently a Senior at Dakota Wesleyan University, Majoring in Nursing with Human Services, Health Science, and Equine Production Minors in progress. In five years, she plans to obtain her Masters of Science in Nursing.
Along with attending school full-time, she enjoys training horses for family and friends, as well as competing on her personally raised and trained quarter horses. She takes pride in her strong family roots and in being a positive role model for adolescence and teens. She has been blessed by being able to rodeo for the last 18 years and has been honored to compete at the South Dakota State High School rodeo finals all four years of high school and the 4-H rodeo finals six consecutive years. At heart and in life she's an all-around cowgirl and wouldn't trade this lifestyle for anything. One of her most rewarding adventures is being a Special Olympics Coach and volunteering at the Hope Therapeutic Riding program.
Vanessa Ternes
Five years ago, I was crowned Jr. Miss Rodeo South Dakota. I wished that year would never come to an end but every end is just a beginning of something new. My journey towards competing for MRSD involved focusing on a Bachelor's Degree in Dental Hygiene from USD; now I will dedicate my time to promoting the family sport of Rodeo.
I feel blessed to have been raised in the tight-knit community of Belle Fourche with my parents, J. and Denise Ternes. The view of the beautiful Black Hills, plus the town's traditions all contribute to my rodeo passion. It is the kind of upbringing that allows you to think if you can dream it, you can achieve it.
AQHYA led to Congress and World. In 4-H and High School Rodeo, "Scooter" and I were top ten and I was voted Barrel Racing Director. I was also chosen for the 20Xtreme Showcase, Wrangler High School All Star, and the Professional Choice Rodeo Athlete.
The opportunity to promote our western heritage would be this cowgirl's dream.
Junior Miss Rodeo South Dakota Contestants
Kristin Swane
Kristin Swane is the vibrant hazel-eyed, blond, 18 year old daughter of David and Barb Swane of Black Hawk. She is currently a freshman at National American University pursuing an Associates Degree in Accounting. A 2009 graduate of Central High School, she was very active in High School Rodeo, FFA, volleyball and basketball. She served as an FFA officer for two years and participated in Judging and Ag Sales.
Kristin is a three-year member of 4-H and is involved in numerous projects. Naturally, rodeo is her favorite! She is the 2009-2010 Wild Bunch 4-H Queen. Kristen is an active participant in 4-H Rodeo, National Little Britches rodeos, Rapid City Boots & Saddle Club and the American Quarter Horse Association. In her spare time, she is active in community service and promoting good horsemanship. Rodeo and agriculture are in her blood, her three older brothers also rodeoed. Kristin is a vital member of the family work force on their ranch near Tilford.
To Kristin, rodeo isn't just the best sport around, it is a way of life.
Samantha Fuller
Samantha Fuller is the 19-year old daughter of Gene and Laurie Fuller of Belle Fourche, South Dakota. She is a 2010 graduate of Belle Fourche High School. Besides queen competition Samantha competes in barrel racing and pole bending. She is a member of the Range Riders 4-H club, Belle Fourche High School Rodeo Club and Belle Jackpot Association.
Samantha enjoys any activity outdoors. She is active in theater, choir, and band. If she had one wish that could come true, it would be to open a horse sanctuary and care for abused and neglected horses.
Samantha will be entering her freshman year of college this fall at Minnesota State University in Mankato and plans to major in biochemistry and pursue a career in pharmaceutical research. She plans to continue to rodeo and hopes to compete for Miss Rodeo South Dakota one day.
Kourtney Hauge
Kourtney Hauge is the 18 year old daughter of Martin and Jody Hauge of White Lake. She is a graduate of White Lake High School and will be attending the University of South Dakota this fall to major in Pre-Pharmacy with a minor in Psychology while still remaining active in rodeo. Kourtney is active in the SDHSRA and 4-H Rodeo where she competes in barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, and queen contests.
In her free time Kourtney enjoys hanging out with friends and family, going to bull ridings and rodeos, reading, cooking, and riding horses. She remains active in her school and community by involving herself in community service, basketball, football, and volleyball statistician, student council president, and both her church youth group and the Bits & Bridles 4-H Club.
Kourtney is a member of the SDHSRA, SD 4-H, and the American Quarter Horse Association. She received a 7th Place finish in the queen contest at the 2009 NHSRA Finals Rodeo and would like to thank everyone who has helped her achieve her dreams.
