On July 2nd, 2009 at the Black Hills Roundup, McKenzie Haley was honored to be named Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2010. She won the categories of horsemanship, appearance, personality, speech and miss congeniality.
A proud South Dakota cowgirl, McKenzie Haley, is the 22 year old daughter of Jim and Tracie Haley of Winner, South Dakota. She is a student at Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota. McKenzie is pursuing a bachelor degree in Elementary Education with plans to obtain a master’s degree in School Psychology.
Starting a young age, McKenzie had an interest in promoting rodeo. She has held the titles of Jr. Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2004, 2005-2006 South Dakota High School Rodeo Queen and Miss Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo 2009. She was an active in 4-H and high school rodeo, competing in barrel racing, pole bending and goat tying and qualified for the state finals in both multiple times.
When not actively participating in horse or rodeo activities, McKenzie enjoys spending time with family and friends, working out, reading, playing sports, camping, shopping and mentoring students in the Black Hills State University Teammate program.
One of McKenzie’s main goals for her year as Miss Rodeo South Dakota is to teach children about the sport of rodeo and encourage increased participation. To do this, she will use the theme Rodeo R.O.C.K.S., which embodies the pillars which she believes rodeo stands for. The R in ROCKS, stands for the responsibility that children gain from being involved with rodeo. The O stands for the opportunities that are created as you prepare and compete. The C stands for the challenges that are presented in the arena and in life that build character. The K stands for the kinship that we have with animals and the S stands for being good stewards for the western way of life.
McKenzie will be traveling across South Dakota and the United States during the next year promoting rodeo and South Dakota. She will cap off her year competing for the Miss Rodeo America title during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada.
