CSC alumna receives Miss Rodeo Nebraska crown

Amack, who was raised on a northwest Nebraska ranch, graduated from CSC in May 2008 with a bachelor's degree in business administration with an option in agribusiness.

During her speech Saturday, Amack expressed gratitude to those in the room for helping her achieve the crown.

"Without each one of you, I wouldn't be here today, standing before you in my proudest moment to show you that all of your hard work in guiding me has paid off," she said. "We are here today to celebrate together Miss Rodeo Nebraska 2009."

Amack, who loved horses while growing up, said she began her journey of rodeo royalty when people encouraged her to compete for the title of queen at the Crawford's Old West Trails Rodeo. Although she didn't consider herself the queen type, she said the one-year's tuition to CSC provided the incentive for her to apply.

After two years of being first-runner-up, and earning the title of Miss Rodeo Cherry County, Amack won the Old West Trails title in 2006 and the accompanying scholarship. She achieved several other honors before she was awarded the title of Miss Rodeo Nebraska June 18, 2008, at Nebraskaland Days in North Platte. She won personality, speech, written test, photogenic, appearance and the horsemanship award during the competition.

Saturday's event was attended by more than two dozen past Miss Rodeo Nebraska recipients and current titleholders of other royalty competitions throughout the state. It featured an auction and buffet dinner, in addition to entertainment by teenage country singer-songwriter Alexa Whipple of Arapahoe.

Funds raised from the ceremony will be used for Amack's travels during her term.