Photo by, Libby Wendt Photography
Morgan Laughlin, 20, of Livermore was crowned Miss Rodeo California 2020 after a five-day pageant.
As the newly crowned state rodeo queen Laughlin received a $2,500 educational scholarship, a buckle, saddle, the use of the HW Hunter Ram of the West pickup truck for a year, the use of the Golden West horse trailer for a year, perpetual chaps, perpetual crown, and other various awards.
Laughlin has also been awarded the prestigious opportunity to represent California in the Miss Rodeo America 2021 Pageant. The Miss Rodeo America Pageant is held in December each year in conjunction with the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“Miss Rodeo California continues to exemplify and promote the vast western culture that exists throughout our great state. I whole heartedly admire women of such class and poise. As I grew up, Miss Rodeo California was always an icon for not only class and poise, but independence, horsemanship and knowledge. Being Miss Rodeo California, you make the jump from representing one community to communities scattered in every nook of our state. The kind of experience gained through an opportunity of this magnitude is in fact, unlike any other,” Brittney Phillips, Pageant Director, said.
“I’m so proud of all of the contestants. I’m constantly in awe of how they carry themselves and the hard work they all put in to compete at a state level pageant. Every one of the young ladies have a passion for rodeo, are educated and show a level of professionalism that is very impressive. It’s truly an honor to know them,” Markie Battaglia, Miss Rodeo California Inc National Director, said.
“I’m elated to have the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated board of directors in our inaugural year and even more excited for the future of the organization. Our focus more than ever has been increased scholarships. This year and every year forward each of our contestants will walk away with an educational scholarship. In addition, we recognize the need for resources to better educate and support our local California pageants. We fully intend on establishing guidelines to provide a lifeline for aspiring rodeo queen pageants, pageant directors and contestants. 2020 will be a year of not only a new decade, but broadening horizons. I look forward to working with Morgan and watching her year unfold,” Brittney Phillips, Pageant Director, said.
“This year’s pageant was a smashing success thanks to many volunteers, sponsors and supporters. Thank you to everyone that attended our events and everyone that has supported this pageant and the women that compete year after year. We are so excited for Morgan and look forward to working with her throughout 2020.” Carollann Romo, Miss Rodeo California Inc. President, said.