BY KENDAL RAE JENSEN
The title of Miss High School Rodeo America is a prestigious one that has been captured by a Weber County young woman only a handful of times during the National High School Rodeo Association’s 75 years in existence. In July 2022, one of those young women was South Ogden resident Addison Redd. She has the honor of wearing the crown throughout her reign until July 2023, when her successor will be chosen. Addy comes from a legacy of rodeo queens. Her mother, Ashley Kendell Redd, also competed in high school rodeo queen contests and held the titles of Silver State International Rodeo Queen and, later, Miss Rodeo Ogden and Miss Rodeo Utah.
The National High School Rodeo Association began in 1947 as a single organization in Texas (National Championship High School Rodeo Association), and has grown to include local organizations in most U.S. states and in Canada, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand. It has over 12,000 members and sanctions over 1,800 rodeos every year, a large number of which are held in Utah. Addy competed against 43 other talented young women from around the world. She came out on top winning the categories of Appearance, Modeling, Horsemanship and Personality, and Miss High School Rodeo America 2022-23.
Being able to meet the other girls and get to know them was her favorite part of the 10 day long competition. She first met the other competitors on social media and then in person at the national finals and creating those special friendships that will last a lifetime is something she will treasure forever.
The goal of the NHSRA is to promote the sport of rodeo and the highest type of conduct and sportsmanship and expose its positive image to the general public. It’s four pronged motto is as follows:
- Preserve the Western heritage
- Offer a privilege of family bonding
- Offer an opportunity of continuing education
- Maintain the highest regard for the livestock
If you ask any high school rodeo competitor or one of their family members, they will agree that western heritage, family bonding, cultivating educational and college opportunities, and having the absolute highest regard for their animal athlete partners are at the very core of this sport at the high school level and beyond. Addy says, “My family and I have become a lot closer as they travel with me. We’ve gotten to know each other better and I wouldn’t have this title or anything else that I’ve accomplished without them.”
Having the opportunity to represent these values and advocate for the sport she loves is one of Addy’s favorite parts of being a rodeo queen. Her job is to educate the public about animal welfare and promote the sport of rodeo. She attends all of the high school rodeos held in Utah and many in surrounding states. She also makes public appearances at local schools and community events, and travels with the NHSRA Student Officers to events around the country.
As she travels, she also proudly represents Weber County. Weber County fosters such a rich environment for involvement and growth in the Western way of life. Addy was able to take advantage of some of those programs that are offered here. Besides junior high and high school rodeo, she participates in local barrel-racing jackpots, the reining show at the Weber County Fair, and has competed in the Intermountain Icebreaker Rodeo, and the Kickin’ Corona Rodeo. Through the education and experience she has gained in these events, she has the skills she has needed to find this high level of success in high school rodeo.