By SCOTT MCKIE B.P.
ONE FEATHER STAFF
Devalyn Crowe loves roping and riding and the entire rodeo lifestyle. A former Miss Indian Rodeo (2014-15), she is seeking the Miss Rodeo Washington 2020 title at the pageant scheduled for Oct. 10-12 at the Kittitas Valley Events Center in Ellensburg, Wash.
“Becoming Miss Rodeo Washington would be an amazing accomplishment and feeling for me because it’s been something I’ve been dreaming of and working towards since I was 8-years-old when I ran for Little Miss Rodeo Washington,” said Crowe, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a Yakama Nation descendant, who was born in Yakima, Wash. and raised in Toppenish, Wash. “After trying out for Little Miss Rodeo Washington, it put a spark in my eye that one day I wanted to be able to carry the title of Miss Rodeo Washington like all the amazing ladies/ambassadors that’s carried the title and been a role model to myself and others.”
Devalyn Crowe, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a Yakama Nation descendant, is seeking the Miss Rodeo Washington 2020 title at the pageant scheduled for Oct. 10-12. (Photo courtesy of Miss Rodeo Washington Pageant)
Crowe currently competes in rodeo in as a breakaway roper and barrel racer. She is involved in rodeo on many levels beyond competition and serves on several boards including the INFR (Indian National Finals Rodeo) Association, the Toppenish Jr. Rodeo Association where she is also their Queen coordinator, and the Miss Indian Rodeo Board.
She is seeking the title of Miss Rodeo Washington to further serve as an example to the next generation of rodeo girls. “Not only do I want this to be a role model to the youth to encourage them and show them no matter how long it takes you if you set a goal it can come true. But, to get this title would be on another level because I would get the opportunity to be an ambassador for our state of Washington as well as an ambassador for our sport of rodeo that I hold close to my heart because it’s taught me so much and has helped me become the person I am today.”
Crowe loves rodeo and the life lessons it has to offer. “Some of my favorite things about rodeo is it is a learning sport that keeps you constantly on your toes. Also, it’s a very friendly and supportive community. Everyone is like family, and they’re always willing to lend a hand when it is needed. My absolute favorite thing about rodeo is it’s a family-based sport that everyone gets to enjoy from the youngest to the oldest.”
In addition to rodeo, she also enjoys beading, sewing, and traveling to pow wows, and she is employed with the Yakama Nation Public Defender’s Office as a legal assistant.
Miss Rodeo Washington will represent the state of Washington at the Miss Rodeo America pageant held in December in Las Vegas. According to the Miss Rodeo Washington Pageant committee, “Miss Rodeo Washington Pageant is an organization made up of volunteers who believe in the advancement of Washington youth. Through the Miss Rodeo Washington Pageant, we work to promote a positive image of rodeo while preserving our western heritage through education, leadership development, and personal growth with the highest level of integrity.”
For more information about the Miss Rodeo Washington Pageant, visit: https://www.missrodeowashingtoninc.com/
