VALENTINE, Neb. – Cowboy hats, Cinch jeans and confidence took center stage Wednesday as the Nebraska High School Rodeo Finals kicked off with a different kind of competition—one that crowns rodeo royalty.

The Queen competition launched the rodeo finals in Valentine, drawing contestants like Annie Hawkins and Felycia Kerkman, who are vying for this year’s title.

“I’ve been doing this since I was eight years old,” Kerkman said. “I remember meeting my first rodeo queen and seeing how beautiful she was and knowing I wanted to be exactly like her.”

While the western wardrobe may catch the eye, the competition is about much more than style. Contestants are judged in a variety of categories, including modeling, horsemanship, public speaking, and interviews. One of the most challenging moments comes when each contestant must answer a surprise question on the spot, in front of an audience.

Beyond the queen contest, Wednesday’s events included the rifle and trap competition, while rodeo athletes from across the state checked in for the main rodeo events, which begin Thursday and continue through Saturday.

For many of the participants, the lessons go far beyond the arena.

“Talking in front of people is definitely the biggest skill I’ve learned,” Kerkman said. “It builds up a lot of confidence, especially the interview part, which helps practice for a job interview.”

Hawkins agreed. “How to interact with people—and interviews—are definitely a tough one sometimes.”

The new queen will be announced Saturday, but the contestants say the experience has already given them more than a crown ever could.