Tanya (McKinnon) Bartlett
1996 Miss Rodeo America

    From a group of 33 state title holders, one young lady's dream became a reality. Tanya Lynn McKinnon from Randolph, Utah was momentarily stunned when her name was announced. "I couldn't believe it was my name they called," said Tanya after the ceremony.
     McKinnon attends Utah State University, where she is majoring in Bioveterinary Medicine with a minor in Communications. She plans to further her education at Colorado State University School of Vetererinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences to earn her D.V.M. Her ambition is to become a veterinarian, specializing in large animals.
     Tanya, an only child, got involved in rodeo--she laughed, "because it was either that or practice the piano, and I hated the piano." She grew up on a ranch in northern Utah and has been riding horses and working on the ranch all her life. "I am a cowgirl born and raised on a cattle ranch. The Western way of life is my life and my heritage," she said. "I'm proud to be able to represent this."
     Her role as Miss Rodeo America will take her to hundreds of rodeos, countless public appearances, down untold back roads and through major airports. "On behalf of professional rodeo and the Miss Rodeo America Pageant, I will talk to the press and the media, sponsors and fans and give whatever help and assistance I can."
    "I consider it a privilege and an honor to represent professional rodeo and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association as Miss Rodeo America."

NEXT: Jennifer Douglas
Miss Rodeo America 1995

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