The 2025 National High School Finals Rodeo gets underway this week in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Events for the Queen Contest run from Wednesday, July 9, through Saturday, July 19.
The Queen competition is the first event and Felycia Kerkman from Atkinson, the daughter of Korey and Andrea Kerkman is ready to compete for her second year in a row. Kerkman was named the Nebraska High School Rodeo Queen in 2024 and won the title again in 2025. In last year’s National Queen Contest, Felycia placed in the Top 10 in five out of the eight categories and finished in 7th place in very tough competition. She looks to bring the experience she learned last year and be very competitive for this year’s Crown.
Check-in for the Queen Contest is scheduled for Wednesday, July 9, along with a “Let’s Get Acquainted” early gathering.
Here’s the schedule for those competing for the title of Queen:
All times are Mountain Time
Wednesday, July 9
12 Noon Check in opens for Queen Contestants
6:30 pm Queen “Let’s Get Acquainted” Early Gathering
Thursday, July 10
8 am Queen Contest Written Test and Orientation
8:30 am Queen Contest Orientation
10 am – 11 am Queen Contest Social with Judges
1:30 pm Queen Contest Horsemanship
6:30 pm to 10 pm First Session of Queen Contest Personal Interviews
Friday, July 11
8:30 am to 4 pm Second Session of Queen Contest Personal Interviews
7:00 pm Queen Contest Modeling and Speeches
Saturday, July 12
9:00 am Queen Contest Introductions/Impromptu Questions
Friday, July 18
12:45 pm Queen Contest Crowning Ceremony Practice, Lunch and Congeniality Voting
Saturday, July 19
8:50 am Retiring Address of NHSRA Queen Aubrie Christensen
5:30 pm Queen Contest Crowing Ceremony