POCATELLO - Hunter Rackham, a 17-year-old junior at Rigby High School must have a penchant for crowns. Last year, as a sophomore, she claimed the Miss Teen Rodeo title and on Saturday morning at the Fairgrounds was named the 2013 Idaho State High School Rodeo Queen, while Pocatello's Isabella Stoakes was named First Attendant.

    Along with Second Attendant Samantha Arehart, who lives in Lewiston, Utah but competes in Idaho, and Third Attendant Kylee Finn, also of Rigby, these young ladies will represent their area and preside over all high school rodeo events next year. The crown was place atop Rackham's head by the reigning state and national queen, Maicie Bullock, a recent graduate of Pocatello High School.

    "When I heard my name, so many waves of emotions swept over me," Rockham said. "I was thinking was this real or did it really happen. I was so shocked I was literally shaking all over and could not even speak."

    Allowed a few minutes to compose herself, Rackham tried to sum up the week of competition against 11 other girls (ages 14-17)  she eventually became friends with. "It was such an amazing week," she said. "I met so many caring and wonderful people at this contest. In fact, it wasn't even a contest to me, it was more like a group of friends hanging out together."

    And while hanging out is always a good thing, Rackham realizes that the next step in the process - for her, at least - will be to travel to Rock Springs, Wyo. to compete for the national title. Here she also hopes to follow in Maicie Bullock's footsteps.

"Those are some big boots to fill," Rackham said. "Maicie's has been a great queen and so terrific to work with. Winning this crown was exhilarating because I have always dreamt of going to nationals - whether it was through my rodeo events or queening. I am absolutely ready for nationals now and am excited to try and bring the title back to Idaho again."

    She also spoke about the most important part of the competition, having a great horse (her mount, Kirby True Power, a 6-year old American Quarter, ran a great pattern), being calm and true to herself. "I think that's what probably carried the day," she said. "I didn't let my nerves get in the way and I let my true nature shine through. The judges can tell when someone is faking things, so I just let them know who I really was."

       Retiring queen Maicie Bullock agreed with the importance of being oneself, saying "I told everyone to just be yourself and let your personality shine," she said. "Do not be a robot, talk to people naturally and you will go a long way. This is what Hunter and most of the other girls were able to do." She was also proud of Hunter's performance and expects big things from her.

    "I was so excited when I heard her name announced," she said. "We've been friends since my sophomore year and I think she will make an absolutely awesome queen."

    For her part, after the upcoming nationals, high school rodeo queen competition will be over for Rackham. At next year's finals, she will be in a position to help the directors organize and co-ordinate the event without the stress of trying to win another crown.

    "That will be great," she said. "I don't have to worry about competing and can just spend my time representing all of the schools in Idaho, setting a good example and being the best queen I can be."