Miss Rodeo Washington crowned

MOSES LAKE - The search for another great promoter of the sport of rodeo in Washington is over as Jessica Tennant, of Deer Park, was named the 2013 Miss Rodeo Washington over the weekend.

The 23-year-old received the crown during the last night of the Moses Lake Roundup Rodeo on Saturday. As the pageant's 51st titleholder, she replaces outgoing queen Kylie Kooistra, of Quincy.

Moses Lake hosted the annual pageant, which saw a total of eight girls competing for three separate titles. The Miss Teen Rodeo Washington and Junior Miss Rodeo Washington crowns were also handed out during the rodeo.

Tennant endured three days of intense interviews, on-the-spot quizzes, a written test and a horsemanship showcase along with fellow Miss Rodeo Washington contestant and runner-up Katie Fergus, of Omak.

According to Tennant, receiving the coveted title has always been a dream of hers.

"Every little girl at one time or another, who loved horses, either wanted to be a barrel racer or a rodeo queen," she told judges during an event prior to the crowning. "I'm no different."

Tennant explained that the chance to share her favorite sport and her love of Washington was a big reason she decided to pursue the title.

As Miss Rodeo Washington, Tennant will be required to travel and promote the sport of rodeo and the state at various engagements over the next year. She will also represent Washington at the national Miss Rodeo America pageant later this year.

Beth Snider, of Shelton, is the 2013 Miss Teen Rodeo Washington and Josilyn Fullerton, of Dayton, took home the Junior Miss Rodeo Washington title.