photo miss rodeo america 2018 keri sheffield las vegas image studiollc
Keri Sheffield. Photo by Las Vegas Image Studio, LLC.

One lucky cowgirl received the job title of a lifetime this past December when she was crowned Miss Rodeo America 2018. Keri Sheffield, the newly crowned queen, was formerly Miss Rodeo Florida 2017, and is the first cowgirl from Florida to win the national title, an incredible feat all on its own. 

Keri is not just a pretty face.  If she’s not at a rodeo you can find her working as an ICU nurse.  Yes, Keri has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and plans to continue her education to become a nurse anaesthetist.  Her ultimate goal is to serve as a medical missionary.  Speaking to Keri during a rare moment of downtime at RODEOHOUSTON, she explained that working the night shift at the hospital prepares you for handling any situation, as you constantly have to be ready for any change at the drop of a hat, and that it has helped prepare her for her role as Miss Rodeo America. 

Winning the coveted title is no easy task, and most contestants spend countless hours preparing themselves for a chance to win the title of a lifetime.  To be Miss Rodeo America, one must possess incredible horsemanship, be knowledgeable about all aspects of rodeo, have great speaking skills, and have a strong passion for serving the community and making the world a better place. 

When Keri competed against 30 other talented ladies this past December during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, it was her unstoppable work ethic and dedication to the cowboy lifestyle that led to her crowning, a moment that she says is still one of the biggest highlights of her life. 

As to what this inspiring cowgirl most wants to be remembered for?  She says, “I would like to be remembered for genuine kindness.”  Keri has already done an amazing job at making the rodeo world proud, and will continue to do so during the rest of her 2018 reign. 

By the end of this year the inspiring cowgirl will have performed in 120 rodeos and driven approximately 120,000 miles in her role as the official representative of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.  In addition, she will attend an uncountable number of special events and speak at schools and civic centers throughout the United States. 

Be sure to follow Keri on Facebook as she continues her journey as Miss Rodeo America.

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