Blair Bidwell

College: Feather River Community College Hometown: Hat Creek, California Major: Agriculture Business Clubs/Activities: 4-H Teen Leader, FFA, California High School Rodeo Association, National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, MVP Feather River College Women’s Rodeo Team. What does Pursuit of Excellence mean to you? And what actions are you taking to accomplish your goals? “I believe it stands for always striving to achieve your goals and make better of yourself. When I am competing at anything I do (especially rodeo) I don’t compete against my competitors, I compete against myself.”

Lana Bingham

College: Utah Valley State College Hometown: Heber, Utah Major: Elementary Education Clubs/Activities: 4-H, FFA, National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, Intermountain Pro Rodeo Association, Cheerleading, served on Student Government and choir. What does Pursuit of Excellence mean to you? And what actions are you taking to accomplish your goals? “The pursuit of excellence means that I’m able to pursue my dreams and goals to the full extent and not to settle for anything less than excellence. I feel that if I set these goals in the arena, and in the classroom my rodeo career and my college education will excel."

Colton Coughlin

College: University of Portland Hometown: Helmville, Montana Major: Civil Engineering Clubs/Activities: 4-H member 10 years, Sr. Swine Showman, 4-H Ambassador, Missoula Children’s Theatre, Basketball, National Honor Society and Yearbook. What does Pursuit of Excellence mean to you? And what actions are you taking to accomplish your goals? “My particular pursuit of excellence has lead me on a quest for my first and well earned Montana Silversmiths belt buckle. I will attain my goals with determination and energy.”

Cassie Emerson

College: McNeese State University Hometown: Benton, Louisiana Major: Dentistry Clubs/Activities: 4-H, Wrangler All Star Team Captain, United Professional Rodeo Association, Texas High School Rodeo Association, American Quarter Horse Youth Association, National Honor Society, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. What does Pursuit of Excellence mean to you? And what actions are you taking to accomplish your goals? “Pursuit of excellence is a way of life for me. It means doing everything you can even during adversity to be the best you can be but never forgetting to help others along the way.”

Tyler Gibbs

College: Texas A & M Hometown: College Station, Texas Major: Business Finance Clubs/Activities: Texas State 4-H, American Quarter Horse Youth Association, AQHA World Show Qualifier, Houston Livestock show trail class, San Angelo Quarter Horse Show and National Honor Society. What does Pursuit of Excellence mean to you? And what actions are you taking to accomplish your goals? “The pursuit of excellence means taking the talents and abilities that a person has been blessed with and applying those to an education and career. I have learned to take pride in my own accomplishments as well as great joy in the victories of others.”

Jessica Hemphill

College: National American University-Rapid City, SD Hometown: Tulelake, California Major: Business Administration Clubs/Activities: California High School Rodeo Association, Northwest Pro Rodeo Association, FFA, Wrangler Team Roping Championships, AQHA, Basketball, Student Council. What does Pursuit of Excellence mean to you? And what actions are you taking to accomplish your goals? “Pursuit of excellence is not just three little words; it’s a way of life! I have chosen to live my life successfully by setting goals and achieving goals.”

Casey Hill Photo Not Available

College: Baylor University Hometown: Sweetwater, Texas Major: Pre-Med Biology Clubs/Activities: American Quarter Horse Youth Association, Highland FFA, National Honor Society, American Paint Horse Association, Texas State 4-H, Who's Who Among High School Students. What does Pursuit of Excellence mean to you? And what actions are you taking to accomplish your goals? “Pursuit of excellence means to me daring to go the distance and go above and beyond. To achieve excellence, you have to be ready for the long haul.”

Morgan Montello

College: Sam Houston State University Hometown: El Campo, Texas Major: Elementary Education Clubs/Activities: FFA, 4-H, National Cutting Horse Association, Texas High School Rodeo Association, Captain of Wrangler All Star Team, National Barrel Racing Association, and National Honor Society. What does Pursuit of Excellence mean to you? And what actions are you taking to accomplish your goals? “Pursuit of excellence to me, means doing the very best you can do and striving for that ultimate plateau that is higher than your previous highest goals and achievements. All of my life, I have pursued excellence.”

Brent Sutton

College: South Dakota State University Hometown: Onida, South Dakota Major: Animal Science Business Clubs/Activities: 4-H, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, National Honor Society, Student Council, Football, South Dakota High School Rodeo Association, National Honor Society What does Pursuit of Excellence mean to you? And what actions are you taking to accomplish your goals? “Pursuit of excellence is a way I would like to describe myself. I strive for self improvement in all areas of my life: education, athletics, and rodeo.”

Jacob Woolston

College: University of Missouri-Columbia Hometown: Brunswick, Missouri Major: Agribusiness Clubs/Activities: 4-H, FFA, National Honor Society, Drama Club, Basketball, Class president, Boys State delegate, Valedictorian. What does Pursuit of Excellence mean to you? And what actions are you taking to accomplish your goals? “Pursuit of excellence means working harder than your peers, getting up earlier and staying later to reach your goals. I have tried to exemplify excellence in the classroom, on the farm, and in my personal life.”

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