2008 Clovis Rodeo Queen Contestant
Markie Battaglia
Proud of my past, happy with the present and looking forward to what my future holds, I am Markie Battaglia. I was born on March 1, 1988, in beautiful, sunny San Diego. For the first ten years of my life I was your typical city girl. You could say that I never got dirty; let alone rode a horse. Like other girls my age I went to school and hung out with my friends. At age 10 we made a drastic move to the country. I was introduced to 4-H. I was able to show steers, pigs, and sheep at fairs and jackpots throughout the golden state. Rodeo was next to follow. I exchanged my tap shoes for boots and softball uniforms for wrangler jeans. I entered my first pageant and won the title of Ramona Rodeo Jr. Queen. I was hooked and never looked back. I participated in Jr. Rodeo and High school rodeo. I competed in everything from pole bending to team roping. I qualified for state finals in barrel racing, breakaway roping, team-roping and both the State and National finals in girls cutting. I love the sport of rodeo and all that comes with it. I am a member of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association competing in barrels, breakaway roping, and team roping. Besides rodeo and practice I enjoy going to the gym, reading and the beach. Come spring time I am an avid San Diego Padres Fan.

I am in my second year at Arizona State University working towards transferring to the University of San Diego where I plan to graduate with a degree in both Communication and Spanish. One day I
would like to own my own business. If I don't become an entrepreneur then I would like to work as an announcer for ESPN. Although before all that my first goal is to reign as Miss Rodeo America.

I have chosen to run for Miss Rodeo Clovis because it would be an honor to represent one of the best rodeos in California. I am looking forward to the opportunity to meet new people who also love the sport that I hold so dear and the competition which allows me to grow and mature as a person.

Many things have impacted my life. Such as, moving to a different environment and finding a sport that I was meant to love. I have had the privilege of holding numerous rodeo queen titles including Miss California High School Rodeo Association 2004. My involvement in 4-H and rodeo has taught me to be responsible and hard working and above all to always remember, "Where preparation meets opportunity equals success"