Local News
January 6th, North Dakota will crown Grace Stanke as Miss Rodeo
By 
Publisher
West Fargo, North Dakota – Since her selection at the June Miss Rodeo North Dakota Pageant, which coincided with the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame (NDCHF) 2023 Induction Ceremonies, Grace Stanke, 21, has been referred to as the “Lady in Waiting.” Claire Graner of Huff, North Dakota, placed first, while Jaylynn Hicks of Dunn Center, North Dakota, placed second.
At Bonanzaville in West Fargo, North Dakota on Saturday, January 6, Stanke will be named Miss Rodeo North Dakota.
“Contestants competed in the areas of personality, appearance and horsemanship,” explained MRND Board member and Miss Rodeo ND 2014, Codi Ann Miller. She added “Stanke was awarded the Horsemanship, Appearance, and Photogenic categories, along with the written test award and an educational scholarship. At the state pageant, Grace represented the Mandan Rodeo Days.”
Stanke, a 21-year-old West Fargo resident, is the daughter of Shannan and the late Greg Stanke. She recently earned an associate’s degree in psychology from Minnesota State Community College and Technical College. She has certification in first aid for mental health as well. After her father passed away from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), she discovered that life had given her a purpose. Stanke is passionate about spreading the word to people about the link between brain trauma and mental health. Her objective is to work with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and the Justin Sports Medicine Team to promote concussion awareness and potentially life-altering consequences by traveling the state and country.
In 2024, Stanke will compete for Miss Rodeo America in December and tour the area in her Heartland Chevrolet truck, provided by Wilhelm Chevrolet in Jamestown, to promote the western history and the sport of rodeo. Her current responsibilities include helping to plan and publicize rodeos and other events in North Dakota. She also plans to act as an ambassador at other rodeos across the nation.
A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization is the Miss Rodeo North Dakota Organization. For additional details or methods of assistance, kindly visit www.missrodeond.org.
