Five Kaua‘i youth rodeo competitors emerged with qualifications to the nationals following the weekend rodeo at the Parker Ranch. Shwan “Kalani” Grace topped the Kaua‘i winners by qualifying for the nationals in steer wrestling. The ninth grader from Kaua‘i High
Five Kaua‘i youth rodeo competitors emerged with qualifications to the nationals following the weekend rodeo at the Parker Ranch.
Shwan “Kalani” Grace topped the Kaua‘i winners by qualifying for the nationals in steer wrestling.
The ninth grader from Kaua‘i High School was awarded the “Rookie of the Year” buckle at the Hawai‘i High School Finals Rodeo.
Gist Silversmiths, of Placerville, Calif., initiated the “National High School Rodeo Association Rookie of the Year” awards program seven years ago as a way to recognize outstanding first-year high school rodeo athletes.
Joining Grace, Kristyn Vasconcelles, an 11th-grader, qualified for the NHSRA nationals in breakaway roping and was also selected as the Hawai‘i rodeo queen.
Vasconcelles had the honor of presenting Grace with the Gist Silversmiths Rookie award and, according to Bridgette Andrade, will also be leading the Hawai‘i contingent into the arena at the national finals which is scheduled for July 20 to 29 in Springfield, Ill.
Gavin Shimogawa, an 11th-grader at Waimea High School, qualified in team roping. Kelli Carveiro, another Red Raider freshman, earned her qualifications in poles, goat tying and cutting.
Sumiko Falque, who was part of the Waimea High School Class of 2007 celebrating its graduation, made the nationals in barrels.
“The NHSRA is very proud to have Gist Silversmiths as national corporate partner. It is the sponsorship support that the NHSRA receives from its valueable corporate sponsors that allow it to assist with the development of dedication, leadership, responsibility and commitment in today’s young people,” NHSRA executive director Kent Sturman said in a press release.
Jennifer Folsom, president of Gist Silversmiths, said, “Youth are not only the future of the equine business but also the future of this great county. There isn’t a finer group of young people than those represented by the members of the NHSRA.”
For more information on the NHSRA, visit its Web site at www.nhsra.org. For more information on Gist Silversmiths, visit www.gistsilversmiths.com.
