Northern student represents MT in Miss Rodeo America Pageant

A local Montana State University-Northern student, Laramie Pursley, 22, competed in the Miss Rodeo America Pageant last month in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Pursley said she did not place at this pageant, but that she did gain confidence throughout the process of competing at a national level.

"It's a very competitive competition," she said. "Just the skills I've gained and the confidence I've built, the preparing in speaking and interviewing, horsemanship, the whole wardrobe - everything was a great experience."

The contestants for Miss Rodeo America were judged on appearance, personality, horse...