Grace Taylor of West Jefferson has qualified to compete in youth barrels at the National High School Finals Rodeo July 16-22.
(Posted June 29, 2023)
Grace Taylor, a junior at West Jefferson High School, has earned a position on the Ohio state National High School rodeo team. She will travel with her teammates to Gillette, Wyo., July 16-22 to compete in the youth barrels competition at the 75th Annual National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR).
Featuring more than 1,700 contestants from 44 states, five Canadian provinces, Australia, Mexico, and New Zealand, the NHFSR is the world’s largest rodeo. Participants will compete for more than $150,000 in prizes and more than $150,000 in added money. Additionally, they will compete for more than $375,000 in college scholarships and the chance to be named an NHSFR world champion. To earn this title, contestants must finish in the top 20–based on their combined times/scores in the first two rounds–to advance to Saturday’s final round. World champions are determined based on their three-round combined times/scores.
The Saturday championship performance will be televised nationally as part of the Cinch Highschool Rodeo Tour telecast series on RFD-TV. Live broadcasts of each performance will air online at www.thecowboychannel.com.
Performance times begin at 7 p.m. July 16. The competition continues daily at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. through July 22.
Taylor has been competing in rodeos since 2018. This is her first year with the Ohio High Schools Rodeo Association. She is the daughter of Liz and Micah Taylor.
Along with rodeo competition and a chance to meet new friends from around the world, NHSFR contestants have the opportunity to enjoy volleyball, contestant dances, family-oriented activities, church services, and a tradeshow.
To follow contestants, visit NHSRA.com for complete results.
