Katy Glaze
My name is Katy Glaze, I’m a senior at Merrill High School, and I am running for the title of the 2025 Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo Queen. In school, I’m the president of the Merrill
FFA chapter, MHS Cheer Team co-captain, and link crew. In the community I’m involved in the Marathon county Market Animal Show and Sale committee, member of the NBHA as well as a member of the AQHA, I dance at Brookes School of Dance and have for about 13 years. I have grown up around animals my entire life, getting my first pony at four years old. My happy place is on the back of a horse. I now barrel race and show livestock at the WI Valley Fair. My family owns and operates an angus beef cattle farm known as 4G Family Farms which my entire family works on together. This past year I ran and was crowned the WRPR Princess. Being crowned this title has offered me so many opportunities to grow and develop a true passion for rodeo with all it has to offer. I’m excited to be running for queen again this year!
Madilynn Skic
Hello! I’m Madilynn Skic, but you can call me Madi. I’m currently seventeen years old and a junior at Merrill High School. My parents, Luke and Michelle Skic, along with my older sister Mckenna, make up my wonderful family.
Keeping busy and engaged in both school and community activities is something I thrive on. Among my involvements are FFA, participating in the Market Animal Show and Sale at the Lincoln County Fair, dancing for 14 years at Brooke’s School of Dance, and competing in CDE horse judging through FFA.
Additionally, last year, I ran for the Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo Queen, where I proudly achieved the runner-up position. Through this experience, I gained the knowledge of dedication and time required to represent the rodeo circuit. I also take pride in showcasing my market animal and heifer across the state. Looking ahead, I’ve set my sights on attending Fox Valley for Farm Business & Production Management post-graduation.
In the little downtime I have, you’ll find me assisting my dad in the field, hitting the snowmobile trails with my Uncle Calvin, bonding with my horse Chase, and cherishing moments with friends and family. Growing up in a family grounded in faith has been a true blessing, and attending church is something I genuinely enjoy.
Being crowned as rodeo queen or princess would be an honor, and I would hold that title with great pride and dedication. Along my journey, I’ve respected and looked up to previous rodeo queens and princesses, finding motivation in their roles as mentors for young girls. My enthusiasm for this community has led me to volunteer at the Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo for the past couple of years. Last year, I had the privilege of running for the title and achieving the runner-up position, an experience that I treasured greatly. Working closely with the dedicated committee behind the scenes has allowed me to recognize and value their steadfast dedication in preserving the rodeo’s legacy. It would be a genuine honor for me to represent the WRPR as its next rodeo queen, carrying on the tradition of inspiring others within the rodeo family.
Gracie Vanvuren
Meet Gracie Vanvuren, a 16 year old cowgirl that comes from the North Central part of Wisconsin. She is the daughter of Kurt Vanvuren and Brooklyn Kultgen. She is going to be a Junior this upcoming fall at Merrill High School. After she graduates she wants to go to school at UW Eau Claire to major in psychiatry. Gracie has a passion for rodeo and agriculture as she has been in the industry her whole life and she wants to inspire others to fulfill their dreams
Mya Pankow
My name is Mya Pankow. I am a 17-year-old junior attending Wausau Area VirtualEducation. I swung a leg over a horse for the first time at 3 years old and haven’t gotten off since! Although I do not come from a rodeo family, I am very fortunate to have incredibly supportive people in my life that have encouraged me on my journey in being a first-generation competitor. I began competing in barrel racing in 2014. Since then, I have joined the Wisconsin High School Rodeo Association (WHSRA) and expanded my horizons. I have competed in every rodeo event that women are allowed to participate in; Barrel racing, Pole bending, Breakaway Roping and Team Roping. Much of my time goes towards working my 3 horses. Katie, who is my very first horse and holds a special place in my heart, has been my partner since I was 9 years old. She has competed in every event with me. We mainly compete in roping events right now. Chloe is my barrel and pole bending horse. Ember is my 3-year-old that I have been training from the ground up for the past 2 years. I am hopeful that she will have a bright future in the barrel and roping pen. Additionally, I run my own horse training and riding lesson business, Ascent Equine. I really enjoy teaching the upcoming generation of horsemen/women. I, myself, continue to attend clinics and take every learning opportunity that I can get. After I graduate, I will attend Five Star Horseshoeing School in Oklahoma where I will become a farrier. Furthermore, I hope to attend UW River Falls and earn a bachelor’s degree in equine science. I am so passionate about the equine and rodeo industries and think that an encouraging, knowledgeable, and welcoming role model, such as a rodeo queen, is infinitely important in growing the sport. Needless to say, I am very excited to run for the title of Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo Queen.