Madilynn Skic
Hello, my name is Madi Skic, I’m 18 years old and a senior at Merrill High School. My parents are Luke and Michelle Skic, and I have a sister named McKenna.
I’ve been actively involved in Merrill FFA for the last four years as well as the Lincoln County Fair at the Market Animal Show and Sale. I take pride in showing off my steer and heifer across Wisconsin. I’ve also been dancing for 15 years and compete throughout the state with Brooke’s School of Dance.
Currently, I’m the 2025 Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo Princess and I’ve enjoyed my reign so far and have visited many rodeos in Wisconsin and lowa. I’ve participated in many activities and events throughout the year representing WRPR in a positive light. I traveled to Las Vegas in December with my family to see the National Finals Rodeo. I made lots of connections with rodeo professionals there that will definitely help me in the future.
When I have some downtime, I enjoy working with my horses and also hitting the trails on my snowmobile whenever there’s snow. I also love to work with my dad doing fieldwork. It’s a connection to God that I’ve had for the past 18 years. I also love to go to church with my family. I feel truly blessed to have such strong faith at my age. Looking ahead, I plan to attend Southwest Technical College and study Agriculture Management.
Being crowned a WRPR Queen would be a huge honor for me. I know I’d continue to represent the circuit with dignity and respect. I also love working with the committee and other members, learning from them, and keeping the true legacy of rodeo alive. Rodeo is a journey that has shaped me on who I am today.
Gracie VanVuren
Gracie Vanvuren (2026 Contestant)
Gracie Vanvuren is 17 years old from Merrill, Wisconsin.
Gracie is a senior at Merrill High School. Gracie lives with her Mom Brook Kultgen and Step Dad Aaron Kultgen, she also lives with her younger brother and two younger step sisters on their family farm. Gracie first learned to ride horses at age four. Gracie made her way to the Merrill Rodeo where she found where her heart belongs.
For Gracie, the Rodeo is a family based on the hardest working, kindest and most caring people.
Gracie volunteers at Blue Havens Stable where she teaches groups of Girl Scouts horsemanship skills, how to ride correctly, and shares her love of horses and the western way of life with them. Gracie also takes groups of riders on trail rides from experienced riders to riders with no experience at all. Gracie has also volunteered her time at local Rideo’s by helping wherever she has been needed.
Gracie is involved in her local FFA. Last year, Gracie had the honors of representing her school and FFA by making it to state for horse judging. Gracie enjoys riding horses any chance she can get. In the future, Gracie plans on continuing her education by studying animal science and become a large animal veterinarian.
When asked why Gracie wants to become Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo Queen, Gracie responds; “I have ridden horses since before I can remember. I grew up in the dirt outside where I would have rather played in the dirt than be inside the house. The moment I saw a riding arena for the first time, I knew I belonged to the Rodeo. The dirt, sweat, tears, and blood never scared this girl. I want to take the next step and represent our community as Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo Queen, and share my love of Rodeo and the Western way of life with more aspiring Cowboys and Cowgirls”
Miah Graap
Miah Graap (2026 Contestant)
Hi, my name is Miah Graap. I am 17 years old. Growing up, my family was never into anything with rodeos; we maybe went to like one or two my whole childhood. But let me tell ya, the one maybe two that I went to were the best times of my life. Watching everybody compete and looking up to each and every one of them hoping I could be just like them when I grow up. Never did I think I would be making it this far. My journey all started at 10 years old when I started working on my moms friend’s farm, helping her muck the barn, feed the goats or
whatever she needed. In return, she’d pay me by helping me learn how to ride horses. Finally about a year later I got a horse of my own, a 7-year-old quarter horse gelding, who made me learn real quick how to stay on and taught me a lot. Then, I started working at blue haven stables teaching kids and adults how to ride horses. When I’m not riding horses, I enjoy playing basketball and softball. I also am in FFA and SkillsUSA, which I also really enjoy. Once I get out
of high school, I plan on attending River falls university getting my degree in equine physical therapy.