2026 Queen
Madilynn (Madi) Skic
Hello, my name is Madilynn (Madi) Skic, I'm 19 years old and I am attending college at SWTC for Animal Science. 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. I'm also involved in the Lincoln County Fair's 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 competed throughout the state with Brooke's School of Dance. I also love to snowmobile during the winter.
One of my biggest highlights this past year was going to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, NV. I made lots of connections with rodeo professionals that will help me in my future agriculture career. Another one would be going to all our Great Lake Circuit Rodeos.
As I look back on my reign as the Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo Queen, I did not just wear a crown—I carried a responsibility that represented not only the sport of rodeo, but the values that make our Western way of life so special: hard work, respect, grit, and heart. I believe I was a proud ambassador for our sport, our sponsors, and our community. I brought the rodeo into schools, parades, and arenas, connecting with the next generation and reminding them that dreams start in the dirt. I worked to inspire young girls to chase big goals—whether in the saddle or in life. I represented 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. I take great pride in knowing that I educated the youth on this great sport.
Thank you for the great memories and the new friendships and people I have met along the way! This journey that started back in 2020 has led me to being the runner up in 2023 and the 2024-25 WRPR Princess and now this past year as Queen. Rodeo is a journey that I'm on, and I hope to see you all at the 2026 Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo in June on the 19th - 21st!!
2026 Princess and 2027 Contestant
Miah Graap
Hi, my name is Miah Graap, your 2026 Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo Princess. I'm 17 years old and I am reaching the end of my senior year at Merrill high school.
My parents are Janice and Brad Graap, I have two brothers, Jesse and Devon. Growing up I always had a love for rodeo, but my family was never really into them; but I begged and begged and went to a few as a child but those few times were some of the best memories. I remember watching all the riders compete and thinking how cool it would be to be like them someday. I never imagined I'd make it this far. My journey started when I was 10 years old, working on my mom's friend's little farm. I helped muck stalls, feed goats, and do whatever was needed. In return, she taught me how to ride horses.
A year later, I got my own horse who didn't make things easy but taught me a lot. Eventually, I started working at Blue Haven Stables, where I got to teach both kids and adults how to ride, which I still work there and still love. When I'm not around horses, I love playing basketball and softball. I've been playing basketball for 10 years now and softball for 5 years. I've also been involved in FFA and SkillsUSA for the past 3 years which has helped me grow and meet some amazing people.
One of the biggest honors in my life so far is being crowned the 2026 Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo Princess. It means so much to me to be part of the rodeo community and to represent something I love so much and I'm excited to see where this next chapter leads me. After high school, I am going to NTC for phlebotomy and radiography. No matter where life takes me I will still continue my love for horses and rodeo!
2027 Contestant
Gracie Vanvuren
Hello everyone, my name is Gracie Vanvuren and I am 18 years old. My parents are Brook Kultgen and Kurt Vanvuren, I also have a brother and two step sisters. I am proud to call Merrill, Wisconsin home and I have recently graduated from Merrill High School were I was involved in FFA and participated on the horse judging team. I also had the opportunity to be a part of Merrill's first all girls wrestling team and it was amazing to be part of such an incredible sport.
I have been riding horses since I was 4 but I didn't get the opportunity of having my very own horse until I was 10 years old. I started out just trail riding and then I found interest in barrel racing! It all eventually spiraled into providing lessons to kids about the basics of riding, safety, and taking care of horses. Its the best decision I've made!
During my down time, I enjoy working with my horse and helping kids achieve their goals in the arena. I also love helping out on our family farm with our beef cattle, pigs, donkeys, chickens, and I can't forget our honeybees.
I have been shooting for the title of Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo queen for the last two years and it has pushed me to try harder every time. I love the lifestyle and supportive community that rodeo has brought to me. I am incredibly passionate about agriculture and the great sport of rodeo, and I would be very proud to represent these industries that mean so much to me. Being the next Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo Queen would not only be a dream come true, but a chance to show young ladies that persistence and hard work truly pay off.
2027 Contestant
Mikaela Golembiewski
Hi! My name is Mikaela Golembiewski and I am a Freshman at UW River Falls. I was born and raised in the Wausau area and I am a 2025 graduate from Wausau East High School.
I started riding at a young age, as my mom and her friends had horses, but I really started to pursue my passion for riding around 6 years ago. I have been blessed to be able to work many different horses, including my two boys; Hank and Diesel. Hank was the first horse to steal my heart, even if he wasn't truly mine. We competed together at the Wisconsin Valley Fair for five years and I showed him at regional WIHA (Wisconsin Interscholastic Horsemanship Association) competitions throughout my high school career. In January, 2025, I purchased my first horse, Diesel, a paint, as a project horse. It has been a long, exhausting journey, but I wouldn't trade him for the world!
Throughout high school, I was an active member of the Wausau FFA chapter. In FFA, I was able to share Hank with hundreds of fourth graders, by giving them an opportunity to learn about and pet a horse, through Food for America day. For three years, I participated in CDE's (Career Development Events) through FFA, judging wildlife both at regionals and at the state competition. I have also been a member of 4-H for the past 11 years, and, each year, I have shown a variety of projects such as art, photography, dogs, and horses. In my free time, besides riding horses, I enjoy drawing and painting, along with writing creative stories. When the weather and season permits, I also love to hunt and fish.
Currently, I am studying Conservation, and I hope to work in habitat restoration or wildlife management in the future. Although I was not born into a rodeo family, I seek to inspire future generations of girls, showing them that there is a place for everyone no matter what their background is or what society chooses to believe.