The 26th Annual Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo culminated recently with the crowning of 19-year-old Rebekah Cam Waldrop of Sylacauga as Miss Limestone Rodeo 2008.

The pageant drew contestants from across the Southeast.

The daughter of Robin Waldrop, Rebekah is a 2007 honors graduate of Fayetteville High School where she was the recipient of several scholarships.

She is an active member of the First United Methodist Church, and toured with the New World Youth Choir for 10 years. She is currently a sophomore at Central Alabama Community College in Childersburg.

Following graduation from CACC, she hopes to transfer to Montevallo or Jacksonville State University, to major in communications.

Rebekah has been around horses all her life, and said she enjoys teaching children the art of riding. When she entered high school, she became a member of the Alabama High School Rodeo Association, and competed in barrel racing and pole bending. In addition, she was an active member of the Alexander City Riding Club and was selected as their queen in 2006. She was also a member of the National Barrel Horse Association, and the East Alabama Horseman’s Association. She hopes to begin PCA Rodeo barrel racing competition in the fall.

Following graduation, Rebekah fulfilled a dream by moving to Pigeon Forge, Tenn., to work at the Dolly Parton Dixie Stampede, where she performed as a horseback rider and dancer. She plans to return when she completes her education.

“We are very fortunate to have Rebekah serve as our ambassador for this next year. She is a very classy young woman and we look forward to working with her during her reign as Queen,” said Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely. “This was a close competition and we are proud this event attracts such a great caliber of young people to participate.”

In addition to the overall title, Rebekah earned the Horsemanship award, received a custom-made trophy saddle, jewelry, and a $1,000 scholarship.

“I am honored to serve as Miss Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo and look forward to promoting the sport of rodeo all over the state during the upcoming year. This has been a great experience and I sincerely appreciate the outpouring of support and the new friendships from Athens and Limestone County,” she said.

For more information about the annual rodeo and events, please visit www.limestonesheriffrodeo.com.