We often call Mrs. Martha Legg “mentor” or “teacher.” A mentor is “an experienced and trusted adviser.”

The rodeo queen contestants for years have remarked, “She’s so easy to talk to and she knows what she’s talking about with the history of rodeo.”

She does know what she’s talking about and she knows pageantry. That’s why she has been judging for decades and has helped bring a national recognition to the Miss Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo pageant.

Martha’s late husband, Bill Legg, was one of the most fierce steer wrestlers known in these parts, and he actively competed until he was in his 70s. Martha was always involved in rodeo while he was competing, and she became the secretary for Loretta Lynn’s Rodeo.

After Bill’s retirement, they were both actively involved in our local rodeo. Martha has continued to help in all aspects of our queen pageant and her teaching and mentoring has made a positive impact on many a young lady.

That list includes my own daughter. While substituting for one of her high school classes, Martha asked my daughter what she was going to do after high school. She told Martha she wanted to be a teacher. Martha encouraged her to “follow your heart, you’ll make a great teacher.” She has been teaching for six years and will never forget that little bit of encouragement.

That’s really what our “mentor” is all about. Her experience has helped many gain a knowledge that led them on to become successful in the Miss Rodeo USA Pageant.

It’s easier to be interviewed when someone spends a little time explaining what a judge is listening for or what a judge is looking for in appearance or public speaking. It’s also easier when someone spends the time to put a visiting young lady totally at ease and just talks to her to make her comfortable. When “Miss Martha” is through with you, your confidence will be soaring.

A few years ago, Debbie Blakely approached the queen committee with her desire to permanently honor Martha and her constant willingness to support this pageant. The coveted “Martha Legg Spirit Award” was created. Each year, the Miss Limestone Rodeo contestants learn the history of the award. It is one of the most cherished awards in our pageant.

When Sheriff Mike Blakely asked Martha if she would serve as this year’s grand marshal, she was honored and humbled. We reminded her that we were the ones humbled by her acceptance.

“She was a positive influence on my life from my teen years all the way to adulthood,” Blakely said. “We will forever be indebted to her for the contributions and sacrifices she has made to the success of our rodeo and queen pageant.”

“Miss Martha,” we sincerely appreciate you serving as this year’s grand marshal.

About the parade

The Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo Parade will be at 11 a.m. today in Athens. Lineup starts at 10 a.m.

The parade will travel from the arena on Alabama 99 into Athens on Market Street to the Limestone County Courthouse Square, left on Jefferson Street to Elm Street, then back to the arena. Entry is free.

— Cain is special projects manager for the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office.