Hey Rodeo fans! My name is Karina Sukert, Miss Rotary Club of Williams Lake. I am 17 years old and graduating this year from Williams Lake Secondary School. I was born in Williams Lake and raised in the Black Creek Valley in Horsefly, moving into town in 2010.
I have been going to the Williams Lake Stampede since I was a little girl. I was so excited to see the Stampede Queen run into the arena. Now it’s my chance to run and maybe I will be running into the arena.
I have been a member of the Horsefly 4-H Club since I was a Cloverbud at age six. I’ve raised everything from rabbit to beef, finishing my final year with photography. 4-H has been a huge part of my life and has taught me many life skills. I have been the president of my club and achieved many awards throughout the years.
I have volunteered for the Stampede Committee and Indoor Rodeo Committee. I worked as an usher at the Indoor Rodeo and wherever the committee needed me. I helped at the Coronation at the door, accepting tickets and selling belt buckles. I helped at the Williams Lake Stampede as security at the gate and an usher. On the final day, I worked with the royalty in the grandstand selling raffle tickets for the Carey Price jersey, programs in the V.I.P section, and belt buckles.
I have been a part of many school sports teams and clubs at my school. I participated in student counsel and attended the British Columbia Student Leadership Conference in Prince George. I coached Grade 8 volleyball this season and my girls brought home a championship. I have been playing volleyball for several years and the WLSS Thunder volleyball team has gone to zones both my senior years. I am currently a member of the Stags Rugby team.
For the past two years, I have been barrel racing for fun. Thank you Charlotte Morrow for teaching me! Last year, I started attending gymkhanas with my horse Charlie. Last year I rode Charlie carrying the 4-H Canada flag while the members of my Horsefly 4-H Club danced away on the float to Elvis Presley’s “I’m All Shook Up.” We won best community float.
Thank you to my sponsor, the Rotary Club of Williams Lake for this amazing journey! I would like to thank Minton Creek Ranch for allowing me to use Charlie. A huge thank you to my mom and dad for supporting me. Thanks also to 4-H, the Stampede Queen Committee, my Baba (grandma) for outfitting me in all my western attire. I would like to wish my fellow contestants Kyra and Rachel good luck!