My name is Lahalee Michel. I am the daughter of Virgil and Joclyn Michel. My maternal grandparents are Glen Lisenbey and Kathy Agee; my paternal grandparents are Beverly Buckner and the late Nate Michel.

I am 15 years old and a freshman at Omak High School where I participate in FFA, wrestling and track. I started my rodeo journey in 2020 and was blessed when Kaelyn Ankney and Codi and Krista Marchand took me under their wings. With their generosity and guidance, I am able to compete in barrels, poles and goat tying. I also compete in cow riding, where my grandpa Glen and uncle Mike Harry assist me.

My two favorite sports are rodeo and wrestling, both have provided me with many valuable life skills such as responsibility, time management and self-awareness. When I am not busy with school and sports, I enjoy spending time with my family outdoors.

I look forward to proudly representing the Nespelem Junior Rodeo and community in the 2024 rodeo season. Our annual taco feed and auction on March 28, 2024, at the Lucy Covington Center, was a tremendous success. (The funds raised at this event will go toward awards for the Jr. Rodeo and the upkeep and maintenance of the rodeo grounds). Thank you to those who attended my spaghetti feed and silent auction fundraiser on April 13, 2024, 5pm at the Okanogan Eagles. (Funds raised at this event will go toward my travel cost and other queen expenses as I represent NJRA for the 2024 rodeo season).