Determination, Persistence, and Success describe Miss Rodeo North Dakota 2009, Jessinta Hammer.  She is the 22 year-old daughter of Myron and Jane Hammer of Kathryn, ND.  She graduated from Valley City State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and a Minor in Business.  With plans of completing a Masters degree in Agricultural Economics at North Dakota State University, she has aspirations of taking over her family farm and becoming a marketing advisor or being involved in international political business negotiations.

Her determination is evident in her strong work ethic and the fact that she never backs down from a challenge. Jessinta was diagnosed with a partial comprehension disability as a child and learned quickly that the only way to conquer it was to work hard and tackle it head on. Through hard work she excelled to the top of her class in academics while being involved in numerous organizations.  Throughout high school, she was active in cross-country running, Spanish Club, Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America and FFA.  In college she was active in Student Senate, elected Student Body Secretary, Chair of the Communications Committee, and was a teaching assistant, math tutor, and Viking Ambassador. She also helped organize Spanish Day and Business Information Technology Day. 

With determination and persistence, becoming a Spanish Major in college was her next big challenge. Speaking a different language taught her to comprehend in one more way and also introduced her to a whole new culture that she experienced firsthand.  She went to Oaxaca, Mexico for one semester to study abroad.  Her hard work and persistence paid off and she graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Spanish.

As the determined and persistent cowgirl, she has often relied on the words of Winston Churchill, “Never, never, never give up”. She competed four consecutive years for her hometown rodeo title of Miss Rodeo Fort Ransom Arena Association.  She came close, but never took the crown.  Jessinta learned that it is ok to not always win and she feels that you actually learn the most from losing rather than winning.  With every step backwards, she took two steps forward and that led her to the title of Miss Rodeo North Dakota 2009. 

Being crowned Miss Rodeo North Dakota was a goal she has had since a young age. She does not, however, take credit for her success and achievements alone. She stated, “I have always relied on the support and encouragement of my family and friends.  They are the foundation of my success! My year as Miss Rodeo North Dakota will only be possible with their continued support, the support and assistance of the Miss Rodeo North Dakota Pageant Association, and the partnership of my sponsors. My hat goes off to them and I hope I can do the same to others to express my deepest gratitude. Remember to keep smiling and God Bless! ”

Miss Rodeo North Dakota Pageant Association is always looking for young women of exceptional character who are willing to lead by example as they further the sport of rodeo and promote the Western way of life with the utmost professionalism and sincerity.   Please visit  www.missrodeond.org for more information about becoming Miss Rodeo North Dakota.   
 
If you are interested in having Jessinta appear at an event this year, please contact the Miss Rodeo North Dakota Pageant Association at mrndpa@missrodeond.org.  We look forward to hearing from you!