Miss Rodeo Kansas 2026
Rebecca Thornton
Rebecca Shea Thornton is the 25-year-old daughter of Angela Reed and Ryan Strait. Originally from Concordia, Kansas, she has since made the tiny town of Hepler her home. Her Rodeo Queen journey started when she won the title of NCK Saddle Club Queen in 2018. She then went on to earn the titles of Miss Rodeo Junction City 2019 and Miss CPRA 2024.
When she isn’t working or in school, Rebecca enjoys a multitude of hobbies. She loves spending her free time working on the latest bead or leatherwork piece, going to the gym, or simply curling up on the couch with her three dogs and a good book.
Rebecca has two associates degrees, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing. After completing her education, she will seek a career that will allow her to help small western and agricultural businesses reach their full potential.
Being someone who doesn’t come from a rodeo background was a challenge, until she realized that this is an excellent way to reach new people and immerse them in the rodeo world and agriculture industries. Experiences like being able to join FFA in high school, to carrying flags at the International Finals Rodeo and being a member of the RODEOHOUSTON Pivot Team has created fond memories and fostered relationships that she knows she can carry with her throughout her life.
Her love of education and desire to mentor also leads her back to Cross Trails Rodeo Bible Camp every summer. Her time spent as a volunteer, coach, and dorm mom has made a lasting impression on the way she views her life. She believes she learns just as much from the campers as they do from her. It’s a quote from one of these campers that helps to set the tone for her day to day, “Even though I am tired, I can still be cheerful.”
Her Faith is second to none in her life. Through the trials that she has endured, she credits all of her success to her Heavenly Father and will tell anyone that she would not be able to live this life or chase this dream if it wasn’t for His grace and blessings.
If there is anything that Rebecca would tell people, it is to “be a light.” The verses of Matthew 5:14-16 states that “you are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.” She strives to be an example of showing good in the world, not by the words we say, but by the actions we choose.
When she isn’t working or in school, Rebecca enjoys a multitude of hobbies. She loves spending her free time working on the latest bead or leatherwork piece, going to the gym, or simply curling up on the couch with her three dogs and a good book.
Rebecca has two associates degrees, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing. After completing her education, she will seek a career that will allow her to help small western and agricultural businesses reach their full potential.
Being someone who doesn’t come from a rodeo background was a challenge, until she realized that this is an excellent way to reach new people and immerse them in the rodeo world and agriculture industries. Experiences like being able to join FFA in high school, to carrying flags at the International Finals Rodeo and being a member of the RODEOHOUSTON Pivot Team has created fond memories and fostered relationships that she knows she can carry with her throughout her life.
Her love of education and desire to mentor also leads her back to Cross Trails Rodeo Bible Camp every summer. Her time spent as a volunteer, coach, and dorm mom has made a lasting impression on the way she views her life. She believes she learns just as much from the campers as they do from her. It’s a quote from one of these campers that helps to set the tone for her day to day, “Even though I am tired, I can still be cheerful.”
Her Faith is second to none in her life. Through the trials that she has endured, she credits all of her success to her Heavenly Father and will tell anyone that she would not be able to live this life or chase this dream if it wasn’t for His grace and blessings.
If there is anything that Rebecca would tell people, it is to “be a light.” The verses of Matthew 5:14-16 states that “you are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.” She strives to be an example of showing good in the world, not by the words we say, but by the actions we choose.
