Native Youth 

This is a brand new page added to Indian Rodeo News.  Our goal here is to recognize all Indian children and teenagers who ride horses, rodeo, ranch, and kids who participate in taking pictures at events.

Each month starting with December 2002 we will try to feature a Indian Youth who is active in riding horses, rodeo, ranching, and photography.   


Do you know a Native Indian Youth who has worked hard to achieve their goals and accomplishments?  Would you like to be featured as a Native Youth role model?  Any Native youth ages 18 and under can be featured.  

Indian Rodeo News asks for you to send in your story about yourself, who inspired you to ride, rodeo, ranch, etc.     We welcome as many pictures you have to share with our readers.  Email your questions and or story to 
Gina@indianrodeonews.com 

To Read about the featured Native Youth from the previous months click on their names below to check out their stories and pictures.

December 2002: Nicole Tsosie
January 2003:  Kayonnie Badonie
February 2003: Whitney O'Rourke
March 2003: Charles Gottfriedson
April 2003:  Jenna Johnson, Liana Tom 
May 2003: Devyn Dennison, Jarrett Monroe 
June 2003: Tess Ducheneaux, 
Wade Marchand,
 Ethan Gopher
July 2003: Chantel Williams
August 2003: Trina Bowers, Bobby Louis, 
Desiree Smartlowit
September 2003: Raven Shade, Sammy Jo Bird
October 2003:  Ashlee Strom, Hattie Emm
November 2003: Sonya Goseyn
December 2003: 
January 2004:
February 2004: Nicole Welsh-Romo
April 2004: Ashley Picard, Brett Williams
May 2004: Jesse Gonzales
June 2004: Ty Pablo
Jenifer Manuel
July 2004: Kylie Yazzie
August 2004: 
September 2004: Ty St. Goddard
October 2004: Misty Tatsey
November: 
December: Keno Colby White

Featured Native Youth

Article by: Mindi Fish

Name: Micaela Carlile

Age 12

Family: Parents-Jack and Lori Carlile, brother-Will Carlile

Tribe Cherokee

Grade and school: 7th Grade at Tahlequah Junior High School

School Activities: 4H, Choir

Pets: 9 horses, 1 pony, 1 dog, 4 cats, 1 goat

What events in rodeo....
My events in rodeo are barrel racing, pole bending and goat tying. My
responsibilities are feeding, cleaning out the trailer and taking care of my
horse.

What achievements have......
2002 Region 8 Indian Rodeo Champion Rookie Barrel Racer
2003 CNAIRA Champion Jr Barrel Racer
2003 CNAIRA Finals Champion Jr. Barrel Racer
2003 Rogers & Sons Champion Barrel Racer
2003 Rogers & Sons All Around Champion Cowgirl
2004 CNAIRA Champion Jr Barrel RAcer
2004CNAIRA Finals Champion Jr. Barrel Racer
2004 CNAIRA Reserve Champion Barrel Racer
2004 Indian National Finals Qualifier
2004 Oklahoma Cowgirls Association 1D Top Ten on 2 horses

Future goals in events:
Qualifying for the NFR

Who is your ultimate hero?
My grandmother, Carolyn Degnan

Within the rodeo world, favorite
Clay O'Brien Cooper

Favorite TV show:
National Final Rodeo

Favorite Movie
Seabiscuit

Favorite songs/musicians
Song: Rollin (Ballad of Big and Rich)
Musician: Big and Rich and Toby Keith

What do you do to help others?
Help with what they need. Help Mom and Dad around the house and barn.

When you grow up what would you like to be?
Would like to be an interior designer

Dou you plan to attend college?
Yes, major is undecided

If you could give advice to another Native youth....
Practice makes perfect so practice.

If you were granted one wish...
Lots of money so I can buy horses and go to rodeos.

What would you do to educate others about being a Native American Youth...
Try to keep the traditions alive.

Indian Rodeo News would like to thank Micaela,  for taking the time to put together her story.    Micaela serves as a role model for other Native Youth who are interested in following her footsteps.   We are sure to see more of Micaela competing and winning in the rodeo arena!