Jasper county native, Katie Jo Vanderslice has been crowned Miss Rodeo Mississippi 2010.

An all American girl standing 5'8" with auburn hair and green eyes, Vanderslice is the 36th Mississippi woman to wear the coveted crown of Miss Rodeo Mississippi. She is the daughter of George and Karen Vanderslice of Pachuta, and the granddaughter of Joan Moody of Laurel. As the official spokesperson for professional rodeo in Mississippi, Vanderslice is busy spending her year promoting rodeo throughout the state, as well as across state lines.

Her year-long reign will culminate with a week-long competition in Las Vegas, Nevada, this December, as she vies for the title of Miss Rodeo America 2011. Vanderslice said, “the past few months have been quite exciting, and event filled. I’ve had the honor of being introduced at the National Western Rodeo in Denver, Colorado, the Rotary Classic Rodeo in Starkville, the Dixie National Rodeo in Jackson, and the Coca Cola Classic Rodeo in Hattiesburg! I would like to express my gratitude to the Miss Rodeo Mississippi Board of Directors, and the many kind, and gracious people who are helping me along the way in my promotion of professional rodeo. I would like to encourage every Mississippian to attend a Mississippi rodeo this year!”

Currently a senior poultry science major at Mississippi State University, Vanderslice is a charter member of Mississippi Gamma chapter of Pi Beta Phi, Vice President of the Poultry Science Club, and an officer in MSU Block & Bridle Club. While at MSU, Vanderslice volunteers at local schools to help improve reading skills through the philanthropic service, First Book. After completion of her degree, Vanderslice would like to give back to her community by involvement in local 4-H with the platform of encouraging young people to become involved in Mississippi agriculture.

When asked about her thoughts after winning the title of Miss Rodeo Mississippi, Vanderslice responded, “wining the title of Miss Rodeo Mississippi has been a life long dream. My love for this sport came from a simple act of kindness shown to me by a rodeo queen. She took the time to sign an autograph, and made me feel like I was part of something magnificent. It will be my honor to give back to my community, and everyone who has helped me. I aspire to continue to be a positive role model for our youth, a staunch rodeo promoter, and a true American cowgirl full of the western spirit.”