ST. GEORGE – Dixie State College senior Jamie Udell claimed national first runner-up honors at the 2012 Miss Rodeo America Pageant held this past December in conjunction with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo  in Las Vegas. Udell competed against 28 women from across the country for the coveted title of Miss Rodeo America 2012, which was won by Miss Rodeo Oregon Mackenzie Carr.

Udell was crowned Miss Rodeo Utah last July at the 2011 Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo. The 23-year-old resident of Pine Valley, Utah, is double majoring in biology and communication, and hopes to one day become a pediatric dentist and plans to apply to dental school at UNLV upon her graduation from Dixie State.

In addition to first runner-up finish, Udell won the “Chap Award,” which is a scholarship award presented by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association to the contestant who featured the best chaps and story. She also placed second overall in the “Scrapbook Awards” competition.

Udell has long provided volunteer service to others in her community and in Utah. A few years ago she partnered with her parents to start “Hope Springs Ranch,” an all-volunteer charity organization that provides miniature horses to children with disabilities. In addition, the organization takes the ponies into schools, nursing homes and assisted living programs, while the Ranch hosts a number of class field trips. Udell says that “Hope Springs” is by far her biggest accomplishment and also what fills her with the greatest joy.

In her role as Miss Rodeo Utah and Miss Rodeo America First Runner-up, Udell will also travel throughout Utah and the country appearing at rodeos and western-oriented events.