Facebook Instagram
Home > About > Royalty

2025 Elgin Stampede Royalty

From Left: Clara Knieriem, 2024 Queen, Chelsie McKay, Isla Howard

2025 Queen Candidates

Isla Howard

Clara Knieriem

Hello Rodeo Fans!

My name is Isla Howard, and it is an honor to represent the 78th Elgin Stampede. I am the daughter of Heather and Derek Howard, and the proud older sister to Avery, Drew, step sister Violet, and step brother Joshua. Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, my family relocated to La Grande, Oregon, where I began as a kindergartener at Imbler Charter School. Growing up watching local rodeos quickly sparked my passion for horsemanship. With the encouragement of my family, I pursued riding lessons, and soon after my parents invested in my first horse, deepening my commitment and enthusiasm for equestrian activities.

Throughout my time at Imbler Charter School, I have been fortunate to experience numerous opportunities that have greatly contributed to my personal growth. Athletics play a significant role in my life and I have participated in sports from an early age. As a member of the Imbler varsity volleyball team, I competed in the state tournament last year as a sophomore, where our team secured fourth place. Additionally, during the winter season, I am actively involved with the Eastern Oregon Volleyball Club’s U18 team. In track and field, I competed on the varsity team and was honored to be part of the state championship-winning 4x400 relay team alongside teammates Paiten Braseth, Jeytt Cant, and Paige Braseth. Furthermore, my passion for equestrian sports has led me to compete at the state level in various events with the Oregon High School Equestrian Team (OHSET).

Beyond athletics, I actively participate in several student organizations. In FFA, I have competed at the state level in Agriscience and regularly participate in events at the Eastern Oregon Livestock Show (EOLS) and the Union County Fair, as well as horse judging in Career Development Events (CDE). As a committed member of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), I have honed my public speaking and professional presentation skills, qualifying twice for national competitions during my four years of involvement. Additionally, my membership in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) allows me to share devotionals and deepen my faith. I am also honored to have recently become a member of the National Honor Society (NHS).

During the summer, I actively participate in local barrel racing clubs and playdays and also enjoy long trail rides through the mountains with my family. I have proudly carried a flag during the Eastern Oregon Livestock Show, contributing to a tradition I deeply admire. My family and I cherish camping adventures, frequently spending quality time wake surfing, tubing, and creating lifelong memories at our favorite destinations, including Wallowa Lake and the Snake River. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to make more incredible memories with Chelsie and Clara this upcoming summer.

As a sophomore in high school, I am eager to continue excelling academically and athletically throughout my high school career. Post-graduation, I aspire to attend college and compete in volleyball or track at the collegiate level. My academic goal is to pursue a degree in nursing, ultimately becoming a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) nurse.

I am genuinely thrilled thrilled about the journey ahead and deeply honored to represent the rodeo community that has profoundly shaped my life from an early age. It is my sincere commitment to serve as a distinguished ambassador for the 78th Elgin Stampede, proudly carrying forward the legacy established by past rodeo queens and empowering future generations to pursue their own rodeo aspirations with passion and determination.

Hi, rodeo fans!

My name is Clara Knieriem. I am the daughter of Kaylee Knieriem and Harold Knieriem. I am the oldest of four girls Madilyn Knieriem, Abigail Knieriem and Lorraine Knieriem. I have lived all over Union County riding horses no matter where I lived. You can find me anywhere on my horse in the arena, on a trail, or even just out in the pasture. I am 15 years old and just finished my freshman year at Cove High School.

I have been enrolled at the Cove School District since the first grade and thought those years I have participated in many activities. I am an active FFA member and holding the Greenhand Sentinel position. During my time as an FFA member I have attended many different events learning about different aspects of agriculture. I have been playing basketball since the 4th grade playing through elementary school and middle school and planning to play through high school.

Unfortunately, in January of this year I had to stop playing basketball before league season began due to a tear in my Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and had to have surgery in early March. I am just so very grateful that I will be back next season and that I am still able to participate in this wonderful experience. My experience in FFA and basketball has helped me in so many different aspects of my life whether it be working as a team or being a leader. Without FFA and basketball I would not be who I am today.

Rodeo has been a big part of my life since I was a little girl. I have competed in the Elgin Stampede Family Night for a very long time. Now, I compete in many different local events along with my sisters. I compete in barrels, poles, breakaway roping and goat tying. My horse Beth and I run barrels and poles together. I got her three years ago from after I outgrew my first horse PJ. My horse Kateah and I do breakaway and goat tying together; I got Kateah from my great grandpa Harold. After seeing how well we worked together he gave her to me and it is to this day, the most special gift I have ever received especially since that horse meant so much to him; I will forever be grateful for that. I have attended the Elgin Stampede every year even if I wasn’t competing. Ever since I was little I have heard stories about how my mom was on the court and seen queens go through the courts and it made me want to be a queen.

I am so excited to represent the first rodeo I ever attended, and am thankful to have so much support from my family, friends, and this amazing community. I hope to see you all at the 78th Elgin Stampede!

2024 Elgin Stampede Queen - Chelsie McKay

Back to
Top