North Platte, Neb. - The Miss Rodeo Nebraska Association is gearing up to kick off the 2024 Miss Rodeo Nebraska pageant which begins Sunday, June 9th and runs through Tuesday, June 12th. This year Miss Rodeo Nebraska is JoSee Saults of Big Springs, Nebraska and Miss Teen Rodeo is Maci Cox of North Platte.
This year, competing in the Miss Teen section includes Jaelyn Himmelberg of Blue Hill, NE, Maysen Merritt of NE and Sophia Schemper of Loomis. The Miss Nebraska contestants are Danielle Forster of Smithfield, NE, Ashlyn Mohling of Glenvil, NE and Brylee Thompson of Hershey. Too learn more about this year's contestants, check out their bios below.
Miss Teen Nebraska Contestants
Jaelyn Himmelberg
Jaelyn Himmelberg is the 18-year-old daughter of Cassandra Himmelberg and John Himmelberg of Blue Hill, NE. She will be a freshman at Doane University in the fall majoring in biology with an emphasis on a Pre-Physician Assistant route. Jaelyn will continue her passion for dance at the collegiate level as a member of the Doane University Dance team.
It is Jaelyn’s goal to return to rural Nebraska to practice as a Physician Assistant and serve the small Nebraska communities that have supported her. Jaelyn also aspires to open a hippotherapy clinic to assist children and young adults with special needs, connecting her love of horses and her desire to help and serve others.
Maysen Merritt
Maysen Merritt is a born and raised Nebraska cowgirl who loves to serve the Lord and everyone around her. She is the youngest daughter of Zach and Wendy Merritt. Maysen is the youngest generation living on her family’s ranch.
She is active in FFA and Quiz Bowl and loves to read in her spare time. One of her favorite things is her horse Rosie, and they have competed in queen competitions, moved cows, went to many brandings, and cleared the arena at ranch rodeos.
Sophia Schemper
Sophia Schemper is the 15-year-old of Jared and Dawn Schemper. She will be a sophomore at Loomis High School this fall, where she is active in volleyball, basketball, track, band, cheer, and FFA. Sophia is an honor roll student and in the High Ability Learners program.
Outside of school, she is active in church youth group, 4-H, and Nebraska High School Rodeo, where she was a two-time National Finals qualifier in Junior High. When not busy with activities, she loves spending time on the lake with family.
Miss Nebraska Contestants
Danielle Forster
Danielle Forster is the 24-year-old daughter of Kevin and Kim Forster of Smithfield, NE. She is currently a second-year master’s student pursuing a degree in animal science with a specialization in extension and education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Alongside her studies, Danielle serves as the UNL Horse Judging Coach and actively participates in the Animal Science Graduate Student Association. She is also involved in her hometown rodeo club, where she coordinates the Elwood Rodeo Queen Pageant. In her free time, Danielle enjoys reading, collecting records, and cherishing moments with family and friends.
Ashlyn Mohling
Ashlyn Mohling is the 22-year-old daughter of Brett and Heather Mohling from Glenvil, NE. She was raised on her family’s farming and commercial cow-calf operation. She also grew up riding and showing her horses through 4-H and other organizations in various disciplines. Her experiences within the equine industry are what inspired her to further her education in animal care.
In 2022, she graduated from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture with an associate’s degree in veterinary technology. Since graduating, she has been practicing as a licensed veterinary technician at a mixed animal practice in south-central Nebraska. When not working with animals, Ashlyn can be found baking, crafting, and spending time with her two cats, her friends, and her family.
Brylee Thompson
Brylee Thompson is a 20-year-old from Hershey, Nebraska. She is a recent graduate from Mid Plains Community College in North Platte, where she achieved her business degree with an emphasis in entrepreneurship. While at Mid Plains Community College, she was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and named November Business Student of the month.
Brylee’s goals are to work in the agricultural industry and own her own business that would allow her to travel and support the sport of rodeo. Brylee’s life goal is to always spread kindness and lift others up. She wants to be a person who focuses on the positive in every aspect of her life.