The Montana Cowgirls Association presented their annual $1,000.00 Scholarship to Emily Williams of Browning at the State High School Rodeo Finals held in Great Falls this past June. The Criteria for this scholarship is: A: High School senior girl who has competed in high school rodeo in more than one event for at least three years, B: Her high school GPA, C: School activities in which she participated, D: full or part-time work and E: a short essay regarding the Western way of life.
Emily graduated from Browning High School, May of 2023 and is the daughter of Ashley and Sterling Williams of Browning.
The essay from her application was the deciding factor: “As I embark upon the next year of my life, I have decided to pursue an education by majoring in Agriculture Operations Technology at MSU-Northern and compete at the college level on their rodeo team. I have decided to follow the roots planted by those who have come before me. I come from an extensive background of ranchers and farmers who have made a living and have found happiness on the land.
As the wind blows hats off the heads of small cowboys, and the cold bites at the noses of late-night calving hands, the harsh way of the West prospers in Modern society. As the world continues to rush and bustle at its highest speed, the slow yet busy lifestyle of the cowboy remains timeless. From its peak in the past century, the Western way of life has produced many tough characters. Rodeo has drawn the public’s eye and as such, created a modern fixation on the ability to live in the moment. I think it is important to create a positive light to shine upon Western heritage. Social media and politics constantly fight against the production and efforts of agriculture, but there is no better job, life, or action than to live honestly, free, and wild like the West promotes. I think it’s important for this way of life to prosper in the future in order to create level-headed, honest, hardworking adults that will carry our generations to a better future.”