- December 11, 2024
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Macie Connours, a fourth grader at Myakka City Elementary School, was beaming with pride as she rode her horse, Dibs, around the outside of the Winding Trails Ranch Arena.
She had just competed in the barrel race in front of hundreds of Myakka City Elementary students, teachers and staff members.
Connours said she was not only happy to participate in the rodeo but proud of herself for achieving the goals necessary to be able to compete.
Carol Ricks, the principal at Myakka City Elementary School, said at least 250 students met three out of four quarterly goals and earned the opportunity to attend or participate in the rodeo. The goals were in reading, math, behavior and attendance.
Students were able to see 21 of their classmates show off their skills in the rodeo, which included events such as barrel racing and goat tying.
First grader Dakota Bryant said she couldn't wait to try riding a sheep for the first time.
Jackie Blue, a fourth grade teacher, said she loved seeing her students, past and present, participating in the rodeo. She said she's learned all about fourth grader Annabelle Wendell's horse, Lucky, as Wendell has written or spoken about Lucky in many of her assignments.
"I live on the west part of the county, so it's great to see the kids be a part of something they do every day," Blue said. "We get to see what they love to do."