Rodeo Roundup: Keystone Junior Rodeo Association Awards Banquet Celebrates Local Youth Champions
By Autumn Gavlock
LEWISBURG- The Keystone Junior Rodeo Association (KJRA) celebrated the achievements of local youth at its annual awards banquet held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Silver Moon Banquet Hall in Lewisburg, PA. The event marked the conclusion of the 2024 rodeo season, where young athletes received awards that showcased their skills and accomplishments based off of their rankings from a series of rodeo events throughout the year.
Founded with the mission to promote sportsmanship and competition, KJRA has grown into a vital part of Central Pennsylvania’s youth sports community. The association’s goal is not only to foster a love for the sport of rodeo but also to encourage learning experiences that extend beyond the arena. These lessons, instilled by the coaches and mentors of the KJRA, are designed to shape the character and work ethic of the athletes, both in rodeo and in life.
Throughout the 2024 season, participants competed in a range of events at the rodeo grounds in Benton, PA, including Dummy Calf Roping, Pole Bending, Barrel Racing, Goat Tying, Breakaway Roping, Steer Riding, Calf Roping, and Chute Dogging. The season finalized with the banquet, where athletes were recognized for their dedication, skill, and sportsmanship.
Honoring the Stars of the 2024 Rodeo Season
The banquet featured numerous awards for the young athletes who excelled throughout the season. Baylyn Mantle from Beech Creek, competing in the 15-18 girls’ category, earned the Tough Hand Recipient award.This prestigious award goes to a rider who exemplifies excellence in their rodeo skills, a willingness to help others, and a positive attitude that contributes to a supportive and motivating environment for their peers.
Brooke Daniels of Mill Hall, in the 11-14 girls’ category, received the coveted All-Around Champion award. She finished top ten in pole bending and barrel racing, and also claimed titles as Champion in Goat Tying and Breakaway Roping.
In the 7-10 girls’ category, Alexis Fisher from Howard shone with a Champion Barrel Racing title and a top-ten finish in Dummy Roping. Sawyer Hanna from Lock Haven, also in the 7-10 girls’ group, was awarded Reserve Champion in Dummy Roping and finished in the top ten in Goat Tying.
Alayna Neff of Beech Creek (7-10 girls) secured a top-ten finish in both Pole Bending and Barrel Racing, while Jack Davis from Lock Haven (7-10 boys) earned top-ten finishes in Dummy Roping, Pole Bending, and Goat Tying, along with Reserve Champion honors in Barrel Racing.
The (11-14 boys) category saw Ty Bodle from Mill Hall named All-Around Champion. He earned Champion titles in Barrel Racing and Goat Tying, as well as Reserve Champion in Pole Bending and Calf Roping, and a top-ten finish in Breakaway Roping.
In the 6 and under categories, Jase Noll from Beech Creek had an impressive season, winning All-Around Champion honors as well as Champion titles in Dummy Roping, Pole Bending, Barrel Racing, and Goat Tying.
Lennon Hanna from Lock Haven (6 and under girls) also shined, receiving All-Around Champion honors and winning Champion titles in Barrel Racing, Goat Tying, and Dummy Roping, while finishing in the top ten for Pole Bending.
Finley Gilmore of Lock Haven (6 and under boys) received a top-ten finish in Dummy Roping. Addy Gilmore (11-14 girls) and Haley Bodle (11-14 girls) also participated in the 2024 rodeo season and were recognized at the banquet, while Haley Bodle is not pictured in the event’s photos.
A Community Effort
The success of the 2024 awards banquet would not have been possible without the support of local businesses and sponsors. KJRA extends a heartfelt thank you to all the sponsors who helped make the event a memorable one.As shared in a social media post following the event, “The 2024 awards banquet has officially come and gone. Wow! What a great night at Silver Moon Banquet Hall. Huge thank you to all the businesses that helped make tonight a success.” Season sponsors included Mann’s Custom Meats, Empire Livestock LLC, Infinity Hydration & Wellness, Diamond 4D Performance Horses, and many more. Award sponsors for the evening included the American Hat Company, Krista Williams Creations, Madison Snyder Photography, EMBRACE VICTORY, Bar Circle L Leather and Bags, Teskey’s, Rail and Trail Tack, and East Gate Feed & Grain.
The night’s festivities included a Chinese auction, a delicious dinner, an annual members meeting, and, of course, the award ceremony, where the athletes were celebrated for their hard work. After the awards, the evening continued with a lively dance party, bringing together families, participants, and supporters to celebrate the close of a memorable season.
As the KJRA looks forward to the 2025 season, they remain committed to giving local youth the chance to grow in the sport of rodeo, while creating lasting memories and friendships. Youth rodeo offers a thrilling environment where young competitors, often from rural or agricultural communities, can challenge themselves, build confidence, and develop a love for western sports. It also teaches valuable life lessons that extend far beyond the arena.
For more information on how to get your child involved in the Keystone Junior Rodeo Association, visit their website at www.pakjra.com/howtojoin and download the 2025 membership application. The application consists of six pages and must be completed and returned via mail to the association’s secretary. Yearly membership dues are $80 per family. Detailed instructions are included on the application, and should you have any questions, feel free to reach out for assistance. Join today and give your child the opportunity to grow, learn, and compete in the exciting world of rodeo!
