Tehachapi teen takes title

For over 40 years the California Junior High School Rodeo has provided a place for youth to flourish and grow; with the priority of promoting western heritage and investing in the future of young rodeo athletes. California is home to nine districts where 600 members of CHSRA compete. Each of these districts compete in eight rodeos throughout the year accumulating points to determine their top five state qualifiers in each of the 13 events.

The top 180 California rodeo athletes from grades six to eight competed in the California state finals, a three-day competition, held in Red Bluff, Calif. from May 16-18. Kami-Jo Jorian qualified for and competed in five rodeo events. This year, Kami-Jo and her horse, "Badger" were awarded Champion Pole Bender for the State of California, taking the fastest time of the three-round average. Kami-Jo received a trophy saddle and a championship belt buckle. The top four competitors in each event are now qualified to go on to the National High School Rodeo Finals in Huron, South Dakota from June 23-29.

Kami-Jo has been participating in rodeo events since she was 4 years old and has a dream to attend Cal Poly to compete on the rodeo team. She works hard, competes in Pole Bending, Barrel Racing, Goat Tying and Breakaway Roping, in addition to maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Kami-Jo and Badger have won several awards and titles including "All Around Cowgirl" at our local Tehachapi Rodeo Assoc. and 2018 California State Junior High Reserve Pole Bending Champion.

Badger is a 6-year-old gelding who came to the Jorian family as a 2-year-old small, thin, lame and depressed horse with no training. Through lots of hard work, and lots of love, Kami-Jo and her mom have turned that sad young horse into an incredible Champion! However, Kami-Jo and Badger need your help to accomplish their dream; the only barrier they face is the expense. Kami-Jo and Badger will be traveling from California to South Dakota. The 3-day drive will entail travel to-and-from Tehachapi, entry fees and lodging expenses. The estimated cost to attend the National High School Rodeo Finals in South Dakota is approximately $8,000. Please consider supporting this amazing young athlete and her horse, Badger.

A rummage sale will be held on

June 1 and 2 at 24455 Cummings Valley Rd. If you are interested in making donations, you may drop them off at 24455 Cummings Valley Rd. or call Ruth Jorian at (661) 305-7890 to arrange for pick-up.

Tehachapi Wine and Cattle Company, 26677 Cummings Valley Rd. will also be holding a fundraiser for Kami-Jo on Sunday, June 9 from 1 p.m. til closing with food, music and a silent auction. If you have donations for the auction please take them to TWCC before June 9. Tickets need to be pre-purchased and you may contact Ruth Jorian to do so.

A GoFundMe account has been set up for donations at http://www.gofundme.com/help-kamijo-get-to-jr-high-national-rodeo-finals.

You can watch Kami-Jo and Badger's amazing performance at youtu.be/2_1yQPsX_LQ.