The Rise to Distinction for a Diligent Young Woman

Check out El Ascenso a la Distinción de una Joven Diligente on Somos Las Revista in Spanish! 

On Jan. 29, 2024, Emily Delgado rejoiced with her friends, family, and community after receiving her title of Homestead Rodeo Queen 2024. She continues to show her appreciation for this in many ways to those who helped her, as well as those she promised to help through the profits earned for the organization Progressive Opportunities. Through Progressive Opportunities Emily will have the respectable opportunity to dedicate 10% of all ticket earnings to this nonprofit, which focuses on helping students from K-College receive scholarships and educational opportunities Below Emily recounts her experience throughout the miraculous journey of being rewarded this memorable title. 

Who were your biggest supporters throughout this journey? 

First of all, I thank God, because without him I would not have been able to get this title, nor would I have had such an incredible experience meeting new people who influenced my campaign, and gave me strength to continue when I lost my horse. To continue towards my goal, I was able to count on the unconditional support of my family and friends. Without them it would not have been possible. From the beginning my parents were by my side at every moment, guiding me, helping me meet new people, and overall being the leaders I needed, to be able to run my campaign. Alongside their help and my knowledge in business and campaigning I knew how to make this campaign unforgettable. To add, I was able to meet the councilman and the senator of Homestead that invested greatly in my campaign, as well as, the owner of Florida City Dental, 5 Brothers Produce and a generous couple who admired my hard work. As well, the places that accepted me such as Texas Roadhouse in Homestead, Sandbar in Old Cutler Road and Shivers. Lastly, after the tragedy that occurred with my horse I was able to meet new people that helped me find a new horse, which now I get to call close friends, and with that I was able to continue succeeding in my campaign. I began this journey feeling alone, but I ended up meeting wonderful people that made it incredible.

How did it feel to win?

The feeling of winning was between shocked, happy, and tears falling off my cheeks. A picture shows a million words, but to try and capture it with words, this is what I felt: I stepped off, of the truck the other contestant and I were in, I went to my designated place and as I got there, Miss Teen Homestead 2023, Miss Rodeo Homestead 2023 and Miss Rodeo Homestead Princess 2023, all went forward, and as practice, I began to walk towards the other contestant. As this occurred, all I heard was the other contestant's name, which at that moment I had believed I had lost, until the announcer said, "The brand new Miss Homestead Rodeo Queen is Emily Delgado". My face went into a complete shock. I could not believe that I was being coronated with the honor. As the previous queen crowned me, reassuring me that yes it was me who had won, I began to smile and cry all at the same time. I had not believed it, until she said that it was true.

What are your next steps after earning this title?

Even though I am not allowed to discuss much of the events that await me. I can say that there are very exciting things that I cannot wait to share with the world. If you want to keep up with what is next for me, follow my reign through @missrodeohomesteadcourt. Nevertheless, I do intend for my next steps after earning this title to be of holding the crown with integrity, honor and most importantly with the love of rodeo.

Thank you to our two scholarship awards by Brightview and Soroptimist of Homestead that awarded Emily with $2,000 to dedicate towards her education and professional pursuits.