Seward High Freshman, Kennedy Meinberg shared her experiences as the reigning “Miss Nebraska Cowgirl Queen” at the recent Spring Luncheon meeting of the GFWC Seward Womans Club on May 9th in the Seward Civic Center at their Clubroom. She is the daughter of Charli and Jesse Meinberg and lives outside of Seward, near Goehner. This was her first competition of this nature and she won! She could not believe that she would wear the title for a year. She was crowned September 21, 2025.
Her goal is to promote the western way of life, rodeo and agriculture. She will travel across the state representing Nebraska Rodeo and the Beg Red Elite IEA (Interscholastic Equestrian Association), qualifying for national competition in Ft. Worth, Texas in June of 2026.
She spoke on the selection process for the honor, as she not only competed individually, but with her horse- “Ozzie,” a black and white Paint gelding. She was required to participate in a “Reining Pattern” that is NRHA approved, where she had to circle with her horse, spin and work at a fast pace. She also had to demonstrate various riding patterns such as the “Flag Arena Run,” and the “Queen Wave.” She noted that she does enjoy barrel racing, but it was not part of this competition.
Her selection also involved a personal interview with the judges, modeling western outfits (which she was required to furnish) and taking a “knowledge” test on current events, rodeo information and related topics. She also was involved in community outreach and visited a local pre-school and elementary school, promoting the program and read a children’s book -titled “Perseverance” at each education center.
She was crowned in Iowa at the Council Bluffs PRCA Rodeo and has also attended rodeos at UNL College Rodeo and the “Blue Rose Charity PRCA Rodeo” in Springfield, Nebraska. Her main corporate sponsors include BECK’s Hybrid Company, Midwest Auto, Absolute Agronomy, Farm Credit Services of American and Nebraska Equipment in Seward.
One of her successful community service projects was a “raffle” to raise funds and to support the Nebraska Wildfire Relief Fund, which she sold out of tickets!
She commented that this queen contest does not involve a national competition, however she will attend several national equestrian events this summer. She also is excited to be in the Seward Fourth of July parade with her horse “Ozzie.” Her school plans after high school are yet to be determined-since she is a high school freshman, however, she really feels her plans will include some aspect of Animal Science. She really enjoyed being part of the SHS FFA program in Seward this school year.
Questions and answers followed and she was presented with a check to support her activities and help cover some of her expenses by the GFWC Seward Woman’s Club.
“The members of the GFWC Seward Woman’s Club are excited to see such a positive young woman represent Seward and happy to support her outreach program and opportunity,” stated Bonnie Kruse, President of the GFWC Seward Woman’s Club. “Anytime our club can showcase youth, it is a win-win, as the student gains from the experience and our membership is excited to hear success stories involving area youth.”
Kennedy thanked the GFWC Seward Woman’s Club for asking her to share her story and looks forward to representing Seward across the state and Midwest this summer.
Photo:
GFWC Seward Woman’s Club President, Bonnie Kruse, presents a check to Kennedy Meinberg, Miss Nebraska Cowgirl Queen-2026.