Pretty, smart and with a name like Dakota she was the perfect entry in the competition she won. All contestants know there's more than being proficient in riding. The skill of "reining" requires training and practice, and is an important part of competitive scoring. Scores are amassed by accumulating points on various topics from horsemanship to personal interview. Additional points on other aspects of rodeo such as horsmanship patterns and modeling are added to the mix. Consideration is also given to a two-minute speech which is judged on content, theme and delivery. Dakota's winning speech was entitled, "Survivor, Western Style".

As Alabama's current High School Rodeo Queen, she is an ambassador to tout high school rodeo and its value to families who enjoy the activities and sport of horsemanship and sharing activities together.

During her reign, Dakota will travel through Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida and Tennessee. One of her honors of the rodeo queen is to present the flag at the opening of rodeo events, many of which are televised.

Dakota Missildine manages a 3.6 grade point average in school, serves as Senior Class President, Student Government President, is involved with an organization called SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions). She enjoys basketball and runs track. She attends the Friendship Baptist Church in Grady.

Dakota is rightfully proud of taking a hobby to another level. She enjoys the friends she has made in the high school rodeo circuit. "Friends", she says, "Make it fun. We share a love for animals, work hard on our athletic skills and understand the discipline of a challenging task can be worthwhile and rewarding."

Dakota enjoys sharing horse-oriented activities with a neighbor and lifelong friend, Corey Griffin. Corey is the son of Dave and Susan Griffin and has racked up several titles himself. Corey claims 3rd in the state of Alabama in calf roping and 4th in team roping (with partner, Loren Hedrick). He is involved with about 20 rodeos per year. Winning a title depends on how many points Corey gains per rodeo. Only at finals are points totaled and announced-so it's a matter of staying in competition all year long. Corey is a junior at South Montgomery Academy and plans to attend Troy State-and yes, they have a rodeo team. He enjoys sports in general. He is a running back on the football team, plays basketball and baseball.

Corey has been close to horses much of his life too, watching his dad as he has trained western pleasure walking horses.

Corey and Dakota's love of horses and the competition and fun of rodeo have provided them an outlet they feel has broadened their horizons. Both teens are eager to encourage anyone who loves horses to involve themselves in organized rodeo; and, they say, the friendships you find there can last a lifetime.