Congratulations Nerissa Arellano, 2019 Elks Rodeo Queen!!
My name is Nerissa Arellano and it is my privilege to be the Candidate representing VTC Enterprises in the 2019 Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Queen Competition. I am truly excited for this opportunity to get involved with the community, get the community involved with VTC, and to raise funds for such a great organization!
I am 18 years old and a senior at Ernest Righetti High School. Aside from my academic studies, I am an active member in both the Future Farmers of America organization and 4-H. Showing animals competitively is something I am passionate about and have been participating in for 7 years, showing pigs specifically for the past six. After high school I plan to attend Allan Hancock College for my Business Administration Transfer Degree, then move on to a 4-year college in Northern California (preferably Sacramento State University, UC Santa Cruz, or Chico State) where I will study English and Liberal Studies to reach my goal of becoming an English teacher.
VTC Enterprises, whose mission is to assist individuals with disabilities to achieve their life goals, has a solid home in my heart. My mother has worked there for 20 years, and during that time I have gotten to know and interact with most of the individuals at the organization. Additionally, I have had the pleasure of volunteering for all of VTC’s Rodeo Queen Campaigns. These past 5 years as I watched each candidate work, grow and stretch herself beyond what she thought possible, I dreamed of running for Rodeo Queen one day too.
Now my dream is becoming real, and I am eager to pour myself into this endeavor with a passion to support the work of VTC, strengthen our Central Coast community, and further my own development as a young woman who will make a positive difference today and in the future. I am very thankful for the amazing support of my parents, Jose and Brenda Arellano, and from my younger brother Noah. My family is a continual inspiration to me of community involvement, generosity, persistence and dedication.
I am forever grateful to have this opportunity to run for Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Queen and honored to be serving our community and the people of VTC Enterprises. Thank you!
