May 29-31, 2025
Photos courtesy of Elisabeth Kujala Photographybrought to you by
Pictured: Sheryl Leonard, Cherokee PRCA Rodeo President and Jake Vanderslice, Cherokee HyVee Store Manager
Cherokee PRCA Rodeo Board Hosts School Drive
Not long after the conclusion of the 2024 Cherokee PRCA Rodeo, northwest Iowa experienced the worst flooding seen in area history.
Thousands of people experienced great loss. Muddy waters swept away belongings, homes, and businesses. As the waters rose, so did the feelings of hopelessness. Through this devastation, there was at least a small silver lining. The people in northwest Iowa did what they always do. They helped one another.
Sheryl Leonard, rodeo board president, knew they had to do something. “We’re so proud of our community - people came together to support one another, and that’s something we wanted to be a part of.” After some discussion at the next rodeo board meeting, they came up with a plan.
Flood victims, already faced with the financial difficulties caused by the flood, would soon be purchasing supplies for the upcoming school year. The Rock Valley school district lost public and school libraries and desperately needed books. “We know the waters have receded, but many are still facing hardships,” stated rodeo board member, Shari Youngbluth. It was with this knowledge they decided to put together a school supply and book drive.
The drive, spearheaded by the rodeo board, was a collaborative effort involving several local businesses. Trees adorned with “ornaments” listed needed supplies and were placed at the Cherokee Hy-Vee, Bomgaars, and Fareway. Community members wanting to take part simply chose an ornament, purchased the needed supplies, and then brought their donations to HyVee last Saturday.
It was no surprise. Cherokee delivered.
Boxes of new and gently used books, backpacks, lunch bags, and school supplies quickly filled the covered wagon, provided by Rasmus Realty of Cherokee, parked in front of the store. These essential items will now be delivered where they are needed most. The Cherokee PRCA Rodeo board wants to thank the people of Cherokee and the local businesses for their overwhelming support of this endeavor.
The recipient of Cherokee Rodeo’s first ever Leaders in Ag scholarship is Michelle Anderson.
Michelle grew up in Marathon and will be a senior at Iowa State University where she is majoring in Agricultural Business. She is a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority and the Agricultural Business Club serving both as an officer and on various committees for the organizations. Michelle has been preparing for her future in the ag business community by taking advantage of internship opportunities in banking, sales, and marketing. Her goals for the future include returning to northwest Iowa to work in the ag lending field and she hopes to one day start her own horticulture business.
Cherokee Rodeo will work to grow their scholarship program and in an effort to do so, has started hosting an annual fundraising event in addition to their annual rodeo. More information on the 2025 fundraiser will be posted online this fall. The 2025-2026 scholarship application will be posted in December but eligibility criteria can be found online at cherokeerodeo.com/leadersinag.