By Jama McCluskey

    In today’s times, the negative seems to take over the positive. So I am writing articles that will give us a smile on our face about fashion, a special event, what Ramona has to offer and our local heroes. I hope to give you, the reader, a skip and hop back into a positive moment.
    So let’s talk about my first—Markie Battaglia.
Markie is running for Miss California Rodeo Queen Oct. 6, 7 and 8.
   I wish this lady all the luck I can support her with. Most people don’t realize what it takes to be a rodeo queen. We all think it’s just about how pretty the girls are. If that were the case, then Markie would have it hands down because she has been blessed with her mother’s good looks and the charisma and charm of dealing with two brothers.
   Rodeo queens have to know all the rules of rodeo and each event. They need to know every bit of tack that is used for rodeo. They are tested on their knowledge with 200-plus questions. They have to have the confidence of a bull rider to speak about topics not only about rodeo but also about politics and current events. These ladies have to look beautiful and show no sign of fear when they jump on a horse they might not even know and run around a rodeo arena blowing kisses and waves to the crowd.
   I ride horses, but you wouldn’t catch me jumping on a horse I didn’t know and doing mach-3 around an arena filled with bright lights and crazy clowns.
Why is Markie a big deal in my eyes?
She lives in Ramona!
   This town needs to rally around a good thing.
Just think. She could be the next Miss California Rodeo Queen and possibly go on to Miss USA Rodeo Queen. Wouldn’t it be fabulous at the next Ramona Rodeo to have Miss California Rodeo Queen from Ramona?
   That would be so cool, and think of all the other young girls in this town who could look up and say, that could be me some day. Hope is a big drive in people, and we need as much hope as we can get.
   I met the Battaglia family at an event called Mountain Valley Ranch Summer Series for the kids of Ramona. I have seen Markie grow from one of the tough cowboy kids to become an educated woman majoring in communications and minoring in Spanish.
   She’s not just another pretty face. This family is always involved in our community from high school rodeo to sporting events at Ramona High School. Their hearts and ranch are open to the people of Ramona. My best memory is running through Mountain Valley Ranch’s corn maze and picking pumpkins at Halloween time.
   So, Ramona, if you get a chance, cross your fingers, make a wish on the next shooting star and let’s give Markie Battaglia our hope in bringing home the title of Miss Rodeo California.
   And, Markie, no matter what happens, we are proud of you. You are royalty.