Name: Sydney Jones

Age: 19

Hometown: Pendleton

Currently living in: Pendleton

High school: Pendleton High School, graduated in 2016

High school sports and activities: I danced with the Rhythmic Mode dance team during high school, and was captain my junior and senior years. I was also lucky enough to serve as the president for National Honor Society and as a volunteer with Astra.

College: I am a current sophomore at Carroll College in Helena, Montana, where I am majoring in biology, minoring in chemistry, and with an interest in pre-med.

Current occupation and goals: After medical school, I hope to enter into the neonatology or pathology fields.

Past Round-Up or Happy Canyon volunteer involvement: I have helped serve at the Queen’s Luncheon, warmed up court horses, sold concessions, ridden as a pennant bearer for parades, and acted in Happy Canyon every night.

Community or volunteer experiences: Other than volunteering for Round-Up, I would help place flags on graves for Memorial Day, play piano at nursing homes and help at elementary school festivals. Volunteering is an important aspect of my life, which I continued through college on Service Saturdays. Activities varied from cleaning a thrift store to cleaning up a park. Giving back to the community is one of the best things you can do.

Parents: Harper and Kim Jones, who both reside in Pendleton. My father is a dentist at Mainstreet Dental Care and my mother teaches advanced math at Pendleton High School. My father volunteers with Round-Up and Happy Canyon, most recently finishing his time on the Happy Canyon board of directors as the Centennial Show Director.

Family involvement in Round-Up or Happy Canyon: Though my entire family volunteers, I am the first to represent the rodeo as a princess.

Favorite rodeo (other than Round-Up): Chief Joseph Days, which takes place at the end of July. They are very hospitable, make it a fun time for everyone, and I love the history of the town of Joseph.

Favorite Round-Up tradition: The grand entry without a doubt. It opens the rodeo unlike any other, and I get goosebumps every day when the cannon goes off. Growing up in Pendleton, it is something every little girl dreams of and I cannot wait to jump the rail!

History with horses: I have been riding with Toni Minthorn since I was about 10 or 11 years old. I will be using my 11-year-old sorrel mare, Tilly, who jumped the rail last year. Also, it will be Trulee’s, my 9-year-old gelding, first time doing the grand entry.

Why did you want to be on the court: It has always been my dream since I was a little girl to grow up and represent Pendleton Round-Up as a princess. The courts have always been my role models and I would have their pictures plastered on my walls. It has been a great honor to now be in their boots to promote the Pendleton Round-Up.

Best part of the court experience: I am especially enjoying spending all this time with my four best friends and all the fun people we have been able to meet. I am most looking forward to Sept. 13-16 and hearing the cannon go off!

Favorite memory of Round-Up: When my parents were the Happy Canyon court chaperones, I would follow both courts everywhere. The Happy Canyon princesses were actually the first ones to get me on a horse and lead me around the arena. They were the first ones that encouraged me to ride and started my passion for horses and Pendleton Round-Up.