AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Mary Parmer’s 4-H journey is a perfect example of just how far Alabama 4-H experiences can take someone. Parmer, an Autauga County 4-H member, first found her spark after joining the 4-H Horse Club in 2020. She quickly became club president, setting her on a path to fulfilling a life-long dream. Thanks to her 4-H spark, Parmer was named the 2025 Miss Southeastern Livestock Exposition Rodeo Queen.

“I was so excited to be able to combine my love for horses and rodeo,” Parmer said. “It felt wonderful being crowned, and I am excited and ready to represent SLE and rodeo.”

In this role, Parmer will serve as an ambassador for the SLE organization. SLE is dedicated to preserving farming and ranching by creating opportunities for youth through rodeos, livestock competitions and more. During her reign, Parmer will raise awareness for the rodeo industry and promote sponsors. This includes media interviews and representing SLE at public events.

“It means a lot to me,” Parmer said. “I am so excited that I get to talk to young girls who love horses and rodeo as much as I do and encourage them to work hard and follow their dreams.”

Thanks to 4-H

Thanks to Parmer’s involvement, the Autauga County 4-H Horse Club has seen great success in recent years. Parmer worked with State Rep. and Autauga County Farmers Federation President Van Smith to secure needed financial support from the federation. This support enables the club’s continued growth and provides more opportunities to local youth.

“I am so proud of how far our Horse Club has come,” Parmer said. “I have enjoyed watching it and our girls grow in their friendships and horsemanship skills.”

One of Parmer’s favorite 4-H memories is representing Autauga County at the Southeastern World Championship Horse Show in Perry, Georgia. However, Parmer’s love for horses and the skills she learned in the Horse Club have also taken her beyond 4-H. She competes in timed rodeo events and attends the SLE Rodeo in Montgomery every year. This is where Parmer’s dream of being a rodeo flag girl, and maybe even queen, started.

“Mary has made such an impact on the younger kids and encouraged them to try leadership roles and embrace all the opportunities 4-H provides,” said Kacey Powell, the Autauga County Extension 4-H agent.

The journey to earning the title of Miss SLE Rodeo Queen begins with an application process before being selected to compete in the pageant. The pageant then includes interviews, speeches, horsemanship and modeling categories.

“Mary is positive, poised and well-spoken, which are qualities we look for in rodeo queens,” said Sarah Hunter, SLE executive director. “We have to be able to trust that our queens will handle media interviews with professionalism and grace, and she has proven to do just that.”

What’s Next?

Parmer’s story is a testament of how 4-H can foster personal growth, leadership and passion. After graduating high school this spring, Parmer plans to attend Auburn University to study equine science, with hopes of one day becoming a large-animal veterinarian. Her passion for horses and leadership experiences in 4-H and SLE have given her the tools needed for a successful career in the equine industry.

“The experiences I’ve had in 4-H have helped me grow as both a person and an equestrian,” Parmer said. “Before 4-H, I would have never thought I would be president of a club and talking in front of people. I will use the leadership and communication skills I have learned for the rest of my life.”

More Information

Alabama 4-H is the youth development organization of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. It seeks to empower young people with the skills to lead their communities and grow into future leaders. Visit www.alabama4h.com for more information about 4-H opportunities.