When Deedra Lybbert was crowned Miss Rodeo Canada for 1992, her crown gave her dual ambassadorship - for rodeo and for the Church.

      Deedra, 19, noted that, "There have been many great highlights throughout my year as Miss Rodeo Canada," but she said the chance she has had to be a positive representative for the Church has been a strength to her testimony.A member of the Cardston 7th Ward, Cardston Alberta Stake, Deedra has spent the past year traveling throughout Canada and the United States where she has visited schools, hospitals, day care centers, had numerous radio and television appearances and met many country and Western entertainers and actors.

      Her title did not allow her to talk about religion, but she had a chance to set an example for others as she kept her standards. "I was always around alcohol and tobacco. The queen isn't allowed to drink in public, except at dinners where wine was often served.

      "When wine was served, the people learned what my standards were and that I didn't drink alcohol."

      Deedra grew up in a close-knit family, helping with the family cattle and horse ranch in Alberta. She has been involved in sports, including basketball, volleyball and figure skating in addition to horse showing. In high school she was also a member of the student council and involved in school bands. But it is her love and talent for singing that she has been able to share with others during the past year.

      She was first crowned Miss Rodeo Cardston in September 1991 and three months later, after eight days of competition, was crowned Miss Rodeo Canada for 1992. Deedra was one of 10 finalists vying for the national title. She also won the contest's horsemanship award and public speaking award.

      At age 18, she won the title competing with others who had completed several years of university studies. "It was her spirit and lifestyle of doing a good job at whatever she undertakes that brought her through with flying colors," said her parents, Dale and Louise Lybbert.

      After finishing high school, Deedra attended a semester at Lethbridge Community College, but put her schooling on hold for a year to carry out duties as Miss Rodeo Canada. She plans to pursue a nursing degree when her reign is over this month.

      "This experience has really made me realize how important the Church has been to me and the examples members of the Church can be," Deedra reflected. "It has helped me because there was a lot of pressure throughout the year coming from outside sources. This was a year when a person could be led astray, but I stuck to my principles. It has not been a problem for me because of the way my parents raised me and my upbringing in the Church."

      The Miss Rodeo Canada title frequently required Deedra to travel many days at a time, often alone for long hours.

      "I always knew I would be watched over as long as I would remember to say my prayers every day," she said.

      Pam Reeder, Relief Society president in the Cardston 7th Ward and a member of the Cardston Professional Rodeo Queen committee, remarked: "All the attention from the press, the numerous prizes, autograph sessions, meetings with dignitaries, international travel, grand entries, and travel to rodeos spread over thousands of miles, and ridicule by some, may spoil some people, but not Deedra.

      "Through all this she has risen to the occasion and been a graceful ambassador for the sport of rodeo, but more important she has accomplished this without compromising her standards."