Top 100 continued from page 93
Shelly Burmeister
Mowery —
Horse Breeder,
Director of The Parker
County Committee on
Aging and Cowgirl
Shelly has been an active promoter
of professional rodeo as the first
“Miss Coors Rodeo,” and she brought
significant attention to equal pay for
women’s barrel racing in the major
rodeos. A former rodeo consultant,
rodeo queen and actress, Shelly has
been recognized by her fans and all
the major TV networks as one of the
top equine sports broadcasters for
pro rodeos and national cutting horse
events. What she loves most is spend-
ing time at home, at the horse farm
where she lives with husband Rick, a
herd of horses, a gaggle of dogs and
cats. She loves to entertain and cook
for family and friends.
Photo by Megan Parks
“I love to cook, garden, ride my horses and work out at Tate’s,” Shelly said.
Her favorite way to pay it forward is to “be kind. To try to recognize every-
body. Be respectful to everyone.”
What’s the best piece of advice she’s ever received?
“Benny Benion once told me, ‘Don’t get in a pissin’ match with a skunk.’ I
found that that is sound advice.” She would most like to be remembered as
being a good friend and a good parent. “I hope I’m remembered for being
someone who has the courage to fight for the underdog, even when the odds
are against me.”
April Page —
Head Band Director at
Tison Middle School
One of the main reasons April is in music education is to
see her students grow as young musicians. “I love to see
them work as a team and develop leadership skills in ways
that are not possible in any other class,” she said. “I think
one thing that surprises people about me is how much I
love history. One of my favorite things to do in my spare
time is learn about different historical people and events,
discovering the impact they have made on the present
time.” Her favorite way to pay it forward is to be actively
involved in community work. “I try to donate items and
time to organizations such as Toys for Tots, the Salvation
Army. I also try to volunteer my time to help clean up
parks in the community.” Her best piece of advice came
from her mentor director, Bruce Kenner.
“He told me that if I wanted to be a successful band direc-
tor, I would have to work hard, work smart, and not be
afraid of making mistakes, because there is always some-
thing you can learn from it.”
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