Our Very Own 2026 MISS WCYR

​Ava Folden

 Ava is the 15-year-old daughter of Marc and Katie Folden.  She lives in McLeansboro, IL with her younger sister, Brynn, and attends Hamilton County Senior High, where she is a sophomore.  Ava enjoys riding and training horses, as well as hunting and fishing in her free time.  
She began riding at the age of 10 and has been hooked ever since.  Over the past five years, Ava has grown into a competitive rider in barrel racing, pole bending and goat tying. She is a 2x NLBFR qualifier 3x IBRA National Finals qualifier, and a 2024 WFYR Junior All Around Cowgirl.  She also holds titles such as the 2024 Dash for Cash Youth 1D Champion, 2024 WCYR Junior Goat Tying Champion, and 2023 WCYR Junior Flag Racing Champion.  In addition to her success in the arena, Ava is a high honors student and an active FFA member with her Greenhand Degree.  She was named the 2023 Franklin County 4-H Junior Champion Horseman of the Year with the 2022 Hamilton County 4-H Fair Champion Horse.  
Her goals include competing in college rodeo, pursuing a career in the medial or veterinary field, and one day raising and training futurity horses on her own ranch.

Miss WCYR
 Miss WCYR is a young ambassador for our local youth rodeo.  She is chosen through a competition that tests her knowledge, horsemanship, and personality. The role involves public appearances at events like parades and local open rodeos to promote the youth rodeo and its community.  We are very proud of Ava and confident that she will serve us well.  Congratulations Ava!