In 2008, Montana became the first state in the nation to have a Tobacco-Free High School Rodeo Association!
The reACT Tobacco-Free Rodeo Campaign aims to get tobacco out of our rodeos and honor our rodeo athletes who pledge to live tobacco-free. Throughout the Montana High School Rodeo Association spring season, reACT goes to 12 rodeos as part of the reACT Tobacco-Free Rodeo Series.
reACT ends the season at the finals. The night of finals, our program brings a motivational speaker who encourages us to remain tobacco-free and educates our communities.
In the past, tobacco became a part of rodeo culture—but it doesn’t have to be anymore. reACT and the Montana High School Rodeo Association have taken a stand! We’re now one of only two states to have a tobacco-free high school rodeo—and that’s because tobacco has no place in our rodeos!
Celebrating Tobacco-free rodeos in Mineral County with:
Darby Haskins- Mineral County Rodeo Queen
Heather Haskins- Mineral County Rodeo Princess Bailey Hansen
Mineral County Rodeo Junior Princess
Be the first tobacco-free generation in Montana
At the end of the rodeo season, reACT awards high school rodeo seniors with up to $5000 in scholarships for those who pledge to remain tobacco-free.
More than $121,000.00 in college scholarships have been awarded since 2008!
Scholarships are available to:
• Tobacco-free high school seniors going on to pursue higher education at an accredited college/university
• Students must also do tobacco prevention work in their communities to share the reACT message
• They have to agree to be ambassadors at their college/university to help promote the tobacco-free generation
The reACT Tobacco-Free Rodeo Campaign honors high school rodeo competitors in Montana who have pledged to be tobacco-free and have displayed tobacco-free leadership in their communities.
Finalists are chosen from the pool of applicants. Then an interview process is held to determine the exact awards.
For the 2019-2020 season, SIX FINALISTS will be chosen. Each one will be interviewed during the state finals and winners will be selected to receive:
• $5,000 Awards – two available
• $2,500 Awards – two available
• $1,000 Awards – two available
View Eligibility Requirements & Download the Application (Coming Soon!)
Tobacco-Free Pledge
Although all high school rodeo events are tobacco-free, there are 12 “Tobacco-Free Series Rodeos” where contestants compete to WIN a breast collar!
There are two “Series Rodeos” in each district—one in fall and one in spring.
At each “Series” event, there’s a reACT table where contestants are encouraged to SIGN the Tobacco-Free Rodeo Pledge and share the reACT Tobacco-Free Rodeo message with peers.
• Students must sign a new Tobacco-Free Pledge each year.
• Tobacco-Free Pledges will be available at each Tobacco-Free Series Rodeo.
• Members must sign a Pledge before they can accumulate points towards rewards.
• Signing the Tobacco-Free Pledge is also a prerequisite to qualify for the $5,000 College Scholarship for college.