Los Alamos Middle School eighth-grade student Paige Trujillo will represent New Mexico in girl’s goat tying at the National Junior High Finals Rodeo June 21-27 in Guthrie, Okla. Courtesy photo
COMMUNITY News:
DENVER — Los Alamos Middle School eighth-grade student from Paige Trujillo has earned the opportunity to represent New Mexico on the National Junior High Rodeo Team at the 21st Annual National Junior High Finals Rodeo (NJHFR) on June 21-27 in Guthrie, Okla. The prestigious event will bring together more than 1,200 of the nation’s top junior high rodeo athletes from across the United States, Canada, Australia, and Mexico to compete for national titles and scholarships.
Competitors who finish among the top four year-end contestants in their state’s respective events during the 2025-2026 Junior High Rodeo season, then get to compete at the NJHFR.
Trujillo is the daughter of Cody and Ronda Trujillo of Abiquiu. She rose to the top of the standings in New Mexico to earn the title of State Champion in Girls Goat Tying. She will represent New Mexico in girl’s goat tying at the NJHFR. In addition to her state title, Trujillo competed in Light Rifle and Ribbon Roping throughout the season.
The NJHFR is the world’s largest junior high rodeo. In addition to competing for more than $80,000 in prizes, NJHFR contestants will also be competing for more than $200,000 in college scholarships and the chance to be named a National Junior High Finals Rodeo World Champion. To earn this title, contestants must finish in the top 20 based on their combined times/scores in the first two go-rounds to advance to Saturday evening’s final round. World champions will then be determined based on their three go-round combined times/scores. Added money for the optional jackpot has increased to $100,000 and is available to everyone at finals who enters the jackpot in their event.
Again, this year, the Saturday championship performance will be televised nationally as a part of the Cinch High School Rodeo Tour telecast series on Cowboy Channel. Live broadcasts of all NJHFR performances will air on: https://www.cowboychannelplus.com/.
Performance times are 7 p.m., June 22, and 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. each day thereafter. Along with great rodeo competition and the chance to meet new friends from around the world, NJHFR contestants have the opportunity to enjoy shooting sports, volleyball, contestant dances, family-oriented activities, church services sponsored by Golden Spur Ministries, and shopping at the NJHFR trade show, as well as visiting area attractions as Guthrie hosts the NJHFR this year.
To follow local favorites at the NJHFR, visit www.NHSRA.com daily for complete results. For ticket information and reservations, go to: https://nhsra.com/juniorhighfinals/.
Representing her community, school, and the state of New Mexico, Trujillo has demonstrated dedication, determination, and excellence in the rodeo arena. As she travels to Guthrie to compete against the best junior high rodeo athletes in the nation, she’ll carry with her the support and pride of Northern New Mexico.