By Sarah Loogman

Lacy Hanna, senior at Etna High School, can always be found busy whether it’s working on her family ranch, creating decorations for her school’s homecoming dance, or announcing upcoming FFA events on the radio. But to see her in one of her biggest passions, you can find Lacy in the rodeo arena.

“I love it, I love everything about it,” said Lacy. “Rodeo has taught me everything—how to make friends, how to take care of myself, and how to take on so much responsibility.”

Riding on a horse for the very first time when she was 28-days-old, Lacy has practically grown up in a saddle. Living her whole life in Scott Valley and being the third generation in the area, Lacy’s whole heart and life lies with the rural country lifestyle. But, being in a relaxing community doesn’t mean she doesn’t get involved.

“I love being involved in everything,” said Lacy. “I like to organize and plan and be a leader.”

A leader she has most definitely proven to be. Lacy has been in her high school student council for two years, and is currently the dance commissioner and senior class representative. She also is very involved with the FFA program as a reporter. As a part of her responsibilities, Lacy writes press releases on FFA events, keeps up on their newsletters and calendars, as well as reporting over the air on events including those of the Spanish Club and rodeo. For the past few years, Lacy has also raised both steer and heifers for the Siskiyou Golden Fair. On her family ranch, Lacy helps out by changing the pipes, feeding and working the cattle.

As a part of the Spanish Club, Lacy recently joined a group of students from EHS on a trip to the Yucatan Peninsula where they attended the Institute of Modern Spanish and toured the historical and cultural sites of the Mayan ruins.

Although Lacy may seem to keep busy with all of her activities, it centers mostly on her passion for high school rodeo. Starting competitively in the summer following her eighth-grade year, Lacy has competed in both Junior and High School rodeo. Originally starting with breakaway roping, she now also competes in pole bending, and goat tying. She has also competed in team roping in several rodeo competitions.

“My favorite is definitely breakaway roping,” said Lacy. “I’ve done it the longest, and I like it because it’s always a personal challenge because I always know that I can do better.”

Lacy was also a member of the Scott Valley Pleasure Park Rodeo Drill Team for seven years throughout elementary and junior high school. She was pronounced Rodeo Queen in 2006.

“My dad has always been the one to push me, help me, and support me in everything I have done throughout my life,” said Lacy. “Wendy Johnson has also treated me like her own daughter and has always been there for me. She has helped me so much in my rodeo experience.”

After she graduates from high school, Lacy hopes to attend USC. With a GPA of 3.6, Lacy ranks in the top of her class. Her favorite subject is English. In college, she plans to major in broadcast journalism and aspires to become a sideline interviewer for the NFL and Professional Bull Riding Association.

Although Lacy does not plan to continue a future in rodeo beyond high school, she expects to someday return to the rural lifestyle in Scott Valley to raise her kids.

“Rodeo is big part of my life and I’m not going to continue in it, but I will always miss it,” said Lacy.

Feature writer Sarah Loogman is a junior at Etna High School. Loogman writes for the EHS school paper, The Paw Print, and competes in volleyball, basketball, and track.