GLADEWATER, Texas — She’s not just a rodeo queen. She’s an ambassador for the sport of rodeo, Western heritage and the iconic Gladewater Round-Up Rodeo. After a 30-year hiatus, the title of Miss Gladewater Rodeo made its return in 2021, and it’s riding strong this year.

Alexa Helman, the reigning 2024-25 Miss Gladewater Rodeo, is a third generation cowgirl who’s bringing sparkle, grit and a whole lot of heart to the arena.

"Little me could not believe where she would be today, speaking on stages. No way I was the shyest little girl," Helman said.

That shy little girl is now center stage.

"I'm originally from Ohio, and now I consider myself full Texan. I've been here about seven years now. I never wanted to see snow again in my life, so I moved down south and just absolutely fell in lov

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