Seems like no sooner had Dakota Adams been appointed Miss Spirit of the West in early spring and outfitted to serve that she began representing the annual Spirit of the West Cowboy Gathering all over town..

The gathering, a yearly celebration of Old West cowboy poetry, music, culture and art on Presidents Day weekend, recently began the Miss Spirit of the West program as a way of getting the word out about the festival in a personal way and encourage people to live by the Code of the West, according to Jessica Bridgeman, a Spirit of the West adviser.

Dakota Adams is a leader who recognizes and honors the traits of honesty, good character, talent, poise, intellect and good judgment, Bridgeman said in a news release. We are excited to have her as a positive role model to represent the vision of the Miss Spirit of the West title. Adams, a 14-year-old Kittitas High School freshman last school year, has reflected the values of the Cowboy Gathering at Central Washington University Rodeo Club-sponsored rodeos, the Bares and Broncs Futurity event, state Old-time Fiddlers competitions and at the 38th annual Ellensburg National Art Show and Auction.

Admiration

As a high school athlete I have learned the true meaning of dedication and commitment, Adams wrote in her introduction to Spirit of the West officials. Living in Ellensburg has given me great admiration for the western lifestyle. She currently has a full schedule this summer with appearances locally and around the state at community parades, fiddling conventions and community involvement activities. She also plans to attend events in Oregon and Idaho, too. Other plans include visiting elementary school classrooms next fall to present ways to live a happy and healthy lifestyle with a western flair, according to the release. I hope to promote and preserve the heritage of the American cowboy, Adams said in the release. I am supported by family, friends and a great (Spirit of the West) Board of Directors.

Who is Dakota Adams?

• Daughter of Dave and Leann Adams; family lives east of Kittitas and keeps and ride horses.
• Sports involvement as a Kittitas High School freshman: volleyball, basketball, and track and field.
• Honor roll student at KHS.
• Involved in local American Quarter Horse Association activities as a member, former Kittitas County Barrel Racers Association member, represented Washington State as the 2007 Little Miss Rodeo Washington.
• Represented her freshman class in the Teens Against Tobacco Use program and volunteers with the Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign during the Ellensburg Rodeo.
• Enjoys trail riding in the mountains with friends and family.

Who is Miss Spirit of the West?

• A young woman who exemplifies and lives by the Code of the West.
• Gets her strength from knowing what is right and wrong and is true to her beliefs.
• Knows anything worth doing is worth doing well, encourages others to do the same.
• Teaches others about honor, truthfulness and the 10 principles of the Code of the West.
• Is a leader whose character holds true no matter what the circumstances may be.
• Believes in dedication, commitment and community involvement.