AWARD COMMEMORATES CLEM MCSPADDEN'S LIFE

Oklahoma Woman is First Recipient

Kansas City, Mo.: (November 7, 2008) Oklahoman Clem McSpadden will long be remembered not only in the rodeo world, but in the world of politics and in the state of Oklahoma.

The long time rodeo announcer passed away this past July at the age of 82. He was a legend in the political and rodeo arenas, and his contributions are varied and many.

Now, he will also be commemorated with an annual award given out by the Prairie Circuit and the American Royal ProRodeo.

The inaugural Clem McSpadden Leadership Award was presented to Teri Anderson, of Altus, Oklahoma after the final night of the Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo in Kansas City last month.

Anderson exemplified the criteria of the award, demonstrating leadership, and going above and beyond the status quo, both in her volunteer rodeo work and in her community.

The award was the brainchild of Tom Marshall, a member of the American Royal ProRodeo committee, and a way to recognize others who have contributed to their communities like Clem did. “We all felt that Clem represented the kind of qualities we promote and instill at the American Royal,” said Marshall.

Nominations were accepted at the American Royal’s ProRodeo, and for Marshall and the other committee members, Anderson was an easy choice for the award’s first recipient. Anderson was selected not only for her hours of “sweat equity” in improving the Great Plains Stampede Rodeo in Altus, but for her volunteer work in helping others in the Altus community. Marshal said, “It was expressed to us that Anderson has the ability to go out and organize and motivate people to give to those in need.”

When presented with the award, Anderson gave credit to others in the community. “Everything I’ve ever done has been with the huge effort of other folks, too. Sometimes I’m the ramrod, but the things I’ve done were not possible without other people to help me.”

The award has left the friendly, talkative woman without words. “I’m still speechless. I never dreamed. It’s a huge honor. I’m still shocked.”