Fourteen-year-old Willow Taylor (Ruucgecowi) holds a new title after being crowned Miss Black River Falls First Attendant.

     Taylor is a freshman in high school. Outside of her role on the Miss Black River Falls court, she stays busy with cheer, track and basketball. She is also involved in the dairy industry and enjoys showing different breeds of dairy cattle.

     Taylor said her interest in becoming part of the Miss Black River Falls court came from her love for the community and the connections she has made through similar experiences.

     “I decided to run for Misss Black River Falls because I want to help and support Black River falls,” Taylor said. “I really love working with our community and bonding with other people!”

     Taylor has previously participated in other local courts, including the Christkindl Festival and Karner Blue Butterfly Festival courts.

     For Taylor, community involvement can take many forms, from participating in a fundraiser to smaller acts of kindness.

     “I love how easily our community works together for each other and I love to see everyone help each other out,” Taylor said.

     Agriculture is another important part of Taylor’s life. After high school, she is considering becoming a veterinarian working with large animals and hopes to continue encouraging others to become involved in the agriculture industry.

     “Agriculture is truly beautiful and I think everyone should be a part of it,” Taylor said.

     Taylor hopes more young people consider opportunities through organizations such as FFA and 4-H, showing animals at the fair or simply learning more about agriculture.

     Taylor is also considering a career in nursing. After recently job shadowing at Black River Falls hospital, she said she enjoyed seeing how employees worked together and helped people in the community.

     “I really think helping people when they need is something I would want to do, also because I love putting smiles on people’s faces,” Taylor said.

     As she begins her time as First Attendant, Taylor said she is especially looking forward to attending parades, meeting other courts and spending time with the other members of the Miss Black River Falls court.

     “My court is like my other family and I love them so much and am so happy I have gotten to know them through an opportunity like this,” Taylor said.