GILLETTE, Wyo. - Nobody remembers when so many cowboys and cowgirls qualified for the National High School Finals Rodeo, let alone how many actually managed to attend.

It's a long, expensive trip to most of the NHSFR's, but this year's event is just down the road in Gillette, Wyo., and all seven Mission Valley qualifiers will be making the trip. They'll head out this weekend, as competition begins on Monday, July 19, at 9 a.m.

To qualify, the youth had to place in the top four at Montana's State High School Finals Rodeo in Helena.

Mission Valley qualifiers include:

? Levi Hendrickson, Arlee - bareback riding and bull riding.

? Jessica Picchietti, Arlee - pole bending and goat tying.

? Sarah Guenzler, Ronan -pole bending.

? Stacy Harris, Ronan - breakaway roping.

? Jessica Milliron, Polson - cow cutting.

? Scott Dark, Polson - saddle bronc riding.

? Donnie Benson, Ronan - steer wrestling.

Those seven represent a group of 18 hard-working student-athletes from the Mission Valley who have faithfully attended high school rodeos throughout the season. This year 12 of those 18 made it to the state finals and seven achieved every student's dream of qualifying for nationals as part of Montana's national team.

"The students believe in the NHSRA, which has a mission to promote the positive image of rodeo, preserve the Western heritage, and maintain the highest regard to the livestock," high school rodeo supporter Dawn Benson said. "Our local students are representatives from our state and realize it is an honor to be able to attend the National Finals."

Students from 38 states and five Canadian provinces and Australia will attend the National Finals, featuring more than 1,500 contestants.

The students must be members in good standing of the NHSRA and maintain good grades.

Attending National Finals is also a leadership experience. Donnie Benson was one of four Montana state delegates and will attend student delegate, officer and candidate meetings as he votes in NHSRA affairs.

Parents of the rodeo athletes are hosting a benefit spaghetti dinner tonight (Thursday) at Cenex in Ronan. Dinner includes salad and dessert, all for just $3.50 per plate or $15 per family.

There will also be a silent auction, which will close at 8 p.m. The group will also sell 50/50 raffle tickets, with a drawing at 8 p.m. Winners don't have to be present to win.

All proceeds will go toward offsetting the costs of athletes attending the National Finals.