Medicine Hat Stampede Queen finds confidence through community and education

Born in Williams Lake, B.C., Sippola spent much of her childhood moving between ranches as her family followed work throughout the agricultural industry.

“That’s honestly where the horsemanship and ranching side comes into my life. I was raised with morals around respecting animals, people, good leadership and hard work,” she said in a statement.

Those experiences helped shape her connection to agriculture and the western way of life, which she now represents at events across Alberta.

Alongside her duties as Stampede Queen, Sippola is pursuing a Business Administration education at Medicine Hat College, where an unexpected change in direction helped her find another path toward her future.

Sippola initially enrolled in University Transfer: Science, believing it would be the right route toward a career in the equine industry.

A business course, however, prompted her to reconsider.

“I remember thinking, ‘I should probably transfer to business.’ I kind of have a knack for this,” Sippola said with a laugh in a statement.

Sippola hopes to eventually operate her own equine reproduction and dentistry business, saying studying business has given her a better understanding of the different ways she could reach that goal.

“You can go into marketing, finance, accounting or run your own business. I loved all the possibilities,” Sippola said.

Lori Siedlecki, president and co-chair of the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Queen Committee, said Sippola’s character and background make her a strong representative for the community.

“She’s very genuine, very real and very down-to-earth,” Siedlecki said in a release.

“She comes from a great family background and has lots of qualities that help her represent Medicine Hat well.”

Sippola’s education is supported through a long-standing partnership between Medicine Hat College and the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede.

Since 1991, the organizations have worked together through the Queen and Princess Scholarship program, helping participants pursue post-secondary education while representing the community.

“Education is important,” Siedlecki said.

“The program is there to support their educational experience.”

For Sippola, college has also provided a sense of community and lasting friendships.

“It’s small enough where everyone gets to intermingle and meet. I never would have met some of my closest friends if I wasn’t here,” she said.

As she looks toward a future in the equine industry, Sippola hopes others will be willing to take a chance on opportunities that might initially seem outside their comfort zone.

Becoming Stampede Queen was never part of her plan, but the experience has allowed her to represent the community and industry that shaped her while continuing to work toward her goals.

“Sometimes jumping in can take you places that you never thought you would go,” Sippola said.

by Jett Schwaier

Medicine Hat Stampede Queen finds confidence through community and education

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