The artwork of Keely Wildman is featured on the limited edition poster for the 59th Cochrane Lions Labour Day Weekend Rodeo.
A celebration was held on May 25 to unveil the winning entry and to recognize all six high school artists who submitted entries in the first-ever poster contest for the rodeo.
"I'm just really happy that I got this opportunity," said Keely, a student from St. Timothy High School. “After seeing all these posters, I was just shocked that mine won because they’re all so good.”
Keely aimed to reflect both the present and the past of Cochrane. To portray the past, she incorporated the Men of Vision statue that graces the hillside in Cochrane Ranche.
"Growing up in Cochrane, I’ve always seen it. It’s always been a symbol of Cochrane, so I thought it would be perfect for capturing the historical theme."
In the foreground of her design is present-day Cochrane, with a scene from the rodeo.
For her winning poster, Keely received a $1,000 scholarship from the Lions Club, a $250 art gift card, a four-day rodeo pass, and a Cochrane Rodeo (CR) baseball cap. She will also receive a one-of-a-kind championship Lions rodeo buckle—a lifelong keepsake—on the third day of the rodeo.
Andrea Raab, also from St. Timothy’s, placed second and received a $150 art gift card, a four-day rodeo pass, and a CR cap.
Mesa Harms, of Cochrane High School, placed third and was awarded a $100 art gift card, a four-day rodeo pass, and a CR cap.
Kate Sharkey, Mia Moulder, and Sofia Rodrigues—all from St. Timothy’s—also submitted exceptional entries and were awarded rodeo tickets and CR baseball caps.
St. Timothy’s art instructor Richard Theroux said his enthusiasm for the contest grew after meeting with officials from the Lions Club.
“When I got called down to the office, I was afraid I was in trouble,” he laughed. “But it was just how gracious they were that inspired me to ask the kids if they wanted to participate.”
He emphasized that participation was entirely voluntary and that the students were self-motivated and used their own creativity.
“I’m so proud of them all,” he said. “I’m glad someone else picked the winner—it would’ve been impossible for me to choose.”
Simon Wallis, the Lions Club’s marketing director and head of the contest, said the club and its rodeo committee emphasize public engagement in everything they do.
"Having our schools and our youth be part of it is really important to us, and we're just so pleased the students rose to the occasion and produced such amazing artwork," said Wallis.
Lions Club President Chris Connon agreed.
"Involving the community is one of the pillars of the Lions organization, and this was an incredible way to do that. The art teachers thought it was a great idea, and it was really cool to see what the students created."
Wallis said launching the contest this year felt especially meaningful.
“Next year is our 60th, which is a big deal. We wanted to start this tradition with our 59th and plan to return next year with another poster competition.”
Only 100 posters are being produced. The first copy goes to the artist, and the 100th to her school. The Lions Club is keeping the 59th copy to commemorate the 59th year.
The remaining posters will be available for purchase by emailing crrodeomedia@gmail.com.
The winning artwork will also be featured prominently in this year's rodeo branding.
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Students from all Cochrane schools had two months to submit their posters under the theme "The Western Town of Cochrane and its Historic Rodeo." They were given access to a collection of photographs prepared by Tim Hall, blending Cochrane’s past and present to fuel their creativity.
