IMPERIAL COUNTY — The Imperial Valley’s western heritage shone brightly this past weekend as the 2025 Brawley Cattle Call Royal Court was officially crowned, ushering in another year of celebration, horsemanship and community pride.
The newly named royalty includes Queen Annika Mitosinka, Teen Queen Victoria Torres, Junior Queen Emilia Morales and Little Miss Braelynn Lawrence — four young women now representing the spirit and tradition of the Brawley Cattle Call throughout the upcoming season. Together, they will serve as ambassadors at dozens of community events, parades and rodeo appearances that connect the Imperial Valley’s history with its next generation.
First launched in 1957, the Brawley Cattle Call Rodeo began as a way to honor the Valley’s deep agricultural and ranching roots. Over the decades, the Brawley Cattle Call Queen Royalty Association has carried on that legacy by guiding young women through a competition that tests horsemanship, communication and community engagement, which are qualities central to the western way of life.
Vice President Dana Mendoza said the competition allows contestants to grow as public speakers and role models. “We look for young ladies that are comfortable in their public speaking and are willing to go out in a crowd and converse with the public,” she said. “Basically, if a girl is excited about the community, excited about rodeo, and is able to communicate with the public, those are the elements we look for.”
Mendoza said this year’s newly crowned Queen, Annika Mitosinka, embodies those ideals with her dedication and genuine enthusiasm. “I believe our new Queen, Annika, is excited to be a part of everything,” she said. “Annika is not only excited about the big events, but even is excited about getting to meet new people and attending as many events as she possibly can.”
A Court of Grace, Spirit and Leadership
Alongside Mitosinka, this year’s Royal Court brings a new wave of energy and excitement to the Cattle Call tradition. Teen Queen Victoria Torres will represent the next generation of young leaders, participating in rodeo and community events across the Valley. Junior Queen Emilia Morales adds youthful determination and enthusiasm to the court, while Little Miss Braelynn Lawrence carries the joy and innocence that make the rodeo a family affair for all ages.
For BCCQRA President Shannon Johnston, the annual crowning of the Royal Court continues a long-standing community legacy that celebrates both western values and female leadership. “The Brawley Cattle Call royalty has been a long-standing tradition in the Imperial Valley,” Johnston said. “By having amazing young ladies promote all the events, and continue with this western tradition. It ensures that it will continue on for years to come.”
Johnston said that beyond the pageantry, the program provides invaluable growth opportunities. “I get to be part of each young lady’s growth as a public speaker, interviewer and representative of the Imperial Valley,” she said. “I love being part of that.”
She added that the program’s success comes from the dedication of its board members and the support of local sponsors. “Formed in 2018 when the Brawley Chamber (of Commerce) no longer could run it, the association has evolved by having great board members that all want the program to be successful,” Johnston said. “Through all the sponsors in the community that make this huge event happen every year. The effect that it has on each young lady overall is just priceless.”
‘A Dream Since I Was 11 Years Old’
For Queen Annika Mitosinka, this moment represents a lifelong dream realized. “It was a surreal feeling, especially considering it has been my dream since I was 11 years old,” she said. “Just to be the queen is truly an honor because I get the opportunity to represent not only Brawley, but the Imperial Valley in the rodeo world.”
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She said her decision to run was deeply personal. “Cailee Roper came up to me during my time on Junior Fair Board and asked if I had ever considered running for the position. After deciding to stay in the Valley to attend IVC I decided that it would be the perfect time to make my dream a reality,” Mitosinka said. “I truly felt like it was God calling my heart to run for the position.”
Now, as she begins her reign, Mitosinka hopes to inspire others through her role. “I really want to use my position to get all the community more involved and excited for Cattle Call and the rodeo itself,” she said. “Everyone should always chase their dreams and get out of their comfort zone because no one wants to live their life with regrets.”
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source calexicochronicle.com ’
