Both rodeo and royalty have surrounded Round-Up Princess Jill Sorey since birth. Her sister, Katy Sorey Holdman, was a princess in 1984 and her sister-in-law, Wendy Wagner Sorey, was on the court in 1986. In addition, her family tree bears some pretty distinguished grass stains from the Round-Up Arena.

Her maternal grandfather, Damase Bergevin, roped steers at the Pendleton Round-Up in the 1940s. Her uncle, Joe Bergevin, won the calf roping in 1956 and the steer roping in 1959. Her brother, Tom Sorey, won Pendleton’s steer roping title in 1996 and 1999.

Jill Sorey, the daughter of Bob and Tricia Sorey of Helix, has never missed a Round-Up, and has always dreamed of being a part of the thrilling run-in.

“I was born the year my sister Katy was on the court,” she said. “I’ve heard stories of that time, and watched my brother rope, always wanting to be a part of it myself. I have such fond memories of the years Tom won the steer roping. It was a very exciting time for my family. I’m so happy to have my own part in what has become a family tradition.”

The youngest of five children, Jill is starting to finally feel like her brothers and sisters are playing more of a friendship role in her life, than that of considerably older siblings. In addition to Katy and Tom, her family includes Jayne Sorey Likes and Tim Sorey. Even though Jill isn’t an only child, it seemed like it at times as her closest sibling is almost 13 years older.

“I’ve been my parents hobby; they say I keep them young,” she smiled.

Part of the Sorey secret to keeping young is laughter. When asked what she enjoys the most she promptly responded, “Making people laugh. I think I get that from my dad. His trick is to never give anyone a straight answer.”

Anyone who’s been around either Bob or Jill Sorey can attest to the fact that they’ve mastered the art of humor.

“They better watch their backs,” Jill said of those who might be meeting the Soreys for the first time. The fun that will be poked at just about anyone is good-natured and well-intended, though. And the princess and her father are just as appreciative when fun is poked back at them.

When Jill reminisces about her favorite moments with the court, her sense of humor is illustrated even further. One of her favorite times, she says, is when the young women, well-schooled in the Western style of riding, first played polo.

“We just went out and had a blast,” she said. “Every minute with us is funny. We don’t like being serious.”

In addition to loving laughter, Jill enjoys keeping busy. She was active in Pioneer Posse and Mustangers and still enjoys riding. She was a member of 4-H, for eight years, concentrating on livestock. She also sewed for three years.

At Griswold High School in Helix, she played volleyball and basketball and co-captained both teams as a senior. She was active in student government in high school. She held class offices her freshman and sophomore years, was student body vice president her junior year, and was president her senior year. She was salutatorian for her class, and was awarded a full-tuition scholarship to Eastern Oregon University in La Grande.

When she returns to EOU for her sophomore year this fall, she will be taking a variety of courses as she looks for the right major. She is interested in majoring in education, or getting her degree in business with an emphasis in accounting.

“I’m exploring right now,” she said. “I don’t want to set limitations by declaring a major. I’m looking for the venue that’s right for me, something I can be happy with for the rest of my life.”

Sorey is sure she’ll find what’s meant for her. She imagines that 10 years from now she will have completed her education, done a bit of traveling and be settled close to home, beginning her own additions to the family that already means so much to her.

“I want my kids to grow up with family around them,” she said.

She also hopes her own children will enjoy continuing the family tradition of Round-Up. If she has a son who wants to rope or a daughter who wants to be a princess, she’ll be ready to support them just as her own family has supported her. She’s already watching with excitement as her nephew, Pake Sorey, 9, has started roping, and her niece Emily, 7, is practicing her “princess wave”.

“Look out, Pendleton, more Soreys are coming,” she says of the next generation of her family.

In addition to Tom and Wendy’s two children, Jill has one niece and six nephews – all of whom are important to her and her family’s Round-Up traditions.

Jill’s family has grown even more this year. It now includes six new members – the rest of the 2003 Round-Up and Happy Canyon courts.

“I have sisters,” she said. “And for once, they’re of my own age.”

Sorey said whenever the courts have time off they look around and say, “What can we do?” Instead of seeking time away from each other, they choose to stay together. “We love to watch TV, scrapbook, swim, oh, and we love to talk. We never run out of things to talk about. It’s interesting to see the differences in our conversations as the year has progressed.” While Sorey enjoys the fun the young women have together, she never makes light of the responsibilities that come with being Round-Up royalty.

“As Jennifer (Levy) is always reminding us – it’s a job, but it’s a really great job,” she said. “It’s been something I’ve never questioned that I’ve wanted. Round-Up is a long tradition in our family and community, and it’s an honor to represent such a rich history.” One week from today, Jill Sorey will be taking part in the first run-in of the rodeo.

“I’m so excited for it to come,” she said. “We just had our first official run-in practice and it was such a thrill, but I can’t imagine the stands being filled with thousands of people.”

Being a member of the court has taught the princess some valuable lessons. She counts perfecting her public speaking skills and learning how to better interact with large numbers of strangers as some of the greatest gifts this year has given her. While Jill admits that she will welcome a respite from the nonstop activity of promoting Round-Up, next Saturday will be difficult.

“It’s going to be hard to take this hat off and go back to reality,” she said. “Can you believe they already have the bumper stickers out for next year? I saw one and I just wanted to shout, ‘Take that off! It’s not over yet!”

Knowing how close the court is, Jill is sure that while their reign may end Saturday, Sept. 13, their love for Round-Up and for each other will mean that their relationship will continue.

“My sister’s court has a reunion potluck at Pendleton Community Park every Round-Up,” she said. “They all come and enjoy that time together. I know we’ll probably do something like that.”

Jill is sure that whatever they decide to do on an annual basis – one thing is for sure. “It’s going to be fun!”

There have been people who have asked Jill if she might consider trying out for other courts, such as Miss Rodeo Oregon, after her reign. She greets that question with her typical sense of humor. “Why on earth would I want to do that,” she remarked. “I’m a Round-Up princess. That’s the best there is. You can’t top that.”

Terry Murry is the media specialist for the Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon.

Jill Sorey

Education: Davis Elementary, College Place, Wash. (grades K-4); Helix Elementary, (grades 4-5); Helix Junior High School; Griswold High School (graduated 2002); Eastern Oregon University.

Favorite activities: Spending time with family and friends, riding, volleyball, basketball, scrapbooking, skiing and shopping.

Career choice: Still deciding, leaning toward teaching or accounting.

Favorite animal: Her horse, Davey.

Favorite color: Pink

Favorite movie: “Sound of Music”

Favorite book: “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho

Favorite television show: “Trading Spaces”

Favorite vacation spot: The beach.

Message to the children she meets: “When it comes down to it, happiness is a decision. You can either choose to be miserable or you can choose to smile. Make the most out of things!”

One thing you want to say that you haven’t been asked: “Thanks so much to the Round-Up for giving me this wonderful opportunity. It’s been such an enriching experience. The people we’ve shared this year with have really been the highlight, thanks to the Round-Up and Happy Canyon boards and their wives. Thanks so much to Randy and Rosemary Severe for your time and support. A special thanks to all of the parents, your dedication has been awesome. Thanks to all six of the girls … it couldn’t have been a better year, I’m so glad to have found your friendships! Most of all, thanks for the continued support and love from my parents and family “I LOVE YOU!”