WAITSBURG- 14 year old Lena Berens already has quite the equestrian resume, and this year, she will be adding Waitsburg Celebration Days Queen to her experience. With her trusty palomino mare, Diamond, Lena is committed to representing Celebration Days and the community of Waitsburg on the rodeo road this upcoming year.

Lena is the daughter of Chris and Trisha Berens, and younger sister to Clara Berens. She is a freshman at Walla Walla High School. Originally from the small town of Dunlap, Iowa, Lena and her family moved to Chattaroy, Wash., before settling in Walla Walla roughly 4 years ago. Lena was no stranger to the western lifestyle, and quickly got involved at the Royal Stewart Arena. She became a member of the Country Carousel 4-H club, where she shows a leased Appaloosa named Sir. Lena and Sir spend the winters competing in the Battle in the Saddle show series together.

When she's not showing Sir, Lena enjoys barrel racing and pole bending on her palomino mare, Diamond. She has been teamed up with Diamond for a little over a year, and is looking forward to riding the mare through the various parade routes and rodeo grand entries throughout the summer.

Her involvement in horses doesn't leave her with much free time, but the little bit she manages to get is all booked up. Lena is already an accomplished public speaker, and she has plenty of blue ribbons and awards to show for it. Lena also joined the National FFA Organization, and looks forward to competing in various Career Development Events and projects. Lena served as the 2018-19 National Honor Society President at Garrison Middle School, and maintained a 4.0 GPA. Lena says that she enjoys being busy, and she is grateful for the support system that allows her to stay busy.

When asked about Waitsburg, Lena said that she loves that the little town lives up to its motto: One of a Kind. Lena looks forward to being a part of the 'One of a Kind' lifestyle and traditions that Waitsburg boasts. Lena is excited to be an ambassador for the Waitsburg Celebration Days, and looks forward to sharing all things Waitsburg during her travels.