Augusta, New Jersey- Hollywood could not have written a better script than the real-life tale of the champion at the first annual Sussex Christian School Pro Rodeo, held in Augusta, N.J., May 18, 2012.

The event is designed to raise funds for the Sussex Christian School, an elementary and junior high school with a strong, faith based teaching philosophy located in Northern New Jersey. Along with pro rodeo action, the SCSPR held events for the kids like pony-rides and a kids' rodeo. Painted Pony Championship Rodeo produced the event and all proceeds went to the school.

It was fitting that the lady who would take the title in the WPRA barrel racing is taking her first steps, not only in pro rodeo but toward a career working with special needs kids. Taylor Young grew up in Carlisle, Pa., and developed a love for the sport at an early age, thanks in no small part to the encouragement of her father Don.

"He got in with everything and I just fell in love with it," says the cowgirl who just turned 19 years old. "He is my number one fan and I miss him so much when I am away at school."

Young just finished her first year at Murray State University in Murray, Ky., where she is studying to become a special needs speech therapist. She was inspired to pursue the career by her brother Brandon who is autistic.

In rodeo, Young filled her permit in one run at Marshfield, Mass., last June, riding a borrowed horse. A surprise gift last August pushed the cowgirl to decide to rodeo for a rookie title in 2012.

"I lived with Kelly Yates last summer and rode Kissmyskooter while I was there," says Young of the 12 year old gelding owned by Rivon Nilson that carried Yates to a sixth place finish at Cheyenne Frontier Days in 2011 and second at the Mountain States Circuit Finals Rodeo in 2010. "I just fell in love with him."

Little did Young know that soon her father, Nilson and Yates would conspire to put the gelding into her barn permanently. "They showed up just before I went to school and my dad had bought him for me."

Unfortunately, the horse had injured himself in the trailer on the way to the Young's home in Pennsylvania, so she would have to wait to begin their adventure together. Far from bemoaning the setback, Young appreciates the opportunity.

"I am so blessed with the opportunities I have had to rodeo," she says, adding that her father and uncle grew up with nothing and eventually built a business together. Later, her parents started Universal Media, a marketing company that is now Young's sponsor as she travels the rodeo road. "I think about my dad, doing so much when he had nothing to begin with and I just think how blessed I am."

Clearly, Young leaves the "diva attitude" to her horse.

"He is a diva and he knows it," she laughs, adding that she spoils him and he expects the attention. "When I unload Skooter off the trailer, people laugh and say, 'oh the diva's here.'"

With Skooter recovered from his injuries, Young has finally set off on the road, traveling to Augusta just a few days after returning home from college.

"It was bittersweet for me," says Young. "My grandmother passed away the day I was there. She had been sick a long time so it was a relief to know her suffering had ended but it was sad. But I almost felt like her hand was there and everything just fell into place."

In just her 12th run aboard Skooter, Young took the victory with a smooth 14.56 second run. She earned $765 and moved into the top 10 of the First Frontier Circuit standings and to the lead for the circuit's rookie title.

"I am so excited," she says. "My dad screamed the whole time on the video! He was definitely a proud papa that day."

Young will rodeo during her summer break in her home circuit but plans to head back to school early for an internship opportunity at a school in Murray. She will take her horses with her and try to rodeo "down South" a bit while she works and goes to school.

"I couldn't be in a better place," she says. "I am a very blessed child."

For more information on the Sussex Christian School Pro Rodeo visit www.paintedponyrodeo.com and for more information on the school, visit them on-line at www.sussexchristianschool.org.