Valerie Cegelski-McLeod began her time as a Cheyenne Frontier Days volunteer in 1978 as a sophomore in high school. Her volunteer career would last 28 years, until she passed away from ovarian cancer in 2005. Her time as a volunteer began on the Contestants Committee as a receptionist where she would type up all the contestant names, scores, times, and check amounts. With this information, she helped build the day sheet plates for the printing press for the next day's rodeo. Often, this would take until the wee hours of the morning. As the computer age advanced, she helped develop many of the programs and forms still in use today. She assisted the Rodeo Secretary, Ronda Mahan, until Ronda passed away. Valerie was a natural fit to become the next Rodeo Secretary and completed all necessary schooling to become a certified PRCA Secretary in 2001. In 2004, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Fighting a hard battle for a year, Valerie signed her last checks to the 2005 CFD Champions before passing away in September. During her last show, the USAF Thunderbirds paid her a visit and signed a poster for her. Valerie’s friendly and fun-loving attitude and sense of humor made her easy to work with and a joy to be around. She treated everyone the same whether you were a world champion or a first-time contestant. She was a consummate professional who worked well with rodeo judges, stock contractors, contestants, and committee members, assuring that CFD ran smoothly. She was always there doing what needed to be done. Valerie is remembered as a reliable and faithful volunteer to our beloved rodeo.