The Belles of the American Royal are pleased to announce the selection of Stephanie Smith Kissick as their 2012 president. The 63rd BOTAR Ball will be held on October 20th at the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. Stephanie is a BOTAR, class of 1990. She served as corresponding secretary in 1999, vice president of American Royal activities in 2003 and vice president of BOTAR activities in 2009. Her numerous leadership roles within BOTAR have included Presidents’ Tea co-chairman, rehearsals chairman and benefactors co-chairman. Stephanie is the daughter of Sonya and Cotton Smith. Cotton is a past president of The Saddle & Sirloin Club and he and Sonya are active supporters of the American Royal. Stephanie’s love of the American Royal was fostered by frequent trips to Kemper Arena with her family to see horse and rodeo shows. Stephanie attended Shawnee Mission East High School and The University of Kansas. She earned her juris doctorate from The University of Kansas School of Law. Stephanie is married to Rob Kissick who was her BOTAR Escort. They are the parents of three children, Katie, Bobby and Maggie, ages 14, 11 and 7, respectively. Katie was a BOTAR page in 2007. Stephanie’s mother-in-law, Joanie Kissick, and sister-in-law, Carrie Kissick Larson, are both past BOTAR presidents.

 Also featured in the August 4th issue of The Independent
Photo Credit: Anthony Mendolia