If Shane Proctor needed a good luck charm, the students at Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School provided it.

The 2011 world champion bull rider was in Brighton for the debut of the Extreme Seminole Showdown on Sept. 17-18 at Fred Smith Rodeo Arena.

Proctor and the other riders received beaded items, including necklaces, made especially for them by PECS students.

Proctor won the bull riding portion of the program and earned more than $3,000 in first place prize money.

He didn’t forget the thoughtful gifts from the students.

“I want to give a special BIG Thank You to the young students at Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School for making every contestant a beaded necklace for good luck. It must of worked,” Proctor, who is from Washington State, posted on social media.

The Showdown, a PRCA event, drew professional riders from throughout the country and locally. Ernie Courson Jr., of Okeechobee, finished fourth behind Proctor.

“Felt good to be home and see so much family and friends. Blessed to have my whole family there with me today including my dad, grandpa and mother-in-law. Also had my Coach Justin Gopher on the chutes with me,” Courson said on social media.

Gopher is a longtime rodeo standout from the Seminole Tribe, which was also represented by Norman “Squirm” Osceola who competed in bull riding.

Matthew Smith, of Alabama, won the bareback riding. Chase Brooks, of Montana, captured the saddle bronc riding and all-around cowboy.

“Was lucky enough to get the win in Okeechobee last weekend and come home with this shiny new guitar from Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino,” Brooks said in a social media post. The champions each received guitars from Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, which was a main sponsor along with the Brighton Tribal Council’s Office.

There was also a Seminole connection with the animals that the winners’ rode. Brooks was on “Girl Crush” and Proctor was on “Yogi Bear,” both from 5 Star Rodeo, which is owned by tribal members Marty Johns and Paul Bowers Jr.

Bowers and his wife, Mackenzie, organized the Showdown.

“This event was to showcase the roughstock of the southeastern circuit along with giving the cowboys a chance to make some extra money before the 2022 PRCA season ends on September 30th. We added this event to bring an exclusive event in the off season to the Brighton community,” Mackenzie Bowers said.

The opening ceremony included Bowers, Brighton Councilman Larry Howard, Brighton Board Rep. Helene Buster and Miss Florida USA and Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School teacher Taylor Fulford.