A 6-year-old wildlife lover from Grand Junction is one step away from making national history. Rhys Stanley is holding strong in second place in the Jr. Ranger competition, and a top finish in this round could push her into the semifinals. If she goes all the way, she will be the first girl ever to claim the title.

Rhys Stanley Holds Steady in National Voting Race

As of 10:30 p.m. on May 13, Rhys was sitting in second place in the quarterfinals round. She had about seven days left to climb to the top spot before the next cut.

To advance, she must finish first in her group when voting closes. Anything less ends her run for the national crown.

The Grand Junction kindergartner has built her support base through family, friends, and her school community. Local voters across Mesa County have rallied around her in recent days.

“I wanted to thank all my friends and families and my school,” Rhys said.

She is one of nearly 1,500 young explorers competing across the country. The Jr. Ranger contest is open to kids ages 4 to 12 who love the great outdoors.

A Big Heart for Animals and the Outdoors

Behind the numbers is a quiet, kind story. Rhys once helped save a newborn bunny that nearly drowned. She helped nurse it back to health, one careful step at a time.

That moment stuck with her. She speaks about animals the way most kids her age talk about their favorite cartoons.

“I like spending time with my family and going out to the nature with my family,” she said.

When asked about her future, she did not hesitate. She wants to become a teacher, inspire the next generation, and keep people healthy. Her words feel bigger than her age.

“It’s been long, but I’m grateful to be in it.” Rhys Stanley, Jr. Ranger quarterfinalist

What the Jr. Ranger Grand Prize Includes

The reward at the end of the road is no small thing. The grand prize package is valued at roughly $45,000, according to the official Jr. Ranger rules.

Here is what the national winner walks away with:

• $20,000 cash honorarium for the child and family
• A feature in Ranger Rick Magazine, the iconic kids’ nature publication that has inspired young readers since 1967
• An exclusive wildlife experience with Jeff Corwin, the Emmy-winning TV host and conservationist

The magazine version depends on age. Kids ages 4 to 7, like Rhys, would be featured in Ranger Rick Jr. Older winners appear in Ranger Rick.

Jeff Corwin serves as the ambassador and host of the entire campaign. He has spent decades teaching families about animals and wild places on prime time television.

How the Voting Works and What Comes Next

The road to the title runs through several rounds of public voting. Votes reset after every stage, so big leads do not carry over.

Voters can cast one free vote each day on the official Jr. Ranger website. Supporters can also vote through donation, with that money going straight to wildlife conservation efforts.

The next cut for Rhys is the biggest test yet. Only the top finisher in her group moves into the semifinals that start on May 22.

The Cause Behind the Contest

The Jr. Ranger competition is much more than a prize hunt. It is a national fundraiser for the National Wildlife Federation, one of the country’s largest conservation groups, with more than 7 million members and supporters.

In 2025, the campaign raised over $7 million for wildlife protection. The 2025 champion, a young explorer named Thomas, was honored last August.

Colossal, the professional fundraising platform that runs the contest, has raised more than $177 million for nonprofits across the United States. Jr. Ranger sits alongside other signature events like America’s Favorite Pet and America’s Favorite Teacher.

The competition partners include Ranger Rick magazine, the outdoor booking platform Hipcamp, and the National Wildlife Federation. Every donation goes to protecting habitats, fighting climate change, and inspiring kids to care about nature.

For Rhys, the cause sits right beside the dream. Her love of animals, her bunny rescue story, and her hope to keep people healthy all line up with what the contest stands for.

The clock is now ticking on her quarterfinal push. Grand Junction is rallying behind her, and the rest of the country is watching closely. A 6-year-old with a soft spot for bunnies could rewrite the history of a national competition in just a few weeks. If you want to be part of her story, send a daily vote, share her name with friends, and cheer her on through the final stretch. Drop your thoughts in the comments below and tell us if you think Rhys has what it takes to bring the title home to Colorado.