Miss State Fair again earns Miss South Dakota title

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BROOKINGS — Amber Hulse, a 20-year old political science major attending the University of South Dakota from Hot Springs, was crowned Miss South Dakota 2019 Saturday night.
Hulse, who was first runner-up to last year’s winner Carrie Wintle, is the second consecutive title holder to qualify as Miss State Fair, following in Wintle’s footsteps.
Hulse is also the first Miss South Dakota to earn her sash and tiara in Brookings, after the scholarship pageant ended a 70+ year run in Hulse’s hometown of Hot Springs.
In addition to her scholarship of $9,500 for winning the competition, Hulse was a preliminary talent winner Friday evening ($1,000), and on-stage interview winner on Thursday ($500.) Hulse was also the overall interview winner ($500) and took home the Miss America Community Service Award ($1,000). Hulse was also named winner of the Sylvia Tannehill Kindness Award scholarship of $1,000.
Amber’s platform is “Operation Overload” and for her talent, she played “Inner Turmoil” on the piano. She is the daughter of Raymond and Kristina Hulse. She will move forward and will represent the state at the Miss America Pageant, set for early September in Atlantic City. The finals for Miss America will take place Sept. 9.
First runner-up was Annie Woodmansey of Pierre. In addition to her scholarship award of $4,500 for being first runner-up, she was a preliminary talent winner Thursday evening ($1,000), and on-stage interview winner on Friday ($500).

Second runner-up was Carly Goodhart of Sisseton, who took home a $2,500 scholarship, in addition to a $750 STEM scholarship.
Third runner-up was Hunter Widvey of Rapid City, garnering a $1,500 scholarship. Widvey also won a $750 STEM scholarship, as well as the Ray Peterson “Rookie of the Year” award of $500 for being the top-placing first-time candidate. She was also crowned in Huron last fall, earning the title of Miss Wheel Jam.
Fourth runner-up and winner of a $1,200 scholarship was Kaitlin O’Neill of Aberdeen.

Payton Steffensen crowned Miss SD’s Outstanding Teen
 
Payton Steffensen, 16, Miss Siouxland’s Outstanding Teen, was crowned Miss South Dakota’s Outstanding Teen Friday evening. She danced to “Model Behavior” from the musical “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown,” to win the talent competition and tied for the on-stage interview award, and was the overall private interview winner. The Yankton native’s parents are Emily Smith and Tony Steffensen. She is a student at O’Gorman High School in Sioux Falls. Steffensen received $2,450 in scholarships.
First runner-up was Breanna Bossman of Humboldt. She also won the patriotic scholarship.
Second runner-up was Laney Titze of Mitchell. Third runner-up was Kate Dailey of Mitchell. Dailey was also the top Children’s Miracle Network fundraiser. Fourth runner-up was Anna Calhoon of Chancellor.
Miss Jacks’ Outstanding Teen, Madeline Schuelke of Groton, was Miss Congeniality.
Miss Mitchell’s Outstanding Teen, Afton Riggs of Sioux Falls, was the Fan Favorite award winner.
Steffensen will represent South Dakota at the 2019 Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Competition which will be held in Orlando, Fla., July 23-25.