BRANDON VALLEY — Madison Nipe of Madison was chosen as the 2018 Miss South Dakota USA and Shania Knutson of Viborg claimed the title of Miss South Dakota Teen at the statewide pageant, held Oct. 1 at the Brandon Valley Performing Arts Center.
Both titleholders will now move on to their respective national pageants.
For Madison Nipe, that will be the Miss USA Pageant, which will be broadcast live on Nov. 26. Among those who will likely have plans to watch this year’s pageant, will be John Roache, Jr., of Huron. Nipe is the granddaughter of Roache and the late Patricia Roache and the daughter of Carrie Roache Nipe.

The competition, which is held annually, consists of three proportional segments: evening gown, swimwear/active wear and interview.
Nipe and Knutson each were presented thousands of dollars in prizes and awards. In addition, the winner of the Miss USA Pageant will move on to represent the United States in the Miss Universe competition.

Courtesy photo

Madison Nipe, the newly crowned Miss South Dakota USA makes her first walk with the sash and crown Oct. 1 at the Brandon Valley Performing Arts Center.