SIOUX FALLS — Fifteen candidates ages 12-24 from across South Dakota competed for the chance to serve South Dakota through the Miss Siouxland Competition held in Sioux Falls.
As part of the Miss America Organization, it is a local preliminary for the Miss South Dakota Organization and a part of the world’s largest scholarship provider for women. Each of the candidates submitted both a resume and social impact initiative outlining their goals and roles in helping their local communities and state in ways that interest and empower them. They ranged from stopping puppy mills, to highlighting road worker safety, to character education.
Competitions included a private interview, on stage interview and social impact initiative pitch, evening gown and talent.
Macey Strutz, 19, of Sioux Falls was crowned Miss Siouxland, Javonte Madsen, 17, of Rapid City was crowned Miss Rolling Plains, and Margaret Samp, 18, of Sioux Falls was crowned Miss Sioux Falls. Each new titleholder is being awarded $1,250 in scholarship. Margaret Samp was the recipient of the Top Red Carpet Award. Madeline Schuelke of Groton was awarded Miss Congeniality. Top Talent was awarded to Laney Titze of Mitchell. The Newcomer Award along with first runner up was awarded to Rachel Friez of Sioux Falls.
The Outstanding Teens competed in a private interview, onstage question, evening gown, talent, and fitness routine. Olivia Odenbrett, 14, of Brandon was crowned Miss Siouxland’s Outstanding Teen, and Karina Novotny, 14, of Hot Springs was crowned Miss Rolling Plains’ Outstanding Teen. Each of the Outstanding Teen Queens were awarded $400 in scholarships. Megan Kogel of Woonsocket won the Newcomer Award.
In total, over $5,000 in scholarships and awards was presented. Each of the newly crowned titleholders will go on to compete at the Miss South Dakota and Miss South Dakota’s outstanding Teen competition in Brookings in June 2022.
