2019 Pageant in Review

2019 Competition in Review

One word said it all . . .

It was a first for the city of Brooking and a first for the Miss South Dakota Organization as well. After 72 wonderful years in Hot Springs, the Miss America franchised State Competition made its premiere appearance in the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center on the campus of South Dakota State University in Brookings. And, for the first time in the history of the Miss South Dakota Pageant (now called a “Competition”) the annual event had a one-word theme – “Believe!” It

was really quite the party as 28 Forever Miss

South Dakotas, now residing in states from coast to coast, arrived in Brookings ready to celebrate the completion of SDSU’s long-awaited, state-ofthe- art Performing Arts Center and to enjoy the luxury of their new home.

Seth Pierce and a trio of talented Miss South Dakotas – Kyra Korver Mentele, Miss SD 2004; Kate Wismer, Miss SD 2007; and Autumn

Simunek Conrad, Miss SD 2015 – opened the show with an up-beat, theme-setting “Something to Believe In” followed by a rousing and most appropriate, “Gee, But It’s Good to Be Here!” led by show host and popular weather meteorologist, Shawn Cable. Sixteen enthusiastic and goal-driven local representatives began their week-long rigorous rehearsal schedule on Sunday, May 26th and, along with the entertainers, took time on the 27th to sing for the

Brookings Memorial Day Observance at the Swiftel Center. Upon returning to the Performing Arts Center, the Candidates were greeted by Brookings Mayor Keith Corbett and SDSU President Barry Dunn, and with their warm and friendly welcome, Brookings felt like home and it truly was good to be here!

As always, music played an important role in giving life to the 2019 Competition theme with “I Believe in Music,” “When You Believe,” “Don’t Stop Believing” and “I Believe” being among the many songs rendered beautifully by the talented cast. Throughout the week the Miss South Dakota spotlight was, of course, on Carrie Wintle, our 73rd Miss SD who, along with her piano instructor, wowed the audience nightly with their intense and highly impressive classic piano duet. Carrie’s year of service was especially rewarding when making appearances with her Outstanding Teen “sister,” Jessica Benson. Together, these young ladies made numerous appearance throughout the state while making wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.

While “Believe!” was the word of focus throughout the 2019 Competition Week activities, behind it all there was another word of even greater importance – SCHOLARSHIPS! There is no doubt about it. Scholarships are the main reason America’s brightest young women want to compete in the Miss America program, and for the sixteen ladies competing for the 2019 Miss South Dakota title, the competition was keen to say the least. But in the end, it was a tall, articulate Political Science major from Hot Springs who walked away wearing the 2019 Miss South Dakota banner and crown. Who knew then what we know now? Congratulations and Thank You, Amber Hulse, for TWO years of dedicated service to the Miss South Dakota Organization. Your fellow South Dakotans BELIEVE in YOU and wish you only the very best in all of your future endeavors.