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2021 Distinguished Panel of Judges
Christopher Tooley
From a state where most bleed Husker red, Chris Tooley unapologetically claims pageantry as his favorite “sport”. Born and raised in Nebraska, Chris has been involved in the Miss America system for nearly two decades. He has worked alongside candidates who participate in the Miss Nebraska Scholarship Program; assisting from interview to stage runway presence and wardrobe. Chris is the former Executive Director of the Miss Nebraska Organization. He has also been involved with the Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen program since its inception, helping start the program and most recently, assisting in the production of the state competition. He comes to South Dakota with experience judging several local and state competitions, most recently crowning Miss Washington’s Outstanding Teen, Payton May who went on to win the title of Miss America’s Outstanding Teen! Chris’ studies include his undergraduate in management of human resource and he recently completed his MBA program. Chris utilize this background, his knowledge and skill as a Human Resources Business Partner with one of Omaha’s largest Health Systems. Chris lives in Omaha with his rescued fur baby, Lucy, where he enjoys cheering on the Husker Volleyball team as well as traveling across the US, including the South Dakota Black Hills, which hold a special place in his heart.
Ann McKay Thompson
Ann McKay Thompson is a former Miss South Dakota and received one of the Grand Talent Awards at Miss America. Since then, she has become a nationally recognized innovative leader having founded the South Dakota Discovery Center, Capital University Center, (the concept for adult learning) and the Oscher Life Long Learning Institute in South Dakota. She was one of the first women to serve in the Cabinet of a SD Governor, first in Education and Cultural Affairs, then Department of Labor. She was chosen as a Bush Leadership Fellow with studies at MIT and went on to publish with Simon and Schuster, NY. The National Press Women chose her as their National Woman of Achievement the same year her coauthored book on women became a national award winner. Other recognitions include being named One of ten Outstanding Young Women of America, a Presidential appointment to the Kennedy Center for the Arts in Washington DC, and her induction into the South Dakota Hall of Fame. As President of the SD Commission on the Status of Women, she coordinated the successful passage of the Equal Rights Amendment and has always advocated an even playing field for women. Ann has served on over 37 boards or commissions. She now serves on the Board of the Hall of Fame and the Foundation for Monument healthcare in Rapid City.
Sally Christenson
Sally resides in Pierre, SD. She and her late husband, Bernie, also owned a home in Fountain Hills, AZ, where they spent their winters for 20 years. Her passion has been in the field of education. She received a degree as an educator from Northern State University and taught school in Aberdeen, Jamestown, ND, Watertown, and Pierre. She initiated the first Head Start program in her hometown. During her teaching years she was active in educational committees and various commissions. Sally has been active in her church and led Bible Study groups, belongs to AB PEO chapter, holding offices including the office of President. She has chaired various fund raising events. Sally was appointed by Governor Rounds to serve on the Judicial Qualification Commission and served as Chair. She was appointed to the Career Service Commission by Governor Janklow. Sally serves on the Commission on Equal Access to our Courts. She has been a member of the state Junior Achievement Board and helped initiate the local Junior Achievement program in Pierre. She serves on the Fairy Godmother Board, a branch of the SD Community Foundation. She’s an avid reader, plays golf and is an exercise enthusiast. Her children and grandchildren remain the loves of her life.
Elizabeth (Beth) Raml
South Dakota Army National Guard, where she takes care of the IT needs of the Recruiting staff across the state. She worked for 10 years as a Recruiter for the SD Army National Guard in Watertown and the surrounding communities. Beth enlisted in the SD Guard in 2001. She deployed to Iraq in 2003 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. She has held several jobs within the Guard, including Truck Driver, Supply Sergeant, Patient Administration Specialist, along with Recruiter, and the current position in IT. Beth is married to Charles Raml. They have been married for 9 years and have two children. Beth enjoys gardening and most things craft related. She can often be found digging in her garden, planting and harvesting plants and flowers. She enjoys preserving food and cooking for her family. When not gardening or crafting, one can bet she is enjoying a good book! She also keeps active by managing and playing with a local slow-pitch softball team in the summer. Beth is honored to be a judge in this year’s pageant and, as a woman who frequently wears a uniform, she is truly looking forward to putting on a beautiful gown and joining these young women as they compete for this great honor!
Chris Jung
Chris lives in West Fargo. Originally from South Dakota, he earned his B.A. in English from Northern State University in Aberdeen. He then went on to attend law school at Texas Tech University and the University of South Dakota and graduated with his J.D. in 2009. For eight years, Chris was in private practice as a partner at a law firm in Aberdeen, focusing primarily in the areas of collections and commercial litigation. Since 2017, Chris has worked as an attorney for the North Dakota Department of Human Services. He also teaches as an adjunct professor at the University of North Dakota School of Law and Rasmussen College. In his leisure time, Chris enjoys traveling, playing cards, singing, spending time with family and friends, judging speech and debate, and volunteering with his church as an assistant minister, soloist, and reader. But a cautionary note: If you want the program to end before midnight, don’t let Chris get ahold of the microphone.
The Ray Peterson Rookie of the Year Award
Presented to the Miss South Dakota Contestant placing the highest among the first-time contestants in a given year. A $500 scholarship provided by former Miss SDs in honor of Ray’s 55 years of dedication to the Miss South Dakota Pageant.
