MORGAN PECK, MISS SOUTH DAKOTA 2009  Parents: Matt Peck and Connie Bowar Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD Age: 20 Talent: Theatrical Vocal            "My Simple Wish" Platform: G.I.G.L. - Getting Involved                in Government Locally

Morgan Peck is a Sioux Falls native, studying Political Science and Economics at the University of South Dakota. She has held many campus leadership positions, including President of Pi Beta Phi sorority, Vice President of Political Science League, Student Government Association Senator, and University Technology Fellow. Currently a Presidential Alumni Scholar at USD, Morgan has also earned pre-acceptance to the University of South Dakota Law School as a Law Honors Scholar.

Since 1989, the Miss the Miss America Organization initiated the platform concept, requiring contestants to support an issue of personal and societal relevance. Morgan's decision to promote activism and understanding by Getting Involved in Government Locally  (G.I.G.L.) stemmed from her interest in politics and what she believes citizens of all ages need in order to contribute to problem-solving discussions in their communities.

Morgan is a graduate of O'Gorman High School where she garnered many local, state and national awards for her forensics activities. She was a three-time qualifier for two different national speech tournaments, and consistently placed among the top performers at these events. Morgan first graced the stage of the Sioux Falls Community Playhouse at the age of 8, when she played Molly in the 1997 production of Annie. She has since appeared in over 30 theatrical productions.