2024 Panelists Announced

Celebrating over 4 decades of unwavering commitment to the Miss South Dakota Organization, Carol Barnett Nesbitt, a Sioux Falls native, was named Volunteer of the Year at this year’s annual Miss South Dakota competition. Nesbitt, who first joined the organization 44 years ago when she was selected to represent the state as Miss South Dakota 1980, continues to leave an indelible mark on the pageant's legacy. Currently serving as Co-Executive Director alongside former Miss South Dakota competitor Glenda Mostek, Nesbitt plays a pivotal role in supporting the year's delegates as they vie for the title of Miss South Dakota. Her dedication extends further as the Miss South Dakota Alumni Coordinator, fostering connections among former titleholders and perpetuating the organization's rich tradition. In addition, Nesbitt has served as host of the Miss South Dakota State pageant several times and has been an entertainer/vocalist for many years. Over the past 44 years, Nesbitt has held numerous leadership positions within the organization, from local executive director, to Miss SD Program Book Coordinator, to mentor and coach for aspiring title holders at both the local and state level, specifically in the areas of talent and interview. She has undoubtedly left a profound impact on the many lives she’s impacted during her tenure and on the program as a whole. Nesbitt was nominated for Volunteer of the Year by Glenda Mostek who touted Nesbitt’s life-long dedication to the organization. “She was on the board of the first pageant I ever entered, and has been one of the constants of the program throughout my involvement ever since,” said Mostek. “I don’t think there have been many SD state pageants that she has missed. She is a role model for all of us in her deep and undying devotion to the program, willingness to spend untold hours coaching candidates, and kind and loving manner of giving forthright and honest feedback.” Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Miss South Dakota Organization, working throughout the year as they support local competitions, organize the state competition, guide and provide leadership to candidates, as well as building the set for the competition, putting on the show, acting as judges hosts, and much more. They invest in our delegates by helping them increase their confidence and achieve their goals. The Miss South Dakota Organization thanks all of its volunteers for their many hours of dedication.

Joelle Simpson was crowned Miss South Dakota 2024 at Saturday night's competition. Simpson is originally from Rapid City and is attending the University of Minnesota majoring in Medical Laboratory Science. In addition to her $11,000 scholarship for winning the competition, Simpson was a preliminary talent winner Thursday evening ($1,000), preliminary health and fitness winner Friday evening ($500) and the overall interview award winner ($1,000). Simpson received the 2024 STEM award ($750) and was recognized as a finalist for the South Dakota Strong award presented by former Miss South Dakota, Shantel Swedlund-Krebs ($500). She received a $750 STEM scholarship and the Ray Peterson Rookie of the Year award ($1,000). Simpson’s community service initiative is “Nurturing Nature.” As her talent, she played the Harp Cadenza from Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. She is the daughter of Dave and Val Simpson and competed as Miss Rolling Plains. First runner-up was Katie Milbrandt of Brookings, garnering a $5,000 scholarship. Second runner-up was Emily Deinken of Sioux Falls, receiving a $4,000 scholarship. Deinken also received the $500 Miss SD Legacy award as well as the $1,000 Quality of Life award. Third runner-up was Jensine Matson of Ramona, receiving a $3,000 scholarship. Matson was selected by her peers as Miss Congeniality, a $250 award. She also received the Sylvia Tannehill Acts of Kindness and Generosity Award of $1,000. Fourth runner-up was Sydney Morgan of Hot Springs. Morgan was selected for the $500 preliminary Health and Fitness award Thursday evening. She also received the Top Fundraiser award of $500 and the STEM award of $750. Rounding out the top ten semi-finalists, each receiving a $750 scholarship, were Kamella Kopp of Yankton, Olivia Granaas of Vermillion, Jamee Kattner of Huron, Rio Snyder of Black Hawk, and Julia Stanek of Sioux Falls. McKayla Gunderson of Mitchell accepted the most talented non-semifinalist ($250 award). In a tie, Gunderson was also voted by her peers as Miss Congeniality ($250). Madisen Vetter received the community service award ($1,000) as well as the highest score for non-finalist in interview ($250). Twenty women from across the state competed for the title. All won scholarships, totalling $51,750. Each of the non-semi-finalists received a $300 scholarship. Simpson will represent South Dakota at the Miss America Competition in early 2025.

Briley Steffensen, 17, was crowned Miss South Dakota’s Teen Friday evening. Her talent for the competition was a musical theater dance, and her community service initiative is Be True 2 You. She will be a senior at Harrisburg High School this fall, and her parents are Emily Smith and Tony Steffensen. The title comes with a $3,000 scholarship. First runner-up was Amelie Wilcox of Rapid City. She received $1,000 in scholarships. Second runner-up went to Evian Johnson of Brookings, earning $800 in scholarships. Third runner-up was Taya Ritterbush of Hot Springs, taking home a $600 scholarship. Fourth runner-up was Arianna Galles of Rapid City, winning a $400 scholarship. Steffensen will represent South Dakota at the 2025 Miss America's Teen Competition.

Kate Wismer, Executive Producer of the Miss South Dakota competition, has set the theme for this year's show as "Swingin' Glam". When determining a theme, Wismer says she almost always looks to the reigning titleholders for inspiration. Miranda O’Bryan won the title of Miss South Dakota 2023 singing a jazzy, retro version of a popular Taylor Swift song titled "Blank Space". This started the gears turning for Wismer and it didn’t take long to fill up a whole show with jazz standards, modern swing tunes, and even pop songs with a retro vibe. "I knew this was a genre of music that our reigning titleholders would excel in and it offers endless options when it comes to finding music that fits our show," Wismer states. So get ready to bring the GLAM and hum along with some swinging tunes as we cheer on all of the candidates and ultimately crown our new 2024 titleholders! Preliminary competitions will be held on Thursday, May 30, and Friday, May 31, at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center in Brookings. The final competition is set for Saturday, June 1. Tickets are available here .

The Miss South Dakota Organization held their annual elections this past month. Amongst the individuals elected were former Miss South Dakotas and former Miss South Dakota competitors who have assumed important volunteer positions on this year’s board. For the first time in Miss South Dakota history a former Miss South Dakota was elected to represent the organization as board president. Kate Wismer, Miss South Dakota 2007 and most recently Miss South Dakota Executive Director, was officially elected president of the Miss South Dakota Organization following the resignation of September Kirby, who represented the organization as president for 3 years. “I'm looking forward to stepping into the role of president of our Miss SD Board. We have such a well-oiled machine here in South Dakota and I'm extremely grateful to be serving as president with so many experienced board members currently serving,” said Wismer. “When I was Miss South Dakota in 2007, many of the women surrounding me and helping me were also former Miss South Dakotas and that showed me how important it is to give back.” Upon Wismer’s election, Kirby stepped into the role of Past President where she will remain on the board to provide guidance for the upcoming year. “I am excited to see so many new members on the board this year. As a volunteer organization it takes many hands to fulfill the duties of the Miss America Organization,” said Kirby. Several other individuals were nominated and elected to represent this year’s board. Former Miss South Dakota 1980, Carol Nesbitt, and former Miss South Dakota competitor, Glenda Mostek, were elected Co-Executive Directors on this year’s board. Libby Gould was elected to represent the Miss South Dakota’s Teen program as the Teen Executive Director for the 3rd year. Linda Soyland was elected treasurer. Margaret Hofer was elected as this year’s secretary. Sally Isburg was elected Judges Chair; Isburg has volunteered with the organization for over 30 years. Appointed members of this year’s board include the following individuals: Alumni Director - Carol Nesbitt Technical Director - Mark Wismer Field Directors - Cameron Axtmann & Aarron Schuelke Communication/Marketing Coordinators - Kaitlin O’Neill & Cameron Axtmann Producer - Kate Wismer State Competition Liaison - Kristi Richter, Alex Bisson & September Kirby Historian - Ray Peterson Website Liaison - Alex Bisson Associate Member - Beth Raml General Members - Judy Thies, Tari McClung, Amy DeHeer Larson, Sylvie Larson, Karie Geyer, Beth Baloun, Julie Aughenbaugh & Alecia O’Neill Each individual, elected or appointed, volunteers their time and efforts to the organization. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Miss South Dakota Organization, working throughout the year as they support local competitions, organize the state competition, guide and provide leadership to candidates, as well as building the set for the competition, putting on the show, acting as judges hosts, and much more. They invest in our delegates by helping them increase their confidence and achieve their goals. The Miss South Dakota Organization thanks all of its volunteers for their many hours of dedication to the program and looks forward to another excellent year with a strong board.

In an effort to recognize outstanding volunteers within the Miss South Dakota Organization, an annual award is given during the Miss South Dakota competition. The volunt eer is honored and recognized during the final evening of the State competition. This year’s Volunteers of the Year are Sally and Daryl Isburg of Spearfish, SD, who have been Miss South Dakota volunteers for over 30 years. “When I learned that this program was about scholarships for young women in the state of South Dakota, I was in,” said Sally reflecting on the moment she decided to become a volunteer. Sally is currently serving on the Miss South Dakota Board as the State Judges’ Chair where she selects and prepares each year's state judges panel. Sally and her husband Daryl represent vital roles within the organization, some of which include being a host family for the reigning Miss South Dakota throughout her year of service and dedicating time to fundraising for the success of the organization. Throughout her 30+ years with the organization, Sally has served as a dressing room attendant, local executive director, official chaperone and has held many positions on the state board. Daryl is a long-time ambassador for the Miss South Dakota Organization and has dedicated his time to supporting Sally and the organization in various roles. The Isburgs were nominated by several former Miss South Dakotas who touted the Isburgs’ dedication to the organization and their love for the people involved. “While their roles may have changed throughout the years, one thing is for certain, this pair has committed a significant amount of time and effort for the women in this organization,” said Miss South Dakota 2019-2020 and current Miss South Dakota USA 2023, Amber Hulse. “A Miss SD interview is not complete without your pre-show Daryl chat and the Miss South Dakota judges would not be as high standard, professional and well-prepared panels without Sally’s hard work selecting and orienting the judges.” Miss South Dakota 2021 Kaitlin O’Neill echoes the testament, “Sally and Daryl go above and beyond to make everyone around them feel special and seen, and deserve to be recognized for their kind hearts and dedication to not only the program but the people inside it.” Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Miss South Dakota Organization, working throughout the year as they support local competitions, organize the state competition, guide and provide leadership to candidates, as well as building the set for the competition, putting on the show, acting as judges hosts, and much more. They invest in our delegates by helping them increase their confidence and achieve their goals. The Miss South Dakota Organization thanks all of its volunteers for their many hours of dedication. 

Additional scholarship and award winners were announced Saturday at the 2023 Miss South Dakota and Miss South Dakota’s Teen competition to women from across the state. This is part of over $56,000 in scholarships and awards distributed at the annual state competition. Miss South Dakota Awards The Miss Awards begin with Miranda O’Bryan, the new Miss South Dakota, who received the $1,000 Quality of Life award, which is given to the candidate who has fulfilled a legitimate need in their community through the creation, development and participation in a community service project in the area of her platform. O’Bryan is originally from Martin, is a graduate of South Dakota State University, and is a news anchor for KOTA Territory News/KEVN Black Hills FOX. Her community service initiative is “Page Turners: Fall in Love with Reading.” This award is sponsored by Bruce and Susan Wintle of Iroquois and their daughter, Carrie Wintle, Miss South Dakota 2018. The runner-up was Miss Clay County Fair, Julia Stanek who received a $500 award. O’Bryan was also the Top Fundraiser, receiving a $1,000 award. In addition she received the $1,000 Dorothy Barnett Interview Award, which is given to the delegate with the highest private interview score. Carly Goodhart, Miss Dakota Prairie and first runner-up, received the $1,000 Sylvia Tannehill “Kindness” Award. Sylvia Tannehill is a longtime and much loved member of the Miss South Dakota family. Her kindness and wit has left an impression on all of the volunteers she welcomed into her home in Hot Springs. Her laughter, hospitality and ability to remember everyone's names inspired this award. Applicants must demonstrate that they have conducted legitimate actions in their community and elsewhere through the creation, development and/or participation in acts of kindness, leading to others utilizing their methods or participating in a lifestyle change toward kindness and generosity. Goodhart also took home the $500 Miss South Dakota Legacy award, sponsored by Kaitlin O’Neill, Miss SD 2021. This award goes to the applicant who best exemplifies the values of the Miss America organization in her community service. Jensine Matson, Miss Rolling Plains, earned the $1,000 State Community Service award. This is given to the candidate who has demonstrated their dedication to service in their community and state through volunteerism. They must be able to show how their volunteering helped the community and how they have personally benefited from it. This award is sponsored by Autumn Simunek Conrad, Miss South Dakota 2015. Runner-up was Miss Sioux Falls, Emily Deinken, who was awarded $500. The South Dakota Scholarship Foundation, in partnership with CDI, Inc., of Brookings, supports the idea that development of world class talent in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics is critical to America’s global leadership. CDI is sponsoring two $750 scholarships to candidates who display a dedication to the STEM field. The winners were Elisa Swartz, Miss Rushmore, and Rio Snyder, Miss Siouxland. Swartz attends South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and is pursuing a degree in Mining Engineering and Management; her community service initiative is “Empowering Women in STEM.” Snyder is attending the University of South Dakota where she is enrolled in the honors college, majoring in pre-medical biology, with plans to attend medical school and become a physician. Baylee Dittman, Miss Rapid City, was awarded the $1,000 Stan Nase Business Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to the delegate studying or planning to study in the field of business that has shown and are able to discuss their occupational goals in their business career. The $1,000 Ray Peterson Rookie of the Year award is given to the highest placing delegate competing for their first year at Miss South Dakota. This was awarded to Payton Steffensen, Miss Railroad Junction. An award for the non-finalist with the highest private interview score was given to Javonte Madsen, Miss Hot Springs. She was awarded $250. Katie Milbrandt, Miss SDSU, received the $250 Miss SD non-finalist talent award and was able to share her talent on stage the final night of competition. Loretta Simon, Miss Dakota Plains, was selected by her peers as Miss Congeniality and was awarded $500. Miss South Dakota’s Teen Awards Miss South Dakota’s Teen awards begin with the new Miss South Dakota’s Teen, Nevaeh Kee, who was awarded both Miss SD Teen’s Top Talent and Top Interview award. Each award was worth $250. Amelie Wilcox, Miss Rapid City’s Teen, who received the Miss SD’s Teen Community Service Award of $200. This award is given to the teen delegate who excels in their commitment to volunteerism and service within their community. Natalie Biegler, Miss Hub City’s Teen, was selected to receive the STEM award which is a total of $200. This is given to the teen delegate studying or planning to study in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics field and is able to discuss how the award will enhance their career ambitions. The Dr. James and Ardis Johnson Jackrabbit Scholarship, a $1250 award, is given to two teen delegates who are enrolled or plan to study at South Dakota State University and are able to discuss how being a Jackrabbit will allow them to pursue their higher education goals. Sydney Meissner, Miss Rushmore’s Teen, received this award as well as Riley Lockhart, Miss Rolling Plains’ Teen. The Dreamers Award is given to the teen delegate studying or planning to study theater, dance or a degree within the arts. This was awarded to Briley Steffensen, Miss Siouxland’s Teen, who received $200. The $150 Miss SD Teen’s On Stage Question award was given to Caliana Fields, Miss Dakota Plains’ Teen who had the highest on stage question score during the competition. Miss Congeniality for Miss SD’s Teen delegates was awarded to Emma Niles, Miss Fall River Balloon Festival’s Teen. She was selected by her peers to receive this $500 award.

Miranda O’Bryan was crowned Miss South Dakota 2023 at Saturday night's competition. O’Bryan is originally from Martin, is a graduate of South Dakota State University, and is a news anchor for KOTA Territory News/KEVN Black Hills FOX. In addition to her scholarship of $8,000 for winning the competition, O’Bryan was a preliminary on-stage conversation winner Friday evening ($500) and the overall interview award winner ($1,000). She also received a $500 award as the top fundraiser and the $1,000 Quality of Life award. O’Bryan’s community service initiative is “Page Turners: Fall in Love with Reading.” As her talent, she sang a jazz-club interpretation of Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space.” She is the daughter of Chris & Mikaela O'Bryan and competed as Miss Missouri River. First runner-up was Carly Goodhart of Sioux Falls, garnering a $6,000 scholarship. Goodhart also won the $500 on-stage conversation award Thursday night, as well as the $1,000 Sylvia Tannehill “Kindness” Scholarship, and the $250 Miss South Dakota Legacy Scholarship. Second runner-up was Payton Steffensen of Sioux Falls, receiving a $4,000 scholarship. Steffensen also won the $1,000 preliminary talent award on Friday night, as well as the Ray Peterson Rookie Award for being the highest-placing first time candidate. Third runner-up was Baylee Dittman of Spearfish, receiving a $3,000 scholarship. Dittman also received the Stan Nase business scholarship of $1,000. Fourth runner-up was Rio Snyder, who was not present for the coronation. Following all of the scored stages of the competition, and after being announced as one of the top five finalists, she suffered a health event and was cared for by three doctors present in the audience, while the performance was paused. She was taken by ambulance to the Brookings hospital and was released later in the evening. Rio is from Black Hawk, and received a $2,000 scholarship plus a $500 STEM award. Rounding out the top ten semi-finalists, each receiving a $750 scholarship, were Margaret Samp, Emily Deinken and Julia Stanek, all from Sioux Falls as well as Maleah Eschenbaum and Madisen Vetter, both from Aberdeen. Miss SDSU Katherine Milbrandt won the most talented non-semifinalist ($250 award). Loretta Simon of Sioux Falls was voted Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants ($500). Javonte Madsen, Rapid City, had the top interview for a non-semifinalist ($250.) Twenty women from across the state competed for the title. All won scholarships, totalling nearly $45,000. Each of the non-semi-finalists received a $500 scholarship. O’Bryan will represent South Dakota at the Miss America Competition in early 2024.

Nevaeh Kee, 17, Miss Missouri River’s Teen, was crowned Miss South Dakota’s Teen Friday evening. Her talent for the competition was singing, and her community service initiative is Elder Abuse Awareness. She will be a senior at Faulkton High School this fall, and her grandmother is Marcia Rhoden. The title comes with a $2,000 scholarship. First runner-up was Briley Steffensen of Yankton. She received $1,500 in scholarships.  Second runner-up went to Crimsun Hotz of Pine Ridge, earning $1,000 in scholarships. Third runner-up was Amelie Wilcox of Rapid City, taking home a $750 scholarship. Fourth runner-up was Natalie Biegler of Timber Lake, winning a $500 scholarship. Kee will represent South Dakota at the 2024 Miss America's Teen Competition which will be held in early 2024.