Anna Whetham
New Underwood, SD
Anna Whetham served as Miss South Dakota 2011. She, her husband Josh, and their two daughters reside on an acreage outside of New Underwood, South Dakota where they raise horses and appreciate the tranquility of country living.
Anna holds a master's degree in health care management and a bachelor's degree in business economics from South Dakota State University. Previously, she served as Director of Sales Development and Marketing for the Rapid City NBC affiliate. Currently, she is the Manager of Community Engagement at Monument Health, the largest health care system in Western South Dakota and a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. Anna oversees community giving and engagement initiatives, including a program providing over 20,000 free health screenings annually, promoting preventative health and enhancing community well-being.
As a civilian honorary commander at Ellsworth Air Force Base, Anna is honored to serve as a link between the military and the local community, promoting understanding and collaboration. She is passionate about fostering meaningful belonging by founding and leading the bi-annual Special Needs Rodeo at the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo and the Central States Fair.
Larry Razal
Colorado
Larry Razal is a veteran judge of Local and State competitions in the Miss America Organization. A native of Colorado, his parents were involved at the local and state level there. He attended his first state competition in 1973 and watched as Rebecca King was crowned Miss Colorado. She would go on to become Colorado’s third Miss America. He continued his affiliation with the Colorado organization for many years and maintains their historical records as well.
Larry has expanded his knowledge and background through ongoing association with other volunteers across the Miss America system. For ten years he served as the State judges host for the Miss Oklahoma organization. In 2019, he became a member of the Miss Colorado Board of Directors and is the past Chairman of the Miss Colorado Scholarship Foundation. And is currently the Judges Chair for the 2025 Miss Colorado competition.
Professionally, he has worked in the aviation industry for the past 35 years with United Airlines. Recently, Larry has judged the state pageants in Iowa, Ohio, Texas, Maryland, Hawaii, Missouri and the National Sweetheart Pageant. This past year he was happy to celebrate Colorado’s fourth Miss America, Madison Marsh.
Mark Hughes
Rapid City, SD
Mark Hughes is the Chief Deputy for the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, where he has worked for the past 31 years to ensure the safety and well-being of the community. With a degree in Administration of Justice from the University of Wyoming, he has spent his career ensuring public safety, overseeing critical operations, and mentoring future law enforcement professionals. His leadership is defined by integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to promoting positive relationships between law enforcement and the citizens of South Dakota.
A lifelong resident of South Dakota, Mark lives in Rapid City with his wife, Shelley. Their two daughters, Alexis (22) and Sydney (19), are both pursuing careers in nursing. His ability to balance the responsibilities of law enforcement with his dedication to family has helped him develop a well-rounded perspective on leadership, service, and community involvement.
Beyond his work in law enforcement, Mark enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors, especially at the lake with his family during the summer months.
Mark Mayfield
Arizona
Mark Mayfield has been a professional speaker and comedian for over four decades, performing with celebrities like Bob Newhart, Andy Grammer, Paul Newman, Peter Frampton, Rachel Platten, Boyz-II-Men, and many others. He was raised on a farm in Kansas, served as National President of the FFA, and received two degrees Magna Cum Laude from Kansas State University.
Prior to his performing career, he was a lobbyist in Washington, D.C., and also taught school. He is the author of seven books, including his latest on Mental Health, and has been inducted into the Hall of Fame of the National Speakers Association.
He has also owned and operated several successful businesses ranging from livestock production to nightclubs to golf instruction. He is the proud father of two daughters and is the greatest grandpa in the world. Or maybe, the most annoying.
Sandy Darby Thompson
Greenville, SC
Sandy Darby Thompson is a retired U.S. marine, business owner, and philanthropist. Her career as a United States Marine Corps Engineer includes a deployment to the Middle East, as well as a special duty assignment as a Drill Instructor at Parris Island, SC, and various other operations.
Sandy currently holds a Bachelor of Science in Music from Alabama A&M University, a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from ECPI University, and an MBA from Clemson University. Cofounder of a Real Estate Investment LLC, Sandy manages a group of cottages operating as Air
Sandy serves her community as a lifetime member and a three-year term as Commander of the Marine Corps League, promoting veteran welfare in the Greater Greenville, SC community, while assisting families of veterans with military funeral arrangements. Actively involved in her church, Sandy serves as the Finance Council Chairperson for the parish and the school. Sandy is also currently active as a Metro Board member for the Greenville YMCA, where she is a vital part of the philanthropic functions. She also finds time to volunteer teach at the Greenville Literacy Center.
