Meet Jamee
Jamee Kattner, Miss South Dakota 2025, is a passionate music educator and lifelong advocate for the transformative power of the arts. A proud native of Huron, South Dakota, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from South Dakota State University. Music runs deep in her roots; Jamee is the fifth woman in her family to become a music educator, and her journey has been shaped by a strong tradition of women using music to inspire, connect, and serve others.
From a young age, Jamee grew up surrounded by the joy of music-making. Whether singing at family gatherings or performing in school ensembles, she found her voice through these various musical outlets. These experiences not only shaped her identity but also inspired her to pursue a career in education, where she now helps young people discover the joy and confidence that music can bring.
Her Community Service Initiative, Melodies of Joy: Music’s Power to Inspire, reflects her deep belief in the emotional and educational value of music. Through this initiative, Jamee works to expand access to quality music education for all students—regardless of background—and encourages creative expression as a means of building empathy, confidence, and well-being. She regularly partners with schools, community programs, and youth organizations to lead workshops, share resources, and perform.
As Miss South Dakota, Jamee is honored to serve as an ambassador for the arts, traveling across the state to engage with communities, share her personal story, and promote the importance of the arts. She believes in the power of storytelling and performance to bring people together and spark positive change. Her goal is to inspire the next generation of young leaders to dream boldly, advocate for what they believe in, and use their unique talents to make a difference.
Jamee will represent South Dakota at the Miss America competition with pride, carrying with her the values of compassion, resilience, and creativity that define her home state. She is deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve and looks forward to a year of purpose, performance, and connection.
