RAPID CITY, S.D. – A Rapid City woman has been crowned as the new Miss South Dakota.
Joelle Simpson, a 23-year-old medical laboratory science major at the University of Minnesota, claimed the title Saturday night after winning two major preliminary awards earlier in the competition.
Simpson’s talents shone on Thursday when she captivated the audience with her harp performance, earning her a $1,000 talent award. On Friday, she impressed the judges again, securing the preliminary health and fitness award worth $500.
Simpson’s win means she will represent South Dakota at the next Miss America competition.
Amelie Wilcox of Rapid City was named first runner-up, receiving $1,000 in scholarships. Evian Johnson of Brookings claimed second runner-up, earning $800. Third runner-up went to Taya Ritterbush of Hot Springs, who received a $600 scholarship. Arianna Galles of Rapid City was named fourth runner-up, winning a $400 scholarship.
