SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -
Just a few days ago, a new miss South Dakota was crowned. Julia Olson of Sioux Falls, a 23-year-old graduate of South Dakota State University, was chosen as the 70th Miss South Dakota out of 17 candidates from all over the state. She’s now setting her focus on the Miss America pageant this September.
Olson says her journey to become Miss South Dakota started her junior year of college when noticing a flier for the Miss Brookings competition. She says her friends encouraged her to try out for it, although at the time, Olson says she didn't realize it was part of the Miss America circuit. After she won, she was in the running to become Miss South Dakota. Shes competed for Miss South Dakota has placed in runner-up positions in the past, but she finally got her crown on June 19 in Hot Springs.
Olson says preparing for competition is tough. She says the interview portion is the most important to her, and she says that's made her a more well-rounded person and more knowledgeable about current event. But she says her favorite part is the talent portion. Olson is an opera singer, and she says she enjoys getting to use her gift to entertain her family and friends.
Olson knows some people don't always understand what the Miss America program is all about. She says it's a scholarship program that allows women all around the country to go to college and fulfill their dreams. Plus, she says the Miss America program has helped her in a number of other ways aside from financial help in school, like, as mentioned, helping her become a more well-rounded individual, as well as improving public speaking skills and building confidence.
The Miss America program is also the national ambassador for the Children's Miracle Network, which is something Olson says she's very excite to get to promote in South Dakota. She says as a teacher, kids are her heart and passion. Her Miss South Dakota platform is called "Worth It," and she wants to teach kids that no matter what situation they may come from in life, everyone is "worth it" and has something to offer.
Now, Olson is setting her sights on Atlantic City, New Jersey for the Miss America pageant on September 11. She says you can follow her journey on social media by following her on Facebook.
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