Jaycee Clark of Huron is preparing to be the first to represent South Dakota in the USA National Miss organization pageant planned July 12-22 in Orlando, Fla.

USA National Miss was founded in 2010, and the five points of its crown symbolize the five attributes described in Colossians 3:12 — compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

“I discovered this organization through a girl on social media representing it as Miss Alabama,” said Clark, 21. “I got in contact with one of the organizers to find out more, and they asked if I wanted to be the first USA National Miss South Dakota, and that’s how I got the title.

“Right now they have 30 state title holders that are coming to the national pageant, then there are 19 states I know have not had titles accepted to represent them yet,” she added. “I’ve already talked to some of my friends and they are interested in getting to know more about the organization.”

The USA National Miss platform is “Inspire,” to help young women find their passion for volunteer service and impact their communities. Their slogan, “Positively Empowered,” aims to help young women be bold and freely be themselves.

The group also focuses on caring for the earth through environmental projects, mentoring the next generation and community projects that build a kinder and more humane society and world.

Areas of competition include interview, runway and evening gown. The top five will compete in the on-stage question.

“USA Miss National is all about being a positive pageantry organization,” Clark said. “It’s about building a better community within the pageant industry. I like the sisterhood that it can give and the opportunities you can get from competing.

“You don’t need to be a title-holder to enter,” she added. “You can sign up for an open state title and then go to national’s from there.”

Clark, the daughter of Darcy and Matt Clark of Huron, has competed six years in Miss America organization pageants, winning the Miss Siouxland title in 2021. She has been working the past year as a special education para at Madison 2-3 Center.

“I’m taking a break from college so I can focus on my work, but I’m hoping next fall to be able to enroll in online classes,” Clark said. “Working in elementary at Madison, I’m leaning toward an elementary education degree to become a teacher.”