SIOUX FALLS — Seventeen candidates, ages 13-28, from across South Dakota competed in the Jeschke Fine Arts building at the University of Sioux Falls for the chance to serve South Dakota through one of five titles awarded during the Miss Siouxland Competition.

After competing in a private interview, on stage interview, evening gown, talent and health and fitness in activewear, Jamee Kattner, 21, of Huron was crowned Miss Siouxland; Katie Milbrandt, 22, of Brookings was crowned Miss Rolling Plains; Olivia Granaas, 22, of Vermillion was crowned Miss Sioux Falls; and Megan Rezac, 20, of Brookings was crowned Miss Railroad Junction. Adrian Gruis of Onida was awarded first runner-up. Modesty Heath of Wolsey was named Miss Congeniality. Each new titleholder is awarded $1,250 in scholarship. The first runner-up was awarded $500.

Top Evening Gown and Top Talent Award was won by Jamee Kattner.

The People’s Choice winner was Alexa Boehmer of Sioux Falls. The Newcomer Award of $500 was presented to Samantha Swanson of Huron.

In the teen division, the young women competed in a private interview, onstage question, evening gown, talent, and health and fitness in activewear. Arianna Galles, 17, of Rapid City was crowned Miss Siouxland’s Teen. She garnered a $500 scholarship, the Top Talent Award, and People’s Choice. The first runner-up was awarded to Jerica Ratigan of Frankfort, winning a $150 Award. Jerica also won Top Evening Gown. Miss Congeniality was bestowed upon Iyana Becker of Sioux Falls. Autumn Siedschlag of Huron won the Teen Newcomer award earning a $200 award.

In addition, the Laney Titze Family awarded a Suicide Prevention Award and Scholarship to Adrian Gruis for the Miss Division and Iyana Becker in the Teen division.

In total, over $7,300 in scholarships and awards were given. Each of these newly crowned titleholders will go on to compete at the Miss South Dakota and Miss South Dakota’s outstanding Teen competition in Brookings in May 2025.

As part of the Miss America Organization, the competition is a local preliminary for the Miss South Dakota Organization and a part of the world’s largest scholarship provider for women.

Each delegate also participated in a “Heart Walk” promoting the American Heart Association — the National Partner of the Miss America Organization. Each of the candidates submitted both a fact sheet and community service initiative outlining their goals and roles in helping their local communities and state in ways that interest and empower them. Community Service Initiatives ranged from understanding local ecology to child sexual abuse awareness, to promoting the benefits of Career and Technical Education.