MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — Mitchell will have two local representatives competing for the Miss South Dakota title later this month as a record 27 contestants from across the state take the stage in Brookings.
Among the competitors are Laney Titze, 23, Miss Huron, of Mitchell, and Olivia Walz, 21, Miss West River, of Mitchell, bringing local representation and community-centered platforms to one of South Dakota’s largest pageant fields in history.
Titze, who is also familiar to Mitchell Now audiences as a part-time on-air talent, will perform a piano talent during competition and is promoting her community service initiative, Teagan’s Light, focused on suicide prevention awareness and support. Titze previously contributed reporting for Mitchell Now on suicide prevention efforts in the community.
Walz will present HER Story™ as her talent and is using the competition platform to advocate through “You Are Not Alone: A Journey of Hope, Healing, and Empowerment,” emphasizing connection, encouragement and mental wellness.
The 79th annual Miss South Dakota competition will be held May 28–30 at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center on the South Dakota State University campus in Brookings. Contestants will compete in interview, talent or HER Story™, health and fitness, evening gown and on-stage conversation.