Elizabeth Nesland of Hot Springs lived the dream that many girls have hoped for: having a crown placed on her head and a pageant bouquet placed in her arms.

The 17-year-old was crowned Miss South Dakota Outstanding Teen 2017 at the annual event in Hot Springs on Sunday (April 30).

Nesland played an electric violin version of “The Phantom of the Opera” and was the winner of the Interview Award, as well as the Messenger Award, indicating the judges thought she was especially passionate about her chosen platform.

Other winners include:

  • First runner-up was Anneliese Taggart of Vermillion. Also winner of the Scholastic Achievement Award and the Producer’s Award.
  • Second runner-up was Faith Burnett of Spearfish.
  • Third runner-up was Lizzie Anderson of Custer.
  • Fourth runner-up was Rio Snyder of Black Hawk.

Hannah Lipp of Rapid City was the winner of the Top Fundraiser award and the Yellow Balloon award for the most money raised for Children’s Miracle Network. Karlee Krogman of Brookings won the Patriotic Essay Award.

2017 Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant is scheduled for Orlando, Florida, July 25-29 where Nesland will compete for the national crown.


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