Alcester Union & Hudsonite Online

SIOUX FALLS - Six local teens took an active role in personal development last weekend when they took part in community service activities and competed for scholarships during the South Dakota Junior Miss Program.

The young women spent time volunteering in the community throughout the weekend, packing books and cleaning shelves for the Sioux Falls Public Library, which is currently undergoing renovation. The girls also made Easter baskets for the KTWB Easter Basket Drive, which helps to provide Easter baskets for children in the Sioux Falls community.

On Sunday, Kara Wevik of Beresford was named South Dakota’s Junior Miss 2008, becoming the second student in a row from Beresford High School to win the title. Wevik won $500 in cash scholarships, thousands of dollars in college granted scholarships from universities across the nation, and the opportunity to travel to Mobile, Alabama, to participate in the 51st AJM National Finals. During the National Finals, Wevik will compete with representatives from the other 49 states for the opportunity to become America's Junior Miss 2008 and win more than $150,000 in cash scholarships.

“I am so honored to have been chosen to represent South Dakota at the national program,” says Wevik. “I was so nervous competing against all the other qualified contestants; it was exciting to hear my name announced as the winner!”

Wevik is excited about traveling to Mobile to compete for even more scholarships, but is most excited about meeting new friends. “I am especially looking forward to meeting other girls and forming new friendships,” she explains. “This is such an amazing opportunity for senior girls and I encourage all girls to consider America's Junior Miss program when seeking out scholarships.”

Several other young women won scholarships during South Dakota’s program. Lindsey Dolan of Beresford was presented a $250 cash scholarship for 1st Runner Up. Samantha Williams of Beresford received a $200 cash scholarship for the Be Your Best Self Award and Brittany Malsam of Aberdeen received a $200 cash scholarship for the Spirit of Junior Miss Award.

Sioux Falls recently became the new home for the South Dakota Junior Miss program after the Sioux Falls Convention and Tourism Bureau took an active role in bringing the organization to the city. Other local organizations have also been instrumental in supporting the program including the Holiday Inn Sioux Falls City Centre, who donated the facility for last weekend’s program.

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