Amber Hulse from Hot Springs was crowned Miss South Dakota 2019 Saturday night.
In addition to her scholarship of $9,500 for winning the competition, Hulse was a preliminary talent winner Friday evening ($1,000), and on-stage interview winner on Thursday ($500.) Hulse was also the overall interview winner ($500) and took home the Miss America Community Service Award ($1,000). Hulse was also named winner of the Sylvia Tannehill Kindness Award scholarship of $1,000.
Amber’s platform is “Operation Overload” and for her talent, she played “Inner Turmoil” on the piano. She is the daughter of Raymond and Kristina Hulse, and competed as Miss State Fair. She attends University of South Dakota and is a Political Science major.
First runner-up was Annie Woodmansey of Pierre. In addition to her scholarship award of $4,500 for being first runner-up, she was a preliminary talent winner Thursday evening ($1,000), and on-stage interview winner on Friday ($500).
Second runner-up was Carly Goodhart of Sisseton, who took home a $2,500 scholarship, in addition to a $750 STEM scholarship.
Third runner-up was Hunter Widvey of Rapid City, garnering a $1,500 scholarship. Widvey also won a $750 STEM scholarship, as well as the Ray Peterson “Rookie of the Year” award of $500 for being the top-placing first-time candidate.
Fourth runner-up and winner of a $1,200 scholarship was Kaitlin O’Neill of Aberdeen.
Rounding out the top eight semi-finalists were Evy Johnson of Firesteel, Sylvie Larson of Harrisburg, and Elizabeth Hofer of Bruce.
Courtney Remick of Prior Lake, MN, was voted “Fan Favorite” through online voting, and received $500 cash.
Sarah Scott of Forest Lake, MN and Ria Gualano of Rapid City tied for Most Talented Non-Finalist ($400 scholarship). Jackie Bossman of Humboldt was voted Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants ($500 scholarship).
Sixteen women from across the state competed for the title. All won scholarships.
Amber Hulse will compete at the Miss America Pageant which will be aired by NBC, date and location to be announced.
(Miss South Dakota pageant)