Gear up friends, because the next couple weeks are filled with Miss South Dakota adventures. On Wednesday I was out in Rapid City to visit Corral Drive Elementary. I visited the third-grade classroom with Mrs. Skavang’s students. We even had a special visitor. The one and only, future Miss America, Harlow Widvey stopped by to say hello and listen in. Harlow’s sister, Hunter, is a former Miss SD Outstanding Teen and is currently competing for Miss South Dakota.
After the presentation, I met up with Amy from a different third-grade classroom for a Lunch Date with Miss South Dakota. Amy told me all about her piano and dance lessons. It was fun to hear about her summer plans.
The following day I drove to Hot Springs for a full day of school visits. This was one of my last school visits. It seemed appropriate that the year was coming full circle back to Hot Springs. I started in the kindergarten classroom followed by lunch with all the kids afterward. I specifically got to eat with Presley and Delaney who hold Little Miss titles in Hot Springs. Immediately after a corn dog lunch, I sat with Aubryanna and the third graders for their lunch hour. After we stuffed our bellies, we went outside for recess where they taught me to play four square. I may not be an expert, but I sure got a lot better within ten minutes’ time. The afternoon rounded out with presentations to the 4th grade classrooms. I can’t thank Hot Springs Elementary enough. Huge shout out to Autumn Simunek for setting up my school visit.
Once I left Hot Springs Elementary, I bopped over the Dairy Queen to meet with some of the Little Miss Hot Springs titleholders. We shared stories and laughs over ice cream. The final stop of the day was the Boys and Girls Club. I had the older group of students read through Mr. Money $heep and act out different characters. Those kids were born to act. I had never had a group of students that put so much effort and energy into the characters in the book. It was rewarding to watch.
After I wrapped up my presentations with the Boys and Girls Club, my mom and I hit the road for Pierre. I was excited to meet Kaylee for a Lunch with Miss South Dakota on Friday. Kaylee is twelve and will start competing for Miss South Dakota’s Outstanding Teen next year. She loves to dance, and I cannot wait to watch her grow through this program. Thank you for inviting me to your school, Kaylee.
On Saturday, I stopped by Costco in Sioux Falls to celebrate the kickoff to their Children’s Miracle Network fundraiser. They had organized a parade of shopping carts, decorated by Miracle Children, throughout the store. Ona decorated her cart as a unicorn! After the parade, Anna, Miss USD, and I served cake with Bethany from CMN.
Onto week 48. I almost can’t believe it. Monday, May 6 was my last school visit of the year in Brookings at Hillcrest Elementary. I talked with the first, second, and third graders about Money $heep. My dear friend’s, Kati Rounds, niece was in the classroom. When I saw her in the front row, I almost jumped for joy! I always love to see a familiar face.
After my last school visit, I stopped by Camelot Intermediate to have lunch with Evi Johnson. Evi is going to participate in the Prairie Hills Princess Program at Miss South Dakota this year. She told me all about her school and showed me the poster she created for her project on Miss SD.
Next week is my last week of appearances before pageant week begins. Time continues to go by faster and faster. I am continually reminded that time is one of the most precious gifts we have in this world.
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12