Hunter Widvey Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Hunter Widvey is passionate about stopping childhood cancer, a talented singer, and the current Miss South Dakota. I was thrilled that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 

So, let's see what happens when Hunter Widvey visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss South Dakota crown?

I haven’t had one specific celebration moment, but have caught up with many friends one-on-one by getting dinner or ice cream! I’ve been traveling to different appearances every weekend since I was crowned, so I haven’t had a chance to really sit down and celebrate! Every day feels like a celebration being Miss South Dakota! 

What is something that Kaitlin O’Neill did as Miss South Dakota that you would like to repeat or expand on?

I love how Kaitlin did a lot with her social media and I’d like to expand upon that! She also started up a local competition, which helped us recruit more candidates this past year. I’d love to continue her efforts and get even more women to participate in the Miss South Dakota Scholarship Organization! 

As Miss South Dakota’s Outstanding Teen 2016, do you think that prior national experience will help you at Miss America?

Absolutely! The Outstanding Teen program gave me valuable skills that helped me earn the title of Miss South Dakota. I feel as though everyone walks away from big experiences like Miss America’s Outstanding Teen reminiscing on moments that they wish they could experience again or even regret certain things as well. I get to have another chance at this experience and now know to enjoy every moment at Miss America! I’m also super excited because several of the girls I competed with at Miss America’s Outstanding Teen back in 2016 will also be competing at Miss America this year with me! This just goes to show how the Outstanding Teen program is super helpful in preparing girls to compete at the next level! 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Childhood Cancer Awareness”?

I lost a classmate to cancer when I was in middle school and my cousin passed away from cancer in her 20s. This led me to look more into pediatric cancer. During this time, I found out that childhood cancer only receives 8% of the National Cancer Institute’s research funds and that there are less than 30 FDA approved drugs to treat childhood cancer. Of these approved drugs, only 2 of them have been approved in the last 20 years. Childhood cancer drugs often aren’t very profitable so drug companies typically don’t voluntarily develop them. This causes many young children to either pass away from cancer or live with chronic health issues or a secondary cancer from their treatment. I also volunteered at the children’s hospital in South Dakota during college and spent a lot of time with pediatric cancer patients. After learning all of these facts about the lack of awareness and funding for childhood cancer, as well as getting to know many pediatric cancer patients, I knew I had to do something. Ever since choosing this social impact initiative, I’ve worked on fundraising and raising awareness for the cause throughout South Dakota and hope to raise awareness and funding at the national level as well by working alongside the American Childhood Cancer Organization.

As a talented singer, what do you enjoy most about performing your talent on stage?

I love the exhilaration and excitement of having everyone in the audience while I sing! It’s such an adrenaline rush! I also love being able to connect with others through music. Music is such a powerful language where I have the opportunity to share a gift of mine to make others feel various emotions. 

You plan on attending medical school after your time as Miss South Dakota. What drew you to that field?

I grew up loving science and knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the STEM field. After losing loved ones to cancer, I developed a deep interest in understanding why certain individuals end up having cancer or other diseases. Because of this interest, I took every biology, chemistry, physics, and math course that I could in high school! I also love working with and helping other people. I decided to give the pre-medicine route in college a go because of these reasons. However, it wasn’t until I started volunteering at the children’s hospital, shadowing physicians, and working in a medical clinic that I realized pursuing a medical career was my true passion. I enjoy working with patients and seeing physicians solve difficult health issues. I have also always been a leader and problem solver, so being a physician seemed like a perfect fit for my passion and personality. Ever since making the decision to attend medical school, it’s only been strengthened through my shadowing, work, and volunteer experiences. I’m so excited to attend Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine next July after completing my year as Miss South Dakota! 

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

Sage Studios Photography

I would be Jasmine because I was Jasmine in my high school’s musical back in 2017 and wished the magic carpet was real! I’m hoping if I was Jasmine for a week, I could find a magic carpet that actually flies?! Haha

If you had an extra ticket to see a Sioux Falls Canaries baseball game, who would you take with you? Why?

I would take my sister Hayden because she’s one of my best friends and I’m always looking for an excuse to attend fun events with her! Plus, she’s cooler than me and understands sports like baseball much better than me! 

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience ?

I’d like to say it’d be fun to throw the first pitch, but I honestly do not have the best hand-eye coordination so it probably would not work out as well as I’d hope!  It’s probably best I just sit back and enjoy the game lol! I do enjoy singing the National Anthem at baseball games though!

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I think she should try for that first pitch! 

As always, I want to thank Hunter for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

As Hunter continues her time as Miss South Dakota, I encourage you to check out her title's website and social media like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! 

I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss America crown this winter. It would be wonderful to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Hunter, and good luck!

Maleah Eschenbaum Visits Section 36!

Photo: Molly Taylor

Section 36 had another visitor! Maleah Eschenbaum is passionate about raising awareness of ASL and the deaf community, a talented performer, and the current Miss Missouri Valley. I was so excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Maleah Eschenbaum visits Section 36! 

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Missouri Valley crown?

After earning the title of Miss Missouri Valley all the candidates had a lot of pictures we had to take. I also stayed on the campus of the University of South Dakota, where the competition was held, and took some pictures outside in the natural light- talk about sparkle. Once I got back to the car, I called my grandparents and my parents since they stayed back home while I was at the competition. My Aunt, sister, and I were able to go out for dinner at a local restaurant after and have a celebratory dinner.

What part of the upcoming Miss South Dakota competition are you most nervous about?

I don't know that I am necessarily nervous about any parts of the competition itself. I am a firm believer that as long as you do all the preparations you can beforehand whatever happens, happens. Coming into Miss South Dakota week this past summer I was nervous about all of the unknowns that the week would hold. I think that still is true coming into my second Miss South Dakota competition. I think what makes me the most nervous is all of the production numbers that we will learn for the show. With all of that said though I am excited to spend the week with the amazing young women that are also competing for the job of (the 75th!) Miss South Dakota and experience a true Miss South Dakota week!

What is something Kaitlin O’Neill has done as Miss South Dakota that you would want to emulate?

Photo: Molly Taylor

I think something that Kaitlin has done that I want to emulate, even as a local titleholder, is her willingness to help others. Kaitlin and I grew up dancing at the same studio in my hometown, so she was always someone that I looked up to and she was always willing to help when she could. Whether this was in dance or out in the community Kaitlin was always someone that you could count on. I remember when I signed up for my first local Miss America competition, I messaged Kaitlin and she helped me through paperwork and choosing a Social Impact that meant something to me. She was one of the first people that really showed me the true meaning of sisterhood within the Miss America Organization and for that I am grateful.

How did you select your social impact initiative?

Photo: Molly Taylor

My Social Impact Initiative is called More Than Looks. It focuses on raising awareness of ASL and the Deaf community specifically here in the state of South Dakota. I chose this Social Impact Initiative because I was an American Sign Language Interpreting major in college, graduating in May of 2021. Through my experiences in college, I realized that not many people understand the importance that not only ASL plays in daily life but also the importance that the Deaf community has had on our communities, states, and nation. Most people when they first meet or see a Deaf person get nervous because they, as hearing individuals, don't know how to communicate with someone that can't hear. Since starting with the Miss America system back in 2019, I have been able to partner with my hometown's Recreational and Cultural Center to provide Introduction to ASL classes for the last three years. I have also been able to go into classrooms to talk with kids from ages 5-6th grade about how important learning another language, specifically ASL, can be. I came up with the name More Than Looks because ultimately ASL and the Deaf community are more than they look like. There is a deeper meaning and reasoning behind every sign and every choice made. After all the only thing Deaf people can't do is hear.

What do you enjoy most about performing your talent on stage?

Photo: Molly Taylor

My favorite part about performing my talent on stage is bringing music to life. For my talent, I am able to perform a song in ASL bringing in a different language and culture and mixing in a little bit of my dance background. In the past, I have performed to everything from Sia to Brother Bear to the Greatest Showman. I am so excited to be able to expose people to how beautiful ASL truly is in a way that the audience can understand. Since Miss South Dakota this past summer I have worked hard to perfect my talent and have it stage-ready and better than ever. At Miss Missouri Valley I was honored to tie for top talent, which helped me realize just how impactful my talent can truly be.

You recently graduated from the Augustana University Sign Language Interpreting program. Where do you see that field taking you?

Photo: Molly Taylor

May 2021 was an exciting time for me! I graduated from Augustana with my Bachelor's Degree in Sign Language Interpreting as well as competed for Miss South Dakota for the first time. My future in the Interpreting field has led me back home to the public school district where I am currently working as an Educational Assistant and substitute interpreter. I am hopeful that next school year I will be a full-time on-staff interpreter for the district. I am working on studying and getting ready to take my national certification exams within the next year and I hope to continue growing and learning in the interpreting field through workshops, mentors, and Deaf individuals.

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

If I could choose to be a Disney character for a week I think I would choose to be Moana. She has a free spirit about her and she doesn’t let anything hold her back from what she is meant to do. Also, I think living on a tropical island would be a fun change from the South Dakota fall that we are living in right now. 

If you had an extra ticket to a Minnesota Twins game, who would you take with you? Why?

If I had an extra ticket to the Minnesota Twins, I would definitely take my dad. He loves watching the Twins play on TV and their opening game is like a holiday in our house. I don’t think I would tell him too far in advance that we were going though because it would be fun to surprise him right before we left to go to Minneapolis. This past year for their opening game he had his pillow, blanket, t-shirt, jersey, hat, and towel all on him while he watched the game because he was just so excited. 

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

I really enjoyed the atmosphere the last time I was at the Minnesota Twins game. And it’s been a while since I got to watch a game in person, so being able to go back to the stadium and watch the game in person would be awesome! I also think it would be super fun to throw a first pitch, but I have some of the worst hand eye coordination. So, I don’t know how well that would go. 

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I'm sure that would be a great experience!

As usual, I want to thank Maleah for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

As Maleah continues her time as Miss Missouri Valley, I encourage you to check out her title's Instagram and Facebook accounts! They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! 

I also want to wish Maleah luck when she competes for Miss South Dakota! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

Thanks again Maleah, and good luck!

Kaitlin O'Neill Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Kaitlin O'Neill is passionate about mental health, a talented dancer, and the current Miss South Dakota. I was excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Kaitlin O'Neill visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss South Dakota crown?
Right after I was crowned, I was actually taken to a celebratory after party with all of the former Miss South Dakota’s which was an amazing way to kick things off. Being a part of the organization for 5 years, I had always dreamed of joining the Miss South Dakota sisterhood. Being at this small celebration was so surreal because I was surrounded by all of the ladies I had looked up to for so many years and was now one of them!

What’s the biggest thing you learned about yourself at the Miss South Dakota competition that will help you at Miss America? 
This year in particular, I really focused on my mindset. In previous years, I had compared myself to other candidates, got lost in what I didn’t have to offer, and was more concerned about what I thought the judges wanted to see and hear over what I actually brought to the table. Truly being who I am I think really set me apart. Heading to Miss America, I am working to continue that momentum and mindset especially! It is really easy to play the comparison game especially when you go up against the best 50 ladies in the nation. That mindset and place of peace really helped me see a new side of me and I plan to take that to Miss America as well. 

Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss South Dakota?
Outside of growing my Social Impact Initiative, BLOOM, and

Tiger Lily Photo

 bringing it to every school in the state, one of my biggest goals as a Miss South Dakota is to grow the Miss South Dakota program. Many people in South Dakota do not know much about the Miss South Dakota and Miss America Organizations and I want to change that. I have benefited so much from this program over the years and I want to share that with the people of my state! This next year is the 75th anniversary of the Miss South Dakota Competition and I want it to be bigger and better than ever before! 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “BLOOM Into a Healthier You”?
““BLOOM Into a Healthier You” was actually built off of personal experience. Growing up, I struggled with depression and an eating disorder but no one knew. I kept everything to myself because I wasn’t comfortable opening up about my feelings and honestly didn’t know much about mental health or where to turn. Heading into college, there was a much more open dialogue around mental health and through reflection, I realized the severity of where I was. I needed a change and slowly overtime grew into the person I am now thanks to support from friends, resources on campus, and small steps of strategy implementation. When I was getting ready for Miss South Dakota a few years ago, I realized that this was what I wanted to advocate on. It was extremely hard to open up and find the courage to talk about these hard parts of my life, but it was also healing. As I developed it further, I knew I wanted to create a program that anyone could use that was either struggling or just wanting to maintain their current lifestyle. After looking back at my past and experiences, I wrote down the key factors that helped me get through my hard times. I knew I wanted to create and acronym to keep it simple for anyone wanting to use my program and I wanted a word that represented growth. The word BLOOM fell into my lap and the rest is history! Over the last few years I have grown BLOOM in so many way and am so excited to continue that growth even further – stay tuned as some amazing things are coming your way!

As a talented dancer, what is your favorite part about performing on stage?

FELS Photo

I absolutely love having the opportunity to tell a story and move people simply through movement. Along with that, performing is such a thrill and I love the challenge that it brings. Dance is not something where you can just show up and go. You must constantly work at your craft, push yourself, and put the time in! Dance has become one of my favorite outlets where I can let go, be free, and not worry about anything else. 

You’ve been able to do quite a bit of traveling. What’s your favorite place you’ve visited?
I have attended many summer dance intensives over the years and have had the opportunity to travel all across the nation for them! My favorite by far has been going to New York where I trained with a Radio City Rockettes. I attended the Rockette Summer Intensive three times and someday hope to be dancing alongside them as a member in their company!

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?
This is hard! As a big Disney fan, I have many favorites but if I had to pick one to be, I would have to say princess Merida. One, she is a red head and I relate to her on that aspect, but two, I love her grit and drive to be who she truly is rather than who her family or society wants her to be. 

If you had an extra ticket to a Sioux Falls Canaries baseball game, who would you take with you? Why?
I would have to choose my mom as she is a big baseball fan

Tiger Lily Photo

and actually houses baseball players in the summer that come to the Aberdeen area. If anyone would be excited to go to Canaries game it would definitely be her.

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?
I would love to attend a Twins game in Minnesota, throw the first pitch, and even sing the national anthem! I am a dancer, but I a lot of people don’t know that I sing as well! It would be such an honor to partake in a Twins game in this way.

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That would be a great way to enjoy a game! 

As always, I want to thank Kaitlin for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

As Kaitlin continues her time as Miss South Dakota, I encourage you to follow her title's Instagram and Facebook accounts. You should also check out the official Miss South Dakota website and her SII's website. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! 

I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss America crown next month. It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Kaitlin, and good luck!

Miranda O'Bryan Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Miranda O'Bryan is passionate about reading, a television reporter, and the current Miss Rolling Plains. I was excited that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. I was also thrilled that she is the first titleholder to visit from the state of South Dakota!

So, let's see what happens when Miranda O'Bryan visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Rolling Plains crown?
The first thing I did was call my parents! They were at a wedding with some of our extended family and they were keeping their eyes on their phones for updates so I had to call them the moment I left the stage! When I was crowned Miss Rolling Plains, my foreign exchange sister from my junior year of high school was visiting, so I got to spend the evening celebrating with her! We never thought I would try something like competing in Miss America so it was exciting to show her my new(ish) passion. 

What have you learned about yourself as Miss Rolling Plains that will help you when you complete for Miss South Dakota? 

As Miss Rolling Plains, Miss SDSU, and Miss Missouri Valley,

I have learned that I have the confidence and the drive to work towards what I want. My first year competing, it took me five local competitions before I earned my spot at Miss SD. I'm thankful to have had time to grow and be empowered by the women around me. This entire journey has taught me to never stop pushing and working hard. 

What has been the most pleasant surprise about your time as Miss Rolling Plains?

Well it was quite the surprise getting to hold the title of Miss Rolling Plains for two years! I never thought I'd ever experience anything like this pandemic and it's sort of a blessing in disguise but it has allowed me to hold an amazing title for two years and work harder (and longer) towards the job of Miss South Dakota. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Page Turners - Fall in Love with Reading”?

I wanted to share with South Dakotans and the judges a piece of myself and I wouldn't be who I am today without reading. When it came down to it, I knew I wanted something that could translate across many age groups from 2 to 102 and reading is a universal thing we can all benefit from. 

As a talented singer, what do you enjoy about performing on stage?

I love getting to show my personality! Singing is a way for me to express myself in a way that I don't think I can by simply talking. It gives judges, the audience, kids, anyone a chance to see and hear my passion for music. 

You work as a reporter for KOTA Territory News. What’s the best part about that job?

The best part about my job is sharing people's stories. Not only is it my job to share information and facts with the community and state, but I think it's also my job to share the story of the five year old selling root beer floats to earn money for a new bike, or the woman with brain cancer who gets to have her dream wedding for free, or the homeless man downtown who is simply doing what he can in that moment. 

You’re also the in-game host for the Rapid City Rush. What is that experience like?

Being the Rush's in-game host is probably the best part time

job I've ever had! Even though things are different with the pandemic, I get to interact with the crowd and make their hockey experience better than they could have imagined. Plus I've gotten to help with three proposals so far this season, it's so heartwarming and great helping people express their love!

If you had an extra ticket to a Minnesota Twins game, who would you take with you? Why?
Tough question but I'd have to go with my best friend Jourdan! Although neither one of us knows too much about the ins and outs of baseball, I know we'd have a blast! Plus I haven't been to a Twins game in many years, it'd be great to go back and pull out my old Twins baseball cap!

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

So I've gotten to sing the national anthem for high school wrestling, basketball games, even hockey games, but never baseball! If I ever get the chance to sing the National Anthem at a professional baseball game (and maybe even throw the first pitch if I could finesse my way into that), that would be pretty great! Also like the song says, I want someone to buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks! 

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I wish someone would buy me those too! 

As always, I want to thank Miranda for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

As Miranda continues her time as Miss Rolling Plains, I encourage you to follow her official Instagram and Facebook accounts and her professional Instagram. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on!

I also definitely want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss South Dakota title. It would be wonderful to have the first Section 36 visitor wear that crown!
 
Thanks again Miranda, and good luck!