Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional information and a new photo, both on Wednesday (06-05-24) at approximately 1:36 p.m.

BROOKINGS — Joelle Simpson was crowned Miss South Dakota 2024 at Saturday night's competition. Simpson is originally from Rapid City and is attending the University of Minnesota majoring in Medical Laboratory Science.

In addition to her $11,000 scholarship for winning the competition, Simpson was a preliminary talent winner Thursday evening ($1,000), preliminary health and fitness winner Friday evening ($500) and the overall interview award winner ($1,000). Simpson received the 2024 STEM award ($750) and was recognized as a finalist for the South Dakota Strong award presented by former Miss South Dakota, Shantel Swedlund-Krebs ($500). She received a $750 STEM scholarship and the Ray Peterson Rookie of the Year award ($1,000).

Simpson’s community service initiative is “Nurturing Nature.” As her talent, she played the Harp Cadenza from Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. She is the daughter of Dave and Val Simpson and competed as Miss Rolling Plains.

First runner-up was Katie Milbrandt of Brookings, garnering a $5,000 scholarship.

Second runner-up was Emily Deinken of Sioux Falls, receiving a $4,000 scholarship. Deinken also received the $500 Miss SD Legacy award as well as the $1,000 Quality of Life award.

Third runner-up was Jensine Matson of Ramona, receiving a $3,000 scholarship. Matson was selected by her peers as Miss Congeniality, a $250 award. She also received the Sylvia Tannehill Acts of Kindness and Generosity Award of $1,000.

Fourth runner-up was Sydney Morgan of Hot Springs. Morgan was selected for the $500 preliminary Health and Fitness award Thursday evening. She also received the Top Fundraiser award of $500 and the STEM award of $750.

Rounding out the top 10 semi-finalists, each receiving a $750 scholarship, were Kamella Kopp of Yankton, Olivia Granaas of Vermillion, Jamee Kattner of Huron, Rio Snyder of Black Hawk, and Julia Stanek of Sioux Falls.

McKayla Gunderson of Mitchell accepted the most talented non-semifinalist ($250 award). In a tie, Gunderson was also voted by her peers as Miss Congeniality ($250). Madisen Vetter received the community service award ($1,000) as well as the highest score for non-finalist in interview ($250).

Twenty women from across the state competed for the title. All won scholarships, totalling $51,750. Each of the non-semi-finalists received a $300 scholarship.

Simpson will represent South Dakota at the Miss America Competition in early 2025.

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Editor's note: The original story is found below this point.

Joelle Simpson was named the new Miss South Dakota this weekend at the 77th Miss South Dakota contest at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center at South Dakota State University.

Simpson, 20, of Rapid City, was crowned Saturday night. There were 20 contestants this year. Simpson was the favorite going into the finals after topping the Delta group in both preliminary rounds. She won “Talent” on Thursday with a harp solo, then claimed the “Health and Fitness” competition on Friday.

Simpson is a student at the University of Minnesota in medical laboratory science.