Ruth Brown

Two of SDSU’s students recently were awarded the titles of Miss SDSU and Miss Brookings and will have the opportunity to go on to compete in the Miss South Dakota pageant.

Anne Virgina Koepp, a sophomore broadcast journalism major was awarded the title of Miss SDSU and Jenna Smeenk, a sophomore political science major earned the title of Miss Brookings.

“It really is a great résumé builder and I learned a lot,” said Koepp. “You get to meet so many people and really make a lot of friends.”

Both Smeenk, of Newell, S.D., and Koepp of Burnsville, Minn., will receive $1,000 scholarships and go on to compete in Hot Springs in June for the title of Miss South Dakota. Eight girls competed in the competition on March 21.

“I gained some great skills that I will definitely use later in life like interview skills and communication as well as public speaking,” said Smeenk. “I most enjoyed meeting new friends and even if it sounds cheesy, you make some lasting friendships.”

Smeenk and Koepp will work to further the platforms that they have chosen. Smeenk’s platform is anti-smoking and Koepp’s was 4-H and promoting family development through the program.

The Miss Congeniality award went to Marli Jones, of Madison, S.D., and the People’s Choice award went to Cecilia Knutson of White, S.D.