BROOKINGS Taya Ritterbush, 18, was crowned Miss South Dakotas Teen on Friday evening in Brookings.
For her talent, she sang the Italian art song, Se Tu MAmi. Her community service initiative is Swimming in Inclusion, Floating in Diversity. She is from Hot Springs and plans to attend the University of South Dakota and major in music education and performance. The title comes with a $3,500 scholarship. Ritterbush also won top private interview ($250) and top onstage conversation ($150). Her local title was Miss State Fair. Her parents are Nate and Alison Ritterbush.
First runner-up was Evian Johnson of Brookings. She received $1,200 in scholarships, and was voted Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants, an additional $500 scholarship. Johnson also received the $200 STEM award.
Second runner-up went to Hallie Carlson of Mitchell, earning $900 in scholarships. Carlson garnered the top overall talent award, an additional scholarship of $250, and the Community Service award for $250.
Arianna Galles of Rapid City won the top fundraiser award for $500, and the Peoples Choice scholarship, which was selected through online voting, for $250.
Ritterbush will represent South Dakota at the 2025 Miss Americas Teen Competition this September.
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