Miss South Dakota USA held its 2021 edition yesterday where ten delegates competed for the state crown and at the end of the event finale, Caroline Pettey was crowned Miss South Dakota USA 2021. Caroline succeeds Miss South Dakota USA 2020 Kalani Jorgensen and will represent her state at Miss USA 2021.

Caroline Pettey gave an outstanding performance at the state finals. From Rapid City, South Dakota, Pettey is a broadcast Journalist with 6+ years of experience reporting news and sports stories at professional, collegiate, and local levels.

She is not new to the pageant world as she began her journey in 2013 in Miss Alabama Teen USA where she placed as the 2nd runner-up. In 2015, Caroline placed as the 4th runner-up at the Miss Alabama USA 2015. Her next stint happened in 2016 where she placed in the Top 10 at Miss Alabama USA 2016 and again in the 2017 edition.

Apart from the winner, the Top 5 contestants included Jhena Van Den Hoek, Lexus Paulson, Shania Knutson and Julia Gesling.

Along with Caroline Pettey, Katie Schmit was crowned Miss South Dakota USA 2021 as she will represent South Dakota at Miss Teen USA 2021. Lindsey Pfingston was adjudged as the first runner-up at the end of the event finale.

Miss South Dakota USA 2020 Kalani Jorgensen has completed her reign with absolute dedication and commitment. She took to her official social media as she thanked her fans and supporters and wrote, “Thank you SO much to everyone who has supported my extended reign. It truly takes a team to make a champion. Today may be the end of this chapter, but it by far is not my last. Please follow along with me on my next journey. I am now, and forever always, Kalani Jorgensen. Miss South Dakota USA 2020.”

Congratulations to the winners!