Central High School senior Regan Blackburn has been selected as one of two people from South Dakota who will represent the state at Girls Nation, a program organized by the American Legion Auxiliary.
Blackburn is one of 94 high school seniors from across the country who will attend the event, which runs from July 22-29 in Washington, D.C. The weeklong program, founded in 1947, provides civic education to students and teaches them how the federal government works, according to a news release.
Students will participate in mock Senate sessions, caucus and debate bills. They will also visit Arlington National Cemetery, place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, visit Capitol Hill to meet with U.S. senators from their state and tour D.C. monuments.
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Blackburn, who begins her senior year this fall, is involved in speech and debate, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society, Eagle Squad and ballet.
Maleah Eschenbaum wins Miss Siouxland
Maleah Eschenbaum of Aberdeen has been crowned Miss Siouxland following a July 15 contest at the University of Sioux Falls.
She was one of 20 contestants who ranged in age from 13 to 28.
Joelle Simpson, 19, of Rapid City was crowned Miss Rolling Plains; Breanna Bossman, 21, of Humboldt was crowned Miss Sioux Falls; and Julia Stanek of Sioux Falls was first runner-up and Miss Congeniality.
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Winners of the teen division include Evian Johnson, 15, of Brookings, Miss Siouxland Teen; Amelie Wilcox, 17, of Rapid City, Miss Rolling Plains Teen; and Paxtyn Moller, 14, of Alcestor, Miss Sioux Empire Teen. First runner up went to Erica Ratigan of Frankfort. Miss Congeniality went to Modesty Health of Huron.
Each of the winners will compete at the Miss South Dakota and Miss South Dakota’s Outstanding Teen competition in Brookings in June 2024.
Moose lodge donation will benefit child abuse prevention
