08-03-2025
Mitchell girl crowned Miss South Dakota Jr. Pre-Teen, heads to nationals
Mar. 8—MITCHELL — She is beauty, she is grace and she is from Mitchell.
Scarlett Greenwell, a 7-year-old second-grade student at Mount Vernon Elementary, was recently crowned Miss South Dakota Jr. Pre-Teen at the Miss South Dakota USA Ambassador Pageant, held Feb. 15-16 in Canton. With her new title, she will now take the stage in Orlando, Florida, in July to compete for the national title.
"I was very excited because I didn't know I was going to win," Greenwell said, still in awe of her achievement.
Greenwell competed in multiple categories, showcasing her poise, confidence and personality.
"I did formal wear and runway. I also had to answer some questions," she explained.
The moment of victory came as a complete shock.
"It was me against my friend Ellie. I was so excited and so shocked," she said excitedly. "My friend got second, and we were so happy for each other. We hugged."
The two girls met through the pageant circuit three years ago and, despite living in separate towns, have remained close, seeing each other often. Having competed together at nationals last year, they are thrilled to make the trip together again this year.
"I can't wait to spend time with my best friend," Greenwell said.
The USA Ambassador Pageant emphasizes success through leadership, integrity, character, and confidence (SLICC) — values that Greenwell strives to embody in her everyday life.
"Always be true, loyal, and strive to be the best you can be," she said.
Pageantry runs in Greenwell's family. Her mother, Breanna Greenwell, competed in pageants as a teenager, and her aunt, Brooklyne Greenwell, also participated in pageants growing up. Inspired by their experiences, Scarlett took her first steps onto the pageant stage at just 3 years old.
"It sounded like fun," Greenwell said. "I hope to do pageants as long as I can."
One of the key aspects of the pageant system is its focus on community service. Although not required, participants are encouraged to give back, and Greenwell has taken this to heart. She collects books and clothes to donate to the Abbott House, a residential treatment center for children in need. Last year, she and her "sister queen," Eleanor Ellsworth of Highmore, made May Day baskets and delivered them to residents at a nursing home.
At the national competition, each contestant creates a state-themed basket for a raffle benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters. Greenwell is considering putting together a Corn Palace-themed basket to represent South Dakota.
Outside of pageants, Greenwell finds joy in cheerleading. She is currently in her first year with MEGA Gymnastics and Cheer in Mitchell. As she grows older, she plans to explore additional pageant categories, such as the talent competition, where she may showcase her cheer skills.
Beyond pageants and cheer, Greenwell loves spending time outside and playing with her two older brothers. She dreams of one day visiting Australia and exploring the Australian Zoo and Conservation Center with her family.
Preparing for pageants is no small task. During the off-season, Greenwell participates in bi-weekly virtual coaching sessions with her coach, Caitlin Olson, based in Hartford. As competitions approach, they increase to in-person sessions and mock interviews to help refine her stage presence.
One of the most nerve-wracking portions of the competition, according to Greenwell, is the interview segment, where contestants meet face-to-face with the judges.
"When asked about a time I helped someone I told the judges about how I donate books, clothes and shoes to kids who need my help," Greenwell said.
To ease her nerves, Greenwell employs a classic trick.
"I picture the judges and audience members in their underwear," she said with a giggle.
She also spends countless hours practicing her pattern walks for the formal wear segment. Her favorite category is runway, where she enjoys coming up with unique and creative poses.
Each contestant is responsible for fundraising to help cover the costs of competing at the national level in Orlando. Greenwell has organized a 50/50 square board raffle and is considering hosting a poker tournament, as her family has many friends who participate in poker runs.
This is not Greenwell's first taste of victory. Last year, she was runner-up for Miss USA Ambassador Princess South Dakota and won first place in runway and photogenic glam at the national competition. Her achievements led to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: walking the runway at New York Fashion Week in February.
Greenwell has also competed in local pageants, winning titles such as Miss Memorial Princess and Little Miss Christmas Pageant last year. She views these smaller competitions as invaluable preparation for larger events.
Her coach is no stranger to success. She was crowned Ms. USA Ambassador in 2023, making history as the first South Dakotan to win a national pageant title. Now, Olson is dedicated to mentoring young girls in the Little Miss Christmas Pageant, a charity competition she founded, and coaching young pageant hopefuls like Greenwell.
With nationals just a few months away, Greenwell is working hard to refine her skills, raise funds and prepare to represent South Dakota on the big stage.
"I think pageants are important to try your best, always do your own thing, don't copy others," Greenwell said. "Just have fun, be happy with who you are, and make new friends."
For Greenwell, pageantry is more than just a competition — it's about friendships, personal growth and making a difference in her community. And come July, she'll be taking all of those lessons with her to Orlando, where she will represent South Dakota at the Miss USA Ambassador Jr. Pre-Teen Nationals.
