The finale of Miss South Dakota USA 2022 was held on 9^th April 2022 at the Watertown Events Center in Watertown, South Dakota where Shania Knutson was crowned the new queen as she became the official representative of South Dakota at Miss USA 2022. She succeeds and was crowned by Miss South Dakota USA 2021 Caroline Pettey.

Shania Knutson was born and raised in South Dakota. Not new to the pageantry, Shania was adjudged Miss South Dakota Teen USA 2017 runner-up. She was crowned Miss South Dakota Teen USA 2018 and also won Miss Photogenic. Shania represented South Dakota at Miss Teen USA 2018 but remained unplaced. In 2021, she competed at Miss South Dakota USA 2021 where she placed as the runner-up.

The newly crowned Miss South Dakota USA 2022 Shania Knutson’s court included –

1^st Runner-up – Julia Gesling

2^nd Runner-up – Jaimye Wininger

3^rd Runner-up – Cate Berkheimer

4^th Runner-up – Jhena Van Den Hoek

This year, she attended South Dakota State University in Brookings where she earned her bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship. Shania also established The Stem Floral Studio and joined Hitch Studio in Brookings as a wedding associate.

Also at the finale, Bella Welker was crowned Miss South Dakota Teen USA 2022 as she became the official representative of South Dakota at Miss Teen USA 2022. Lindsey Pfingston, Cayla Nelson, Kiara Emry and Madisen Vetter were adjudged first, second, third and fourth runners-up respectively.

Congratulations to the winners.