Last year, as first runner-up, she hugged Jacqueline Johnson of Fargo who went on to wear the crown for a year. Saturday evening, however, proved that 2007 will be Olson's year to shine, as she was named the new Miss North Dakota.
“I was in that position last year, and I would have been thrilled had it gone either way,” Olson said of the defining moment that would either send her home or on the path of a whirlwind year.
“I don't think it's hit me yet,” she continued. “I know I'll be a different woman in a year from now, and I'm excited to see how I grow from the experience.”
Olson, a student at North Dakota State University and Concordia College, handily answered judges questions regarding her platform - Power of Prevention: Promoting Early Detection of Breast and Cervical Cancer - on her way to winning the first-place interview award. She was also honored with Thursday evening's swimwear award. Throughout the three intense nights of competition, 21 contestants from across the state showcased their talents with song, dance, musical and interpretive performances. Off-stage, the ladies completed 12-minute interviews with the panels of judges, who were looking for public speaking ability and on-stage presence. The interview portion of the competition weighs strongest in the scoring.
During on-stage interviews, contestants were asked to respond to questions on their chosen platform issues, as well as questions specially selected by the judges.
The field was narrowed to 10 contestants, then five. Finalists modeled evening wear, swimwear and casual wear, showcasing their grace and stage presence.
Entertainment was abundant throughout the night, including the reigning queen Johnson's charming cello performances, Miss North Dakota 2005 Ashley Ford's vocal abilities, and special performances by guests Miss Montana Sophia Steinbeisser and Miss South Dakota Nikki Grandpre. Earmarking the event in history was the fact that it was the 20th anniversary of the pageant being held in Williston. Several past title holders who were crowned in Williston were honored and brought audience members up to date on the paths their lives had taken. Two of the judges were past winners: Stephanie Jean Fisher-Heiberg (1992) and Roxana Saberi (1997).
Miss North Dakota State Potato Queen Ashley Anne Young, 18, of Grand Forks, was named first runner-up. She was also honored with the award for Thursday evening talent. Young is a recent graduate of Red River High School and has scholastic ambitions of obtaining her Master of Arts in vocal performance.
Second runner-up honors went to Kristin Hendrickson, Miss Fort Abercrombie, 22, of Montpelier. Hendrickson is a student at the University of North Dakota who hopes to graduate with a doctorate degree in music education. Hendrickson also took home a $200 scholarship for the Vikki Finders award, as well as a $1,000 scholarship for the Miss America State Scholastic award.
Miss Lake Agassiz Tessie Jones was named third runner-up. Jones, 19, of West Fargo, is a sophomore at Minnesota State University - Moorhead getting a double bachelor of arts degree in art photography and mass communications.
Fourth runner-up was Karyn Ankenbauer, Miss Northern Lights. The 20-year-old Kenmare native is a sophomore at the University of Mary, majoring in communications.
Other top-10 finalists included: Patricia Olson of Harvey; Katie Ralston of Carrington; Bethany Nesheim of Northwood; Katie Weaver of Minot; and Serena Christianson of Williston.
Other award winners included: Swimwear - Patricia Olson for Friday evening; Talent - Serena Christianson, Friday's talent winner, Samantha Bennefeld of New Rockford, Thursday high-score non-finalist and Megan Fixen of Williston, Friday high-score non-finalist. Fixen was also honored with the Miss America Community Service Award and the best project presentation award.
Youth pageant scholarship winners were Beth Althoss of Wahpeton; Sara Christianson of Williston; Serena Christianson of Williston; Rebecca Parker of Williston; and Ashley Young of Grand Forks.
Sarah E. Anderson of Devils Lake was named Miss Congeniality and topped the interview category for the non-finalists. Stephanie Tollefson of New Rockford scored the highest in evening wear of the non-finalists.
Serena Christianson won a scholarship for having the highest GPA among high-school pageant contestants, and Patricia Olson won the athlete scholarship.
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