• Over the last couple of years Groton contestants have done very well at the South Dakota Jr. Snow Queen Contest, and this year was no different. Marlee Jones, daughter of Jim and Mindy Jones, represented Groton at the state contest and was named third runner-up this last weekend in Aberdeen.
• "I was really excited when they called my name," Jones said. "I was really nervous, there were some really good girls there competing."
• The 3-day weekend event included a welcome tea were the girls had a chance to get to know each other. Interviews with the judges, rehearsals, workshops, a banquet and ended with the coronation on Sunday.
• Other members of the Jr. Snow Queen court are: 2013 Jr. Snow Queen Summer Bratand, Watertown; Gabriella Premus, Webster, first runner-up; Grace Jensen, Mobridge, was named Miss Congeniality and second runner-up and Madison Styles, Northwestern, was fourth runner-up. Katrina Gibson was chosen Snow Princess and Tiger Renville Snow Prince.
• In the talent competition, John Cassens of Faulkton won the senior division; the second-place finisher was Kalen Frericks, Northwestern, and placing third were Mariah and Krysti Mikkonen, Frederick Area. Christine Morgan of Northwestern

won the junior division. Saraya Bronson, Wilmot, finished second and Kayla Clifford, Frederick Area, took third. The top two finishers in each talent division will perform at the Snow Queen Coronation Saturday night.
• The South Dakota Snow Queen Contest is an ambassadorship program for freshman high school girls who will do some public speaking along with representing the State of South Dakota. This program is to help build young women leaders for the future of our State and Nation.
• Jones strongly recommended next year's freshman girls to participate in the local competition.
• "It definitely worthwhile to try out for the Jr. Snow Queen," Jones said. "The girls were really great, the judges were really nice. It was a fun weekend."
• Her advice to future candidates was to "Have fun with it, it's a good experience."

- Char Telkamp