Former USD student competes in Miss America pageant Sunday

By Gabby Ehlers and Katie McGuire

Miss South Dakota is working to trade in her crown for a national title.

Autumn Simunek, a former USD student, has been preparing for months to compete in the 89th Miss America pageant on Sunday.

Simunek, from Hot Springs, S.D., was crowned the 69th Miss South Dakota this year and will now be competing for Miss America.

Currently residing in Atlantic City, N.J., Simunek is making various public appearances, rehearsing for the pageant and participating in charity events.

Last week, for instance, she appeared on Good Morning America alongside other state winners.

Simunek is busy every day with rehearsals starting at 5 a.m. and finishing at midnight, for an average of five hours of sleep each night – all for the biggest competition of her pageant career.

“It’s a bit of work, but it’s worth it,” she said.

Simunek said she does a lot of charity work in her community. Last year, she helped feed the homeless, participated in the Miracle Mile Walk for the Children’s Miracle Network and volunteered to help veterans.

“We have the Sanford Children’s Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D. I am there all the time to visit with the kids, and I do different events like the Dakotathon,” she said.

One of her friends, USD senior Sopida Trageser, said Simunek is the best choice for Miss America.

“Autumn exemplifies what Miss America should be. From her beauty to her confidence in the way she treats people. She was a leader way before her recognition, and she is an advocate for sexual assault,” Trageser said. “Autumn stands up for what is right, and she knows what might backlash, but she doesn’t let that fear silence her.”

Another friend supporting Simunek is senior Kit Asfeldt. “She has been working hard for a long time in the pageant industry, and it’s her time to shine this year. She is very passionate about volunteering by helping to support the veterans,” said Asfeldt.

Asfeldt also said that  Simunek could help boost ratings for South Dakota.

“South Dakota has never won a Miss America (title). Getting her name out there because she really deserves it. She also went through a lot in her life some of it not positive, but she deserves to have a crowning moment,” said Asfeldt.

Simunek said she is prepared for all segments of the pageant, but is mainly looking forward to the interview portion.

Simunek said it is unusual for someone to be excited for this; however, she is ready to show the nation her knowledge on social issues and her ideas to fix them.

Both Trageser and Asfeldt are supporting Simunek on social media as part of a contest that would advance Simunek directly into the Miss America semi-finals.

Called the “Fan Choice Contest,” pageant fans can cast one vote per day via Twitter and Facebook to help Simunek advance to the top 15.

The post must contain “Miss South Dakota” and use the hashtag #MissAmericaVote. The contest ends Thursday at 11:59 p.m. The winner of the contest will be announced Sunday.