ABERDEEN, S.D.(KXLG)- A Webster High School student won a South Dakota Snow Queen festival for the second consecutive week.
Addison Kuecker was crowned the 2023 South Dakota Snow Queen last weekend in Aberdeen. A week earlier, Willa Stern was named the state’s Junior Snow Queen. Both girls are students at Webster High School.
Now in its 77th year, this is the first time the Snow Queen and Junior Snow Queen are from the same community, according to festival organizers.
Kueker told the Aberdeen American News that when her name was announced as the winner, her mouth dropped to the floor.
“I looked at Willa, and she was screaming,” Kueker said.
Kueker and Stern will spend the next year representing South Dakota at different festivals and encouraging other communities to hold local Snow Queen events.
Kuecker, a 17-year-old senior, is active in basketball, golf, FCCLA (president), cheerleading for the football team, Key Club (treasurer), Robotics, National Honor Society, Band, and 4-H.
Stern and Kuecker are also co-workers at Pereboom’s Cafe in Webster.
Kuecker plans to study biology and pursue a pre-med degree at Augustana University. As South Dakota Snow Queen, she will receive a $3,500 scholarship to the college of her choice. She is the daughter of John and Laura Kuecker.