BROOKINGS, S.D.(Press Release) – Celebrating over 4 decades of unwavering commitment to the Miss South Dakota Organization, Carol Barnett Nesbitt, a Sioux Falls native, was named Volunteer of the Year at this year’s annual Miss South Dakota competition. Nesbitt, who first joined the organization 44 years ago when she was selected to represent the state as Miss South Dakota 1980, continues to leave an indelible mark on the pageant’s legacy.
Currently serving as Co-Executive Director alongside former Miss South Dakota competitor Glenda Mostek, Nesbitt plays a pivotal role in supporting the year’s delegates as they vie for the title of Miss South Dakota. Her dedication extends further as the Miss South Dakota Alumni Coordinator, fostering connections among former titleholders and perpetuating the organization’s rich tradition. In addition, Nesbitt has served as host of the Miss South Dakota State pageant several times and has been an entertainer/vocalist for many years.
Over the past 44 years, Nesbitt has held numerous leadership positions within the organization, from local executive director, to Miss SD Program Book Coordinator, to mentor and coach for aspiring title holders at both the local and state level, specifically in the areas of talent and interview. She has undoubtedly left a profound impact on the many lives she’s impacted during her tenure and on the program as a whole.
Nesbitt was nominated for Volunteer of the Year by Glenda Mostek who touted Nesbitt’s life-long dedication to the organization.
“She was on the board of the first pageant I ever entered, and has been one of the constants
of the program throughout my involvement ever since,” said Mostek. “I don’t think there have been many SD state pageants that she has missed. She is a role model for all of us in her deep and undying devotion to the program, willingness to spend untold hours coaching candidates, and kind and loving manner of giving forthright and honest feedback.”
Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Miss South Dakota Organization, working throughout the year as they support local competitions, organize the state competition, guide and provide leadership to candidates, as well as building the set for the competition, putting on the show, acting as judges hosts, and much more. They invest in our delegates by helping them increase their confidence and achieve their goals. The Miss South Dakota Organization thanks all of its volunteers for their many hours of dedication.
The Volunteer of the Year award began in 2015. Past recipients include the following individuals:
2015 Kendal Braa nominated by the Miss Siouxland organization
2016 Garry & Pat Strauser nominated by the State Board
2017 Brett & Carolyn Knutson Family nominated by Ray Peterson
2018 Jeauleen Frost nominated by the State Board
2019 September Kirby nominated by the State Board
2020 None due to COVID
2021 Raymond Peterson nominated by many
2022 Judy Thies nominated by September Kirby
2023 Sally and Daryl Isburg nominated by former Miss South Dakotas: Amber Hulse, Kaitlin O’Neill and Carol Nesbitt
2024 Carol Barnett Nesbitt nominated by Glenda Mostek