Sydney Helgeson Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Sydney Helgeson is passionate about strong communities, a talented performer, and the current Miss North Dakota. I was so thrilled that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Sydney Helgeson visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss North Dakota crown?

After participating in the Miss North Dakota Organization for 11 years, it was an absolute honor to be crowned on our 75th Diamond Anniversary. After a week-long competition, I was excited to celebrate with my family and friends who came to Williston to cheer me on as I pursued this dream of mine. The Miss North Dakota sisterhood is strong and it was incredibly special to celebrate with the more than 30 forever Miss North Dakota's who came back for this year's competition.

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss North Dakota Competition that will help you at Miss America?

I learned to trust in my preparation and the Lord's plan for me. Serving as Miss North Dakota is a goal that I have spent years working towards and I had to believe that I was ready and let my passion shine through to the judges. At Miss America, I plan to trust in my purpose and take in every moment. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I can't wait to walk away with 50 new lifelong friends!

Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss North Dakota?

As Miss North Dakota my biggest goal is to unite people to build stronger communities across our state. I want to inspire people to lead with compassion and get involved in their communities no matter their age. No one individual is too young to make a change. I plan to maximize my impact by partnering with all eight United Way affiliates in our state as I believe they do the best job uniting people and resources to build stronger communities. In addition to advocating for the United Way, I want to be an ambassador for the Miss North Dakota Organization and grow this program by recruiting contestants and sponsors.

How did you select your community Service Initiative, “Live United: Building Strong Communities Together”?

In 2021, I began interning at the Missouri Slope Areawide United Way in Bismarck, ND and by serving in that capacity, I saw first-hand the significant, life changing impact being made in our local community. United Way wasn’t just looking to provide a temporary fix, but rather striving to create lasting change to our community’s most critical issues. From sheltering 50 individuals a night through their Emergency Homeless Shelter, combating food insecurity by feeding more than 1,600 children a week through their Backpack Program, providing 3,600 books to children, supporting dozens of partner agencies, and so much more, the United Way builds stronger communities. This is a mission I am passionate about, believe in, and want to work toward elevating. Now more than ever, we need to work together to activate communities, empower volunteers, and live united. 

As a talented singer, what do you enjoy about performing on stage?

The talent portion of competition is what initially drew me to the Miss America Organization. At 11 years old, I actually started competing as a piano player. Then, at the teen level, I sang while accompanying myself on the piano. The most special talent I've performed was at the Miss America's Teen Competition when I wore my grandmother's dress from 1961 (the one she wore when she placed 1st runner up at Miss North Dakota) and sang Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love" (released in 1961). It was so special to share that connection with my grandmother and have her there to support me on the national stage. As a Miss candidate, I have enjoyed performing Broadway pieces for the talent competition. These pieces have allowed me to play a character and tell a story through my performance.

What is your personal fitness routine?

Health and fitness are a constant priority in my life and I’m excited to promote wellness through #MissAmericaFit. The partnership with the American Heart Association will raise awareness of women’s heart health and help women! I believe it is critical to be comfortable and confident in your own skin. I stay healthy by getting plenty of sleep, drinking lots of water, and being active. I go to the gym, play tennis, hike, or simply go for a walk around my neighborhood.

You recently graduated with a degree in commerce and business administration. Where do you see those studies taking you?

I plan to use my passion and experience to pursue a fulfilling career in the nonprofit industry, eventually working my way up to the CEO. I think nonprofit organizations need to be run like a business to make the biggest impact, so I am confident my management degree will help me in this career path. Additionally, through my music minor, I had the opportunity to take classes tailored towards managing nonprofit arts organizations such as Music Management, Marketing the Arts, and Raising Money Dev Arts, which provided an insightful look into the industry and confirmation of my career goals.

If you had an extra ticket to a Bismarck Larks baseball game, who would you take with you? Why?

I would bring my cousin Bryce, because he's a high school baseball player in West Fargo, ND and loves baseball more than anyone I know! The past two summers, his team has made it to the World Series in their division. I am excited to be singing the National Anthem at the Bismarck Larks game on August 1st.

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

As Miss North Dakota, I'd love the opportunity to throw the first pitch at a baseball game! (I'd just love a heads up so I can practice first :))

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Practicing is a good idea. Crazy how far 60' really is!

As always, I want to thank Sydney for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

I also want to wish her luck when she competes for Miss America! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Sydney during her journey. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account and website. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on, and you'll be sure not to miss anything. 

Thanks again Sydney, and good luck!

Avery Holkup Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Avery Holkup is passionate about online safety, a talented singer, and the current Miss Capital A'Fair. I was so excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Avery Holkup visits Section 36! 

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Capital A'Fair crown?

When I got crowned as Miss Capital A'Fair, I couldn't believe it. As soon as I was crowned I knew that it meant even more hard work and time that I would be putting into my days along with volunteer work in order to prepare for the Miss North Dakota stage. I think the way that I celebrated was being proud of my self that I achieved something that had previously seemed so far out of reach. I also had to immediately share with all my family and friends the exciting news!

Do you have a specific goal you'd like to accomplish during your time as Miss Capital A'Fair?

During my time as Miss Capital A'Fair I hope to make an impact on the community and get the word out about my social impact initiative Operation: Analyze. The more people that I can reach to talk about the importance of being safe online with our changing world, the more I will feel accomplished. 

What part of the upcoming Miss North Dakota competition are you the most nervous about?

I think the part that I will always be the most nervous about isthe onstage question. For me I feel like that part takes the most practice. It is very nerve wracking not knowing what question is going to be asked, and every time there is a different question. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, "Operation: Analyze"?

I always remember growing up adults and teachers talking about being safe online and reasons why you shouldn't talk to strangers online. For me it always seemed as though I, and the people around me, didn't take it very seriously. It wasn't until I was in my late teen years that I realized how important it was. As I decided to study criminal justice in college, I began to realize how many crimes can have ties to the online world. The real truth is that you don't know who is on the other side of that screen. Sometimes the information that you think is only reaching one person can become accessible to thousands and millions in seconds. I still don't think that people today understand the seriousness of the issue or realize how it can impact each and every one of their lives and that is why I chose it as my social impact. 

What do you enjoy most about performing your talent on stage?

I have always loved music and singing ever since I was a little girl. When I was young I would get super nervous to go on stage and perform. Now I thrive on the energy that comes from performing on stage. I also love to share my talent with the people around me, and it feels good to share it.

How would you complete the sentence, " I get great satisfaction when ___?"

I get great satisfaction when I help others. Whether it be when I am substitute teaching in a classroom, volunteering, or giving someone advice, I always feel great after helping someone else. 

If you could be a Disney Character for a week, who would you choose? Why? 

I would have to say Belle from Beauty and the Beast. It has always been one of my favorites, even as a child. I think one of the main reasons I would like to be her for a week is so I could go see her library in the castle and read some of her books. I love books and I have always wondered what kinds of books she would read and have in the library. 

If you had an extra ticket to a Bismarck Larks baseball game, who would you take with you? Why?

 If I had an extra ticket to a Larks game I would take my oldest youngest brother with me. I have watched him, along with my other two brothers, play baseball since they were five. I would take him with me because he always knows more than me about sports and has this amazing ability to be able to pick out the little details about what is going on during a game. I love getting to have those little bits of insider information when watching a game. 

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you'd especially like to experience?

I think that any experience is a good experience to have. I love getting to watch baseball especially with family and friends. I also love getting to experience the crowd and the food! I think that one thing I would like to experience is getting to have seats behind home plate, just so I can get to be closer to the action!

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I can't argue with that!

As usual, I want to thank Avery for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

As Avery continues her time as Miss Capital A'Fair, I encourage you to check out her title's Instagram account! It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on! 

I also want to wish Avery luck when she competes for Miss North Dakota! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

Thanks again Avery, and good luck!

Reyna Bergstrom Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Reyna Bergstrom is passionate about improving communication, a talented singer, and the current Miss North Dakota. I was so excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Reyna Bergstrom visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss North Dakota crown?

The moment my name was called as Miss North Dakota I remember standing on the stage in a state of shock, my jaw hanging in a state of disbelief. Before I even realized what was happening, I had a crown bobby pinned to my head and I was walking across the stage as Miss North Dakota. I remember calling all of my sister queens over to hug me and that was the rest of the night — lots of hugging, smiling, laughing, and rejoicing. I specifically say “rejoicing” because that’s what it was for myself and for so many people close to me: a night of celebration. Not only had my longtime dream become a reality, but we were all able to  finally be together in person; it was a reunion of the Miss North Dakota community. 

 

It’s been over three months since that night and I’m still processing my new reality as Miss North Dakota. I don’t want to waste the incredible opportunity that this role is; I remind myself daily that I need to make it count. 

 

Do you have a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss North Dakota?

So many things…  to make Miss North Dakota and the MissAmerica Organization more visible in the business world, to strive to make each person whom I encounter believe that they matter, to listen well, to speak positively into the lives of others, to grow the Miss North Dakota scholarship fund, to increase general awareness of the Miss America and Miss North Dakota Organizations, to promote and advocate for North Dakota based businesses and organizations, to host an art show that showcases North Dakota themed art, to educate on my social impact initiative which addresses the importance of intentional communication. So, to answer your question… no, I don’t have a specific goal; I have many. 

 

This was your fourth time competing for Miss North Dakota. How will that experience help you when you compete for Miss America?

I’m a believer that more experience only helps in preparation — it gives you added confidence, maturity, practice, and time to perfect the various areas of competition. I’m twenty-six, so I’ll be one of the oldest candidates to ever walk across the Miss America stage, and that is something that I’m proud to say. I’m excited for Miss America and humbled and honored to represent my home state of North Dakota. 

 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “The Influencer Era: Impact Beyond the Screen”?

For the past nearly three years, I’ve worked as a content specialist at a liberal arts college managing their various social medias. In this role, I’ve realized the powerful tool that social media can be; however, when it displaces in-person communication and interactions then we have a problem. Face-to-face communication and being present with whom we’re around should always take priority, which is why I’m excited to be sharing about the importance of communication skills this year. 

 

As a talented singer, what is your favorite part about performing on stage?

While a student at Concordia College, I sang and toured in its premier choral ensemble, The Concordia Choir. While singing in this group, the conductor emphasized the importance of the circle of communication, and how beauty can be made and shared between the musicians and audience. That’s my favorite part — the sharing of something intimate and special between myself and those listening. 

 

You’ve done a lot of traveling. Where's your favorite place you’ve visited?

How can I pick just one? Every place is unique and piques my curiosity! Aside from North Dakota, I’ve spent quite a lot of my life exploring the western part of Montana. I’ve hiked over 200 miles in Glacier National Park! 

 

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

First of all, I LOVE this question. I think I’d have to say Peter Pan, for multiple reasons. One, the obvious reason, he can FLY. Second, his best friend is a fairy! (Tinkerbell Bell!) and third, when I was little I didn’t want to ever grow up — so I felt I could relate to Peter Pan. I always wanted to stay a kid. (I actually wrote a blog post about this a few years back, linked here.)  

 

If you had an extra ticket to a Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks game, who would you take with you? Why?

Probably one of my grandpas because they both enjoy baseball! 

 

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

I’d always wanted to throw the first pitch at a game, and I was recently able to do this as Miss North Dakota at a Larks game in Bismarck, North Dakota!

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I've always wanted to do that too! 

As always, I want to thank Reyna for visiting with us, and for sending along the fantastic pictures to go with the interview.

As Reyna continues her time as Miss North Dakota, I encourage you to follow her title's Instagram and Facebook accounts. You should also check out the official Miss North Dakota website. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! 

 
I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss America crown this winter. It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Reyna, and good luck!

Alyana Simpron Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Alyana Simpron is passionate about protecting refugees, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Dakota Harvest. I was thrilled that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more!

So, let's see what happens when Alyana Simpron visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Dakota Harvest crown? 

It was the weekend of my university's homecoming when the Miss Grand Forks Scholarship Competition was held. I celebrated by meeting up with friends that I had not seen in a while and was in town for homecoming! It was a great way to celebrate after I won the title of Miss Dakota Harvest! 

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss Dakota Harvest competition that will help you whenever you get to compete for Miss North Dakota? 

I learned that I do have the ability to have a voice for issues that I am passionate about and people are willing to listen. I learned that when you show confidence in what you are speaking about then it gives credibility to your opinion and passion for the cause that you are talking about! 

Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Dakota Harvest? 

My goal is to continue advocating for refugees and what they can bring to this country. There is uncertainty about refugees coming to the U.S. and I want to continue educating others about why the U.S. should continue to welcome refugees into the country.

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Welcoming Refugees: A New Path to a New Journey”? 

I selected this as my social impact initiative after I had the opportunity to volunteer and work with refugees from the organization Global Friends Coalition in Grand Forks, ND during my schooling in the UND occupational therapy program.I saw the benefits of helping them through that transition as I understand what it is like moving into a new country as a first generation immigrant myself and being exposed to a new culture. It is important to have the resources and support during the transition phase for new refugees in the first 60 days. 

What do you enjoy about performing your talent on stage? 

I enjoy showing how much fun hip hop is and I love hearing the comment from the audience that they wanted to dance with me. I love hearing that and I want to show that through my talent of how much fun hip hop is!

You had the opportunity to march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. What was that experience like? 

It was an amazing and memorable experience! I spent a week with the Macy's Great American Marching Band as a dancer and we had a week full of rehearsals. When it came to parade day we had to wake up around 2am and get ready for rehearsals at the Macy's Star where filming happened. We were the opening number that year and it was great to see all of the people who came together for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade! I got a chance to see celebrities such as Ariana Grande who were on the parade route. I had a lot of fun and it is an experience I will cherish forever! 

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why? 

I would be Raven Symone from That's So Raven because I think it would be awesome to have psychic abilities and live in San Francisco for a week! 

If you had an extra ticket to a Minnesota Twins game, who would you take with you? Why? 

I would definitely take my dad as he has never been to a baseball game since we have moved to the U.S. I think it would be a fun experience to showcase this old time American tradition!

Is there a feature or activity at a Twins game that you’d especially like to experience? 

I enjoyed when the Minnesota Twins held college nights! I went to a game that was a University of North Dakota (UND) night and it was a great way to connect with alumni and current students from my university in my favorite city! 

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That sounds like a great time!

As always, I want to thank Alyana for visiting with us, and for sending along the amazing pictures to go with the interview.

As Alyana continues her time as Miss Dakota Harvest, I encourage you to check out her official Facebook page. It’s a great way to make sure you don’t miss out on anything she’ll have going on. 

I also want to wish her the best of luck whenever she competes for the Miss North Dakota title. It would be wonderful to have a Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Alyana, and good luck!