Huron Woman Chosen as Miss Deaf South Dakota
The South Dakota Association of the Deaf is pleased to announce that Sherry Parsons was crowned Miss Deaf South Dakota 2007-08 this summer. Twenty-one-year-old Parsons of Huron accepted the honor at the South Dakota Association of the Deaf conference in Madison in June.
The daughter of Gaylen and Brian Parsons, she graduated from Huron High School in 2004, and is majoring in elementary education at Dakota State University. While she is studying to become a teacher of deaf children, Parsons is also a member of Holy Trinity Church and enjoys the outdoors, sports and being around children.
In July 2008, Parsons will participate in the Miss Deaf America pageant at the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) biennial conference in New Orleans, La. She will compete against approximately 30 women between the ages of 18 and 28 to become the spokeswoman for the NAD, representing over 28 million deaf and hard of hearing Americans. The competition is comprised of four areas: private and on-stage interviews, talent, and a platform presentation.
South Dakota has had a strong showing in past Miss Deaf America pageants, with Chelsea Tobin and Erin Casler winning the title in the last two pageants. Sioux Falls native Paula Souhrada was also named first runner-up in the 2002-04 pageant.
“I have no doubt that South Dakota will be sending its best to the national pageant in New Orleans,” said Jennifer Dans-Willey, South Dakota Association of the Deaf president. “She will be an excellent representative of the deaf community in South Dakota.”
Miss Deaf South Dakota is available for appearances at events, schools and organizations. Fundraising efforts have also begun by the Miss Deaf South Dakota Committee to send Parsons to the national conference, held July 7-11 next summer. For more information on requesting an appearance or to make a donation, please contact Paula Souhrada, state director at .
About the South Dakota Association of the Deaf (SDAD) – SDAD, an affiliate chapter of the National Association of the Deaf, is the oldest and largest consumer organization of, for and by deaf and hard of hearing people in South Dakota. SDAD is committed to empowering and enriching the deaf and hard of hearing community by increasing opportunities conducive to a self-sufficient, positive and productive life. The Miss Deaf South Dakota Program is just one of several SDAD-affiliated social/special interest groups, ranging from sports to senior citizens activities. For more information, please visit www.sdad.org.