By Chris Fischer
Northwestern Area School held its annual Snow Queen contest on Sat., Nov. 16th in the school gym. A runway was set up for all of the contestants to stride upon. The evening included many sparkling dresses.
On hand were last year’s winners, Northwestern Snow Queen Courtney Decker, and Junior Snow Queen Chesnie Heim. (Heim also won 2024’s State Junior Snow Queen title.)
One candidate, senior Ali Walter, was up for Snow Queen. Two candidates were up for Junior Snow Queen. They were Faith VanHatten and Amyah Wilson, freshmen.
The talent portion included a vocal and guitar performance by Shelbey Fortin. Next the kindergarteners provided lively entertainment. They sang and danced to a couple of holiday songs. These children, “prince and princesses in review,” were: Parker Bloomhall, Colt Braun, Kollyns Braun, Jackson Cihak, Allision Feist, Paisley Fisher, Emmett Ford, Bennett Fortin, Cecelia Fuegen, Rhiannon Hardin, Miles Harms, Emalyn Hearnen, Stratton Heim, Ellie Holsing, Brandt Jeschke, Briggs Jorgenson, Hudson Ketterling, Lyncoln Metz, Dmitri Michaelis, Laura Neiman, Maycen Peterson, Remi Pochop, Isabella Swanson, and Richard Zens.

After the 2024 queens gave their farewell comments, the 2025 winners were announced. Ali Walter was named the 2025 Snow Queen for Northwestern. Amyah Wilson was named Northwestern’s 2025 Junior Snow Queen, and Faith VanHatten was the runner-up.
Frosty was unmasked, and revealed to be Kayla Sparling. The event was sponsored by Plains Lions Club. They had many businesses and individuals to thank for their contributions. Judges and members of the Guard were part of the event. Don Stahl gave the welcome and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Jarrin Haven and Wyatt Rahm served as Masters of Ceremonies. Marissa Harms helped the kindergarteners with their performance.
Winners will go on to the State South Dakota Snow Queen Festival in Aberdeen in January. The Junior Festival will take place on Jan. 3rd and 4th, and the Senior Festival will take place on Jan. 9th-11th.