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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Audrey Souza (pronounced SU za), Milbank, is South Dakota's newest State Dairy Princess. She was crowned tonight (Wed., March 27) in Sioux Falls during the Central Plains Dairy Expo. Souza is the 58th woman to wear the crown.

Souza, 17, is the daughter of Kevin and Suzanne Souza and is a senior at Milbank High School with plans to attend South Dakota State University majoring in dairy science. She receives a $1,000 scholarship from Midwest Dairy Association's South Dakota Division.

The State Dairy Princess represents South Dakota dairy farmers at appearances where she can help consumers understand how milk gets from the farm to the table, and the responsible way dairy farmers manage their cows and land.

Christina Maher (pronounced MA her), 18, Nunda, was named runner-up. Her parents are Rae Lynn and Philip Maher and she is a student at Ridgewater College in Willmar, Minn., studying dairy management. She was awarded at $500 scholarship from the Central Plains Dairy Expo.

Dairy Princess candidates are selected based on their general dairy knowledge and enthusiasm for the industry, communications skills and ability to reach consumer audiences. The Dairy Princess program is sponsored by Midwest Dairy Association through the farmer-funded dairy checkoff.[[In-content Ad]]

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