MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — A Miss South Dakota contestant from Mitchell has received one of the pageant’s preliminary awards.

Laney Titze, who advanced to the competition by being named Miss Huron, was bestowed with the Sylvia Tannehill Kindness Award, which is given to the candidate who shows personal development through acts of service in their community. Titze, 23, is the treasurer of the nonprofit organization, Tegan’s Light, which advocates for mental health efforts and promotes suicide awareness. Tegan’s Light gives out a scholarship to South Dakota high school seniors who are studying to become a counselor or therapist. The website also provides information on mental health services available in Mitchell and at the state level.

In addition to her work with Tegan’s Light, Titze works for Mitchell Now sister station Kool 98.3 on the weekends and has contributed to this site regarding Mitchell suicide prevention initiatives.

Miss South Dakota will be crowned on Saturday night on the campus of South Dakota State University.