Thursday night was another exceptional night of competition for the Miss Volunteer America competition. 

Hillary Beecher, Miss South Dakota Volunteer, earned the preliminary Fitness & Health award for night two. 

“I have been working so hard to stay not only physically fit but mentally fit,” said Beecher. “I am so proud of myself for getting out on that stage and showing confidence and showing every girl in this building that she can get up there and do it too.”

Noelle Thompson, Miss Kentucky Volunteer, yodeled her way to a night two preliminary Talent award with her performance of Cowboy’s Sweetheart. 

“Winning the prelim talent award is just so exciting,” said Thompson. “I am thrilled to have so much fun performing because talent is my favorite area of competition.”

Preliminary competition will continue on Friday at 7 p.m. and finals will be held Saturday at 7 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at www.missvolunteeramerica.com and a live stream is available at pageantslive.com.