Miss North Dakota 2007 Annette Olson

Hometown: Baldwin, ND

Platform: Power of Prevention:

  Breast Cancer Education & Awareness

Talent: Vocal- "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue"

Local Title: Miss Peace Garden

Annette Olson grew up on a ranch near Regan, ND. She recieved her elementary education in a one-room country school, an experience she treasures. "I was the only student in my grade and there were about 10-15 kids in the entire school. It was the best possible educational setting- like a family. I was surrounded by people who made me believe I could do anything."

Annette graduated from St. Mary's High School in Bismarck. She earned her bachelor's degree in Biology from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN in 2005. Annette took advantage of several unique opportunities during her college years. She studied abroad in Australia, and in Tanzania. During her time in Tanzania, she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's tallest mountain. Following graduation from Concordia, Annette began working as an epidemiologist with the ND Department of Health.

Annette was crowned Miss North Dakota in June of 2006. During her year of service, she continued working for the State Health Department as well traveling from one community to the next educating women about breast cancer and the importance of early detection. She spoke at countless women's health events, benefits, and fund raisers. "I met so many incredible women who inspired me with their stories of strength, courage, and hope. My mission during my year as Miss North Dakota, was to encourage even just one woman to have a cancer screening. It may very well be that one test that could save her life."

On her school tour, Annette was a spokeswoman for the Eat Smart Play Hard campaign. She visited 70 schools and encouraged more than 15,000 students to make healthy choices about nutrition and physical activity. "It is an honor to be in a position to make a positive impact on a child's life."

Other highlights of her reign include singing at events throughout ND, being featured on the first-ever Miss America reality show, and of course, competing in the Miss America pageant. "When I was little, I used to watch the pageant on TV and think how big and far away that stage was. It was so surreal to actually be standing on it...and man, it is big!

Annette now lives in Rochester, MN and works for Olmsted County Public Health as a health educator. It really is amazing how my experience as Miss North Dakota served as a launching pad for my career. It gave me the skills and most importantly, the confidence, to go after my dreams."