Submitted Photo Marissa Sanders of Glenburn holds her plaque as a semifinalist in the national Mrs. American Pageant in Las Vegas Aug. 27. Sanders represented her state as Mrs. North Dakota American.

Mrs. North Dakota American Marissa Sanders of Glenburn and Mrs. North Dakota America Dana Henry of Bismarck made their mark on the national stage at the Mrs. America and Mrs. American Pageants held in Las Vegas Aug. 27.

Sanders earned an exceptionally high interview score, earning her a spot in the top 15 finalists. This prestigious placement allowed her to continue competing in the finals, where she showcased her advocacy, grace and dedication to service, according to state pageant promoters Forevermorley Productions, Grand Forks.

During their time in Las Vegas, Sanders and Henry also presented Jacqueline Siegel, founder of the Victoria’s Voice Foundation, with a $2,200 donation on behalf of the North Dakota delegation. Funds were raised to support the foundation’s life-saving mission of substance use awareness and prevention.

“Dana and Marissa embody everything our organization stands for — family, service, and legacy,” Director Meg Morley of Forevermorley Productions said in a news release. “To see Marissa break into the Top 15, Dana shine in her Medora tribute costume, and both of them present such a meaningful donation to Mrs. Siegel is not only a victory for North Dakota but for every woman who believes in the power of using her voice for good.”

The Mrs. American Pageant’s new title holder is Dr. Tiffany Thornton of Masschusetts. The Mrs. America title went to Paige Ewing of Georgia.