About this year's winners
Elizabeth Anseth
2010 Miss Montana USA
"All our dreams come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."Walt Disney
Even as a little girl, Elizabeth "Annie" Anseth was a dreamer. When she was a pre-schooler, she dreamed of being a model. Much to father, Alan, and older brother, Andrew’s dismay, she would change her clothes multiple times a day – not because she got dirty, but because she just felt like wearing something else!
About the same time, Annie dreamed of being a dancer. She started dancing at age three and immediately fell in love with performing and being on stage. Annie continued to dance through her high school years learning tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical and ballet. She performed a number of solos during competitions and often brought home trophies.
When she started school, Annie dreamed of being a good student. Learning was fun - especially when she got to show her mom, Sandy, her superior grades. Annie continued to study hard and excel in the classroom graduating from Billings Senior High with honors and an academic scholarship to college.
Annie dreamed of being a cheerleader in high school. She could be found at sporting events at Billings Senior High School leading cheers, jumping, flipping and flying high into the air.
On September 6th, 2009, Annie realized another dream, when she was crowned Miss Montana USA on her first time competing in this pageant. Surrounded by family and friends she was proud to also receive the Community Service Award.
Currently, Annie, a sophomore at Rocky Mountain College, is pursuing her dream of teaching, like her mother, as she majors in elementary education. She is involved as a student ambassador, a cheerleader and winner of the Newcomer Student Award. She also continues her dream of making all students aware of bullying as she promotes the International "Stood Up Day."
Annie’s dreams have now been enlarged to being the best Miss Montana USA she can be. She looks forward to traveling around Montana sharing her dreams and encouraging others to pursue theirs.
Dakota Mackey
2010 Miss Montana Teen USA
Dakota Mackey is 17 years old and is a senior at Hellgate High school. She spent the first ten years of her life living in Seattle, Washington and moved to Florence, Montana when she was in the fifth grade. Dakota raised cows, horses and chickens on her farm and participated in 4-H. Dakota then moved to Missoula, Montana where she has enjoyed living across the street from her high school and in walking distance from her job at the local carousel in downtown Missoula.
Dakota has been dancing for twelve years doing everything from ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop to lyrical. She has traveled to regionals and nationals with her dance group, where her and the other dancers participated in workshops and brought home many high score medals. Dakota is now working on starting a dance team at her own high school to give opportunities to the other dancers in her community. Dancing will always be a great enjoyment in Dakota's life.
Dakota has also always excelled in art since she started taking a variety of art classes in and outside of school. She has taken several art classes at Hellgate, but watercolor painting is by far her favorite. Dakota also loves taking the culinary classes offered at her high school because of her love for food. She hopes to one day go to culinary school and get the opportunity to be a food critic and write for a national magazine such as Bon Appétit. Dakota believes that writing for a food magazine will give her the chance to share her passion for food and explore the culinary world.
Dakota is an active member in Hellgate High School's club, Students Against World Malnutrition, where last year she hosted a benefit dinner at her dance studio with her classmates. The community came together and donated money to watch various high school performers. The proceeds went to Doctors Without Borders and Missoula Medical Aid.
As Miss Montana USA, Dakota is truly honored to represent the beautiful state that she calls home.