Miss South Dakota-Nikki Grandpre, Miss South Dakota Outstanding Teen-Hailey Soyland, and Miss Prairie Village-Elizabeth Pajl.

Here I am after winning my local title as the new Miss Prairie Village 2005.  This pageant holds a place in my heart as it was the first pageant I won back in 2002.  It is hard to believe how much I have grown throughout the Miss South Dakota Pageant System since those days. 

Miss Prairie Village 2005-Elizabeth Pajl and Miss Prairie Princess 2005-Kristen Lee at the 43rd Annual Steam Threshing Jamboree in Madison, SD. 

Speaking of the growing... in a literal since, in 2002 I appeared to be tall when compared to 7 and 8 year olds in the Prairie Princess Pageant.  This year was not the same case, many of those same girls were now 10 and 11 years old and had grown quite a few inches!  The first thing that came out of their mouths when I returned to the pageant was, "Lizzy did you shrink?"!  Yes, lets get it out in the open... I am short and will always be short!  You have to love those girls!! 

Girls Will Be Girls! 

The contestants of the Prairie Princess Pageant before they performed their dance at the Jamboree. The Prairie Princess Pageant is held at the same time as the Miss Prairie Village Pageant, allowing girls from 7-11 to compete. 

Elizabeth Kissing "Shorty"

"Shorty" is my favorite veteran! He and I... both short... and we LOVE IT! When I competed in my first pageant, Shorty was my escort for evening wear.  Whenever I see him around South Dakota I have to show him my love! 

Daschle's Ethanol Bill

Supporting South Dakota and Ethanol back in summer 2003.

Dancing in the Middle of the Street

When asked to dance, I will dance, even if cows are walking by, traffic is stopped, and people are gathered... there is always time to Cha Cha!

Animal Love!

My dad is a vet, so it is only natural to love animals!

Make-A-Wish

Here I am making wishes come true for children with life-threatening illnesses.

Micky, Mike, Elizabeth, Amy, Odile Decq (French Architect), and Matt

A few architecture students, including myself had the chance to meet Odile Decq after her lecture at KU.  

Michael Rotondi an American Architect, Los Angeles and Elizabeth

Rotundi is the architect of the Oglala Lakota College Fine Arts Building on Pine Ridge Reservation in Kyle, South Dakota. The building includes classrooms, a library, and a black box theatre used for storytelling, performance, filmmaking and fine arts education. It provides educational and recreational opportunities for the entire reservation.

Famous Japanese Architect and Pritzker Prize Winner Fumihiko Maki and Elizabeth

I was able to visit with Fumihiko Maki after his lecture in Kansas City.

Chicago Architecture Trip

Visiting Chicago with fellow KU architecture students and faculty.

Keeping it Real

A true South Dakota Family... they have the truck and the bikes!

Singing at the Chancellor's House

La Toya, the Chancellor of the University of Kansas, and Elizabeth, after singing for the chancellor and his family.

Megan, Ellie, Kara, Elizabeth, and Gina

Singing "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," a salute to our troops

Christmas Party

Hosting one of my famous Christmas Parties... the moments that bring friends together!

Granting Wishes Through the Make-A-Wish Foundation

Lisa (wish-granter), Megan (wish child), and Elizabeth (wish-granter) after Megan decided what wish she wanted!

Goofy and Elizabeth!!!

It was great to finally get to see the works of a gifted dyslexic, Walt Disney.  Here I am with my favorite character Goofy at Walt Disney World!

Emerson Drive Holding Elizabeth

Here I am with the country music group Emerson Drive!  I met them when I was Miss South Dakota State Fair and we stayed in contact.  When they opened for Shania Twain in Kansas City they gave me a free front row ticket to see one of my favorite country stars!  The concert was very exciting!!

My Talented Dance Girls at Judi's Dance and Fitness Studio

It is important to make learning fun whether it is reading or dancing, children love to express themselves!

Folding the American Flag at Yankton's Beautiful Lewis and Clark Lake Recreation Camp Grounds (South Dakota Game Fish and Parks)

Working for SDGF&P was one of my favorite jobs because I met visitors of all ages from across South Dakota and the country.  It was also a plus to be able to work outside with great scenic views!

South Dakota Girls State

Here I (First row, far right) am with my Girl State floor, Boston! This was a wonderful experience in which girls learn about government. I recommend that all girls apply to go. 

Teaching Gymnastics

Kristen and Elizabeth with their gymnastics girls!  Gymnastics was always a great sport for me, since I was short!

Yankton High School Homecoming Royalty

L to R back row:  Trent, Mary, Amanda, and Jared.                 L to R front row:  Brian, Jillian, Elizabeth, Levi, Angie, and Paul.

Homecoming King - Levi Rohde and Homecoming Queen - Elizabeth Pajl Speaking in Front of the School

Who would have thought... that little girl who was so afraid that no one would like her because she had a disability and was different, would be voted Homecoming Queen by her peers?  

HUG: Helping Unite Generations

HUG is a great program that allows college students to serve as the middle man, in which they work with elementary school children and seniors to connect the generations by sharing letters on a weekly base.  

Campaigning for Dennis Moore (Kansas)

Here I am passing out flyers on KU's campus while working for the Douglas County Democratic Party Office.

Interning with Representative Tom Burroughs at the Kansas Capitol

Becoming an intern was an experience that I have wanted to do ever since I was a page for Jean Hunhoff in the South Dakota House of Representatives. 

Modeling in an Indian Fashion Show

My friend Madue asked if I would model some traditional Indian clothing for a fashion show held at the University of Kansas. It was a lot of fun and a great way to learn more about the Indian culture!

Team Barbie at Derby Days, the School of Architecture's well known Design, Build, and Drive (in many cases crash) Car Contest

Kaley, Kristi, Callie, and I (Miss America Barbie) partnered up to build an Architectural Barbie Mobile, inspired from our childhood of Barbie playing. The four of us scared to drive our own creation, forced Walt to dress up as Bicyclist Ken and drive down the hill of death. 

IGV: Inspirational Gospel Voices

What an experience, having come from a small South Dakota town where I was part of the majority to becoming a minority (the only white girl) in IGV. My friends named me the "Token White Girl" of the choir. This was the most high energy choir I have ever been in. I loved it!!! 

The Governor of Kansas - Kathleen Sebelius, Elizabeth, and Lt. Governor - John Moore

While I was an intern in the Kansas Capitol I had the opportunity to meet many Kansas Leaders.

Teaching at Yankton's All Day Drill Team Dance Camp

Before our little dancers performed their dance routine that Kendra and I taught them earlier that day, we all took a quick picture.

Joey and Elizabeth Pajl and Matt and Abbey Hunhoff at Czech Days in Tabor, SD

The four of us pose in colorful Czech costumes, which our relatives in the Czech Republic and Slovakia would wear, before we take part in the traditional Czech "Beseda" dance. I am really excited this year because I will get to dance in Czech Days again. I couldn't dance for the last two years because of the Miss South Dakota Pageant, but this year I will be dancing again with Matt Hunhoff on June 16, 2006. Come and learn about the Czech heritage! 

Visiting Loved Ones in the Hospital

Never forget the people who impact your life! Always take time for the ones you care about, because they might not be there tomorrow.

Girl Scouts... Where Girls Grow Strong

Elizabeth visiting with young girls of Yankton's Girl Scout Troop 111. 

A Night at the Races!

When I was Miss State Fair I was asked to pass out trophies (and a few kisses) until midnight at the Grand Stand Races.

Internship with Statehouse Architect, Barry Gries

While I was interning with Barry & the D/A Division of Facilities Management Engineers, Project Managers/Designers, & Code Compliance Coordinators I gained first hand experience with restorations being made to the Kansas Capitol and other governmental buildings in Topeka and throughout the state.

Working with Elementary School Children on a Weekly Base

I love kids and their imaginations... I always say I am a big kid myself. Take time to mentor in your community, because these little stars can really brighten your day! 

Celebrating the Chinese New Year

Lauran and I pose for Hai in our traditional Chinese outfits that his mom let us wear to the Year of the Dog Party in Kansas City.

Supporting South Dakota Bikers!

One thing that I love about South Dakota is its bikers. I will take a ride on a bike any day!