ABERDEEN, S.D. - Float and band winners from Northern State University's 2023 Gypsy Day Parade have been announced. There were 118 floats and 14 bands in the Oct. 7 march down Aberdeen's Main Street. Parade entrants decorated their floats based on this year's theme “Wolves Go to Vegas.”
Congratulations to our 2023 Queen and King: Kayla Jensen and Clayton Randall! Jensen is a senior majoring in special education. Clayton is majoring in business management.
Jensen is originally from Claremont, S.D. On campus, she is involved as Northern's student government association Vice President, a head Honors mentor, and a senior orientation leader. She also plays in the symphonic band. Outside of her campus life, she volunteers with Special Olympics as a Unified Partner in bocce and cheerleading. Jensen was sponsored by SGA and Honors.
Clayton is originally from Herreid, S.D. On campus, he is involved by being on the football team, and part of the Newman Center and the Awaken Bible Study. Outside of school and football, he likes to go hunting, golfing, fishing, hot yoga, and spending time with his family. Clayton was sponsored by the Newman Club.
Parade Float Results
- First place: Aberdeen Family YMCA
- Second place: Kessler's Grocery
- Third place: Aberdeen Gymnastics Association
- Northern Spirit Award: NSU Honors Program
- Thunder Award: Dirkson Organic Beef Farm
Band Results
- Aberdeen Central: Gold
- Aberdeen Roncalli: Gold
- Bowdle School: Silver
- Edmunds Central High School: Silver
- Eureka High School: Silver
- Groton High School: Gold
- Holgate and Simmons Middle School: Silver
- Hoven High School: Silver
- Leola School: Gold
- Miller High School: Silver
- Mobridge Pollock: Bronze
- Northwestern Area: Silver
- Sully Buttes: Gold
- Warner High School: Gold
- Watertown: Gold
- Best Overall Band: Aberdeen Central High School
About Northern State University
Northern State University is a student-centered institution that provides an outstanding educational experience, preparing students through the liberal arts and professional education for their future endeavors. A regional university, Northern offers rigorous academics; diverse civic, social and cultural opportunities; and a commitment to building an inclusive environment for all points of view. Northern also offers a broad-based athletics program, sponsoring 15 NCAA Division II intercollegiate varsity sports that compete in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NSIC). The university strives to enrich the community through partnerships such as its Educational Impact Campaign, which opened a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired; new athletic and recreation fields; and an on-campus regional sports complex. With the $55 million campaign, NSU has been the recipient of more than $150 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.