“So what is it like to be named Miss North Dakota USA? Standing in the top five is terrifying every time--- like someone is about to throw a brick at your head. Only when you win, that brick explodes into glitter right before it hits your face. I never thought I'd cry when or if I was crowned, but after 6 years of chasing this dream... when it finally came true, tears of relief and happiness spilled onto my cheeks. I looked into the crowd (blurry from my tears) and saw dozens of my friends and family jumping up and down, crying, and hugging. I had done it. I was the new Miss North Dakota USA.”

After placing first runner-up in 2009 and 2011, (and second runner-up in ND Teen USA 2007), Jaci Jordan Stofferahn was crowned Miss North Dakota USA 2012 on November 20th, 2011. She was also a three-time runner-up at Miss North Dakota (MAO), including first runner-up in 2009 which lead to her competing at the Miss National Sweetheart pageant. “I value and treasure every time I placed. I learned to be patient, to persevere, and to trust God. Along the road, I met phenomenal people, many of whom are now my best friends. I also learned invaluable life lessons that have shaped me into a stronger woman and titleholder.”

Jaci is the daughter of Scott and Jonda Stofferahn, and the older sister of Brynn and Seth Stofferahn. Family comes first, for Jaci.. “My family alone makes me one of the luckiest girls in the world. I wouldn't love others the way I do if it weren't for the way they love me.” Among other things, her family loves practical jokes and, although humiliating in her younger years, they have taught her to have a great sense of humor, laugh at herself, and to fear April Fools Day. She graduated from South High of Fargo, ND in 2007 and attended North Dakota State University for 2 years before transferring to Western Governor's University, where she is now finishing her Business Marketing degree. Jaci has interned for former Senator Byron Dorgan and Senator Kent Conrad. She currently works as a dance and fitness instructor at Red River Dance and Performing Company, the only non-profit dance studio in Fargo.

Jaci strongly believes in giving back to her community and views holding the title of Miss North Dakota USA as an opportunity to extend her charitable work. Her favorite organizations include the Children's Miracle Network, Compassion International, and the National Eating Disorder Association. Jaci will continue to work with these organizations, assist the charitable alliances of the Miss Universe Organization, and support local charitable endeavors.

“This year will be an exciting time for me, but more importantly, I look forward to doing my absolute best in representing my home state of North Dakota.”

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