Kristi Lynn Noem
Kristi Arnold was born to Ron and Corrine Arnold in Watertown, South Dakota, and raised with her siblings on the family ranch and farm in rural Hamlin County. She graduated from Hamlin High School in 1990, and won the South Dakota Snow Queen title. She credited the experience with helping her polish her public speaking and promotional skills. After high school, she enrolled at Northern State University. She married Bryon Noem at age 20.