Black Hills State University crowned its 2026 Swarm Days Royalty during the coronation ceremony held Thursday, September 24, as part of the university's homecoming celebration. Seniors Emiliano Mejia of Los Gatos, California, and Bailey Smith of Baldwin City, Kansas, were crowned Swarm Days King and Queen.
Meija is an exercise science major and running back for the Yellow Jacket football team. He is also a member of Campus Ventures. Meija has worked with the Spearfish Parks and Recreation Department’s summer programs and assists athletes at Anytime Fitness.
Smith is a biology major with a minor in chemistry and a certificate in social and cultural awareness. She is also enrolled in BHSU's accelerated master's program in integrative genomics and plans to attend medical school after graduation. Smith serves as the captain of the women's soccer team, and is active on campus as a BHSU ambassador, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee representative, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader. She is also the founder and president of the BHSU MEDLIFE chapter and has been involved with campus research and Jacket Health Professionals.
Joining them on the 2026 Swarm Days Royal Court were Rachel Manderscheid, Dylan Swan, Olivia Boe, Abigail Scott, Sebastian O'Ferrell, Mitch Moravec, Blake Volmer, and Caden Strasser.
"Thank you again to all our Royal Court members for embarking on an amazing journey throughout your years as a Yellow Jacket," said Jane Klug, BHSU Dean of Students, at the coronation. "We are honored to have you represent Black Hills State University."
The theme of the 2026 Swarm Days celebration is “Jackets in the Jungle."