Wisconsin's Grace Stanke crowned Miss America 2023
Miss Wisconsin Grace Stanke was crowned Miss America 2023 on Thursday, December 15 at the Mohegan Sun Earth Expo & Convention Center in Uncasville, Connecticut.
The 20-year-old classical violinist and nuclear engineering student at the University of Wisconsin – Madison edged out 50 other competitiors to win her national title. She also bagged the Talent award during the peliminary competition.
"I am so incredibly honored. I'm representing the women who can, we're not put in boxes, we're here to make a change and change the world so thank you so much, i am so honored," she emotionaly replied when asked how she feels about winning Miss America shortly after her coronation.
Rounding out the Top 5 finalists were first runner-up Taryn Delanie Smith of New York, second runner-up Averie Bishop of Texas, third runner-up Elizabeth Lynch of West Virginia, and fourth runner-up Kelsey Hollis of Georgia.
Elizabeth Hallal of Indiana and Heather Renner of Nevada completed the Top 7 while the rest of the Top 11 were Lauren Teruya of Hawaii, Monica Nia Jones of Illinois, Elizabetta Nies of Ohio, and Sophia Takla of Oregon.
Emma Broyles, the first ever Miss Alaska to win the title of Miss America, crowned her successor at the end of the glittering event.
The new Miss America advocates for efficient, clean, zero-carbon energy for America through nuclear energy. "America needs to convert to zero-carbon energy sources, and I’m helping to make that happen by breaking down misconceptions surrounding our most powerful source of zero-carbon energy: nuclear power," she shared in her bio on Miss America website.
Grace considers being on time as the best piece of advice she has ever received and gave her dad credit for it. She believes that being punctual is one of the best ways to show someone respect.
Meet the new Miss America:
Photos: Miss America Organization
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