The Miss America Pagent has come a long way over the last 100 years. It has become so much more than a competition seemingly solely based on looks in a swimming suit or evening gown. According to the Miss America Website: "This unique program is a year-round opportunity for women to earn scholarships, grow their networks, learn valuable life and career skills, and make a difference in their communities."

Grace Stanke is 20 years old and is from Wausau Wisconsin. She is currently a senior at the University of Wisconsin Madison and is studying nuclear energy. On top of all these successes, she was crowned Miss America last night in Connecticut. She won the talent portion of the pagent by playing the violin. On top of winning the title, she was awarded a $50,000 cash scholarship and will be given a six-figure salary with benefits and will travel as a representative of the Miss America Organization.

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According to WCCO/CBSNews Stanke said:

Being crowned Miss America 2023 is impossible to put into words – it is a dream come true and has literally changed my life in an instant. I hope to live up to the impeccable legacy of Miss America, serving as a positive role model for women of all ages and my community.

What a great opportunity for her to make a huge difference in her community and all across the United States. As a side note of how big a deal this is it has been 50 years since a Miss Wisconsin contestant won the Miss America Pagent!

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