Miss Wisconsin Grace Stanke crowned as Miss America 2023

Miss Wisconsin Grace Stanke, a University of Wisconsin nuclear engineering student, was crowned Miss America 2023 on Thursday at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Stanke surprised the panel of judges with her responses on the Red Carpet and in the final round of the competition, and she performed brilliantly on the violin during the talent phase of the competition. Miss New York Taryn Delanie Smith was chosen first runner-up, with Miss Texas Averie Bishop coming in second.

With her social impact program, "Clean Energy, Cleaner Future," the new titleholder, whose pageant skill is violin, advocates for a nuclear energy transition.


Stanke writes in her mission statement, "America has to shift to zero-carbon energy sources, and I'm trying to make that happen by breaking down misunderstandings surrounding our most potent source of zero-carbon energy: nuclear power".



Stanke, from Wausau, Wisconsin, said backstage following her win, "I am so extremely honored," "I am standing up for the ladies who can. We don't fit into boxes; we're here to make a difference and alter the world".

Stanke is the third Miss Wisconsin to win the title, following Terry Meeuwsen in 1973 and Laura Kaeppeler in 2012. She earned a $50,000 scholarship for her win. Taryn Delanie Smith, Miss New York, was named first runner-up and received a $25,000 scholarship on Thursday.

FAQs:

1. From what place is Grace Stanke?
   Grace Stanke, who was born in Wausau and goes to UW-Madison to study nuclear engineering, is the third woman from Wisconsin to be named Miss America.
2. How much do the women who try out for Miss America get paid?
   The winner gets the title of Miss America and at least $50,000 in scholarship money.