UNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP) — Emma Broyles, of Anchorage, was crowned Miss America at an event Dec. 16, marking the competition’s 100th anniversary and the first time an Alaskan has won the award.
Broyles, 20, won the centennial crown and a $100,000 college scholarship. She emerged as the winner out of 51 contestants representing the 50 states and the District of Columbia at the competition at a Connecticut casino.
She is a junior honors student at Arizona State University, where she is majoring in biomedical sciences, according to a report in the Anchorage Daily News. She won the Miss Alaska title in June.
Her social impact initiative revolves around the Special Olympics, which she describes as having a positive impact on the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and their families, including her own, the newspaper reported. Her brother, who has Down syndrome, became a Special Olympics athlete more than 12 years ago.
What began as a 1921 Atlantic City beauty pageant has evolved away from the emphasis on looks alone — contestants are no longer judged on physical appearance — with a focus on leadership, talent and communication skills.
The finale that historically has been featured in a primetime television broadcast was available only to stream this year via NBC’s Peacock service.
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