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Who is Grace Stanke? Miss Wisconsin crowned Miss America 2023, Internet calls her 'beauty with a heart'

Miss New York Taryn Delanie Smith was crowned first runner-up, while Miss Texas Averie Bishop was named second runner-up

UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT: Grace Stanke, Miss Wisconsin, was crowned the Miss America 2023 on Thursday, December 15 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. Miss New York Taryn Delanie Smith was crowned first runner-up, while Miss Texas Averie Bishop was named second runner-up.

Grace performed excellently on the violin during the talent competition. The judges were also impressed with her answers during the Red Carpet and the final round of the competition. The pageant had 51 participants from 50 states.

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Who is Grace Stanke?

Miss Wisconsin Grace Stanke is a nuclear engineering student from the University of Wisconsin who is just 20 years old. She is a classical violinist and hails from Wasau. During the final segment of the contest, the top five contestants were asked about the causes they were passionate about. To which Grace responded, "As Miss America, I am representing this organization. If they ask further questions, I am able to preface saying, 'This isn't the organization's point of view, this is my personal point of view as Grace Stanke' and I can go on to state it — especially when it comes to things like nuclear energy and so many other hot political topics," she explained. The 20-year-old also receive a $50,000 scholarship through the win. She was crowned Miss Wisconsin in June, reported People. 

According to Milwaukee Journal, She previously served as Miss Madison for two years during COVID-19 times. She is a graduate of Wausau West High School and is the daughter of Darrin and Jenny Stanke. “I am so incredibly honored. I am representing the women who can. We’re not put in boxes, we’re here to make a change and change the world, " reported NJ.com. Her social initiative is 'Clean Energy, Clean Future. According to the initiative's statement, “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. I advocate for nuclear power and improved communication about nuclear science with both the general public and nuclear engineers to bridge the gap of the unknown between the two groups of people.”

'Beauty with a heart'

The Internet quickly responded to her win. The University of Wisconsin tweeted, "So proud of you, @Grace_Stanke!." Another claimed, "I knew it would come down to Taryn and Grace! So happy for our state to have Grace representing us!." A user added, "Congrats to Wisconsin! I love how excited for her Taryn was. These women did an amazing job." A user claimed, "From my hometown of Wausau. Congrats Grace On Wisconsin !." A user stated, "My good friend and overall wonderful human being @Grace_Stanke was just named Miss America. To say that I didn't cry would be a lie. I am so beyond proud of her, and can safely speak for all that know her in saying she is one of a kind and will be a phenomenal Miss America!." A tweet read, "Go Miss Wisconsin!!." Another wrote, "Beauty with a heart."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.