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Emma Broyles, representing Alaska, crowned Miss America

By Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
By Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — Emma Broyles, representing Alaska, was crowned Miss America on Thursday during an event marking the pageant’s 100th anniversary.

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Broyles, who is from Anchorage, claimed the centennial crown and a $100,000 college scholarship, according to the Anchorage Daily News. She bested 50 other contestants representing the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

This year’s competition was held at the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut. For decades, the event was held in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Lauren Bradford, representing Alabama, was named the first runner-up, while Elizabeth Pierre, representing Massachusetts, was the second runner-up, People reported.

Broyles won the Miss Alaska title in June, according to a post on the website of Arizona State University, where she is a junior honors student majoring in biomedical sciences and minoring in voice performance.

In the final round of the competition, Broyles was asked what she would do if a male representative of a major sponsor made inappropriate comments and sexual advances toward her, USA Today reported.

“I know in my heart that as a woman, I am never going to let somebody treat me like, because women should never be treated like objects,” Broyles told the judges. “Women can be angry! We cannot be content with things that are happening.”

Also during the interview portion of the competition, Broyles spoke about her mental health.

“I am real. I have flaws. I have ADHD. I have dermatillomania, which is a form of OCD. I’ve struggled with all of these things and because of that, I am a better person,” Broyles said. “During COVID, it was an incredibly difficult time for me, being isolated in my college dorm for so long. It was that point when I hit rock bottom when I realized I can be so much more than that.”

What began as a beauty pageant in 1921 has evolved away from looks alone, with judges making decisions based on leadership, talent and communication skills, The Associated Press reported.

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Miss America Miss New Mexico Sienna Mascareñas in the Miss America competition at the Mohegan Sun, Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill) (Jessica Hill/AP)

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