Episode 411. Grace Stanke-Miss America 2023

Grace Stanke studies nuclear engineering at the University of Wisconsin and plays the classical violin. She is also a competitive waterskier, loves to travel, and is a foodie.

Grace’s world changed in January 2023; after 3 action-packed nights showcasing her talent, interview skills, and social impact achievements, she was crowned 2023 Miss America, representing her home state of Wisconsin. She received a $50,000 scholarship for winning.

Miss America’s primary role is to inspire and serve as a role model for young women while sharing her passion and life story and continuing the legacy of the Miss America competition.

This was the 3rd time Wisconsin had been crowned Miss America in the illustrious history of the iconic institution.

Grace was left speechless on stage to a standing ovation at the 101st Anniversary Miss America competition Thursday night inside the award-winning Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.

As 2023 Miss America, Stanke, 20, will earn an appearance contract and travel throughout the U.S. during her reign as a Miss America representative.

Stanke, who earned a cumulative total of $68,000+ in scholarships as an “instance through” her state and Miss America competitions, will use her national platform to continue advocating for “Clean Energy – Cleaner Future.” Stanke is in her senior year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she is currently majoring in nuclear engineering. Her social impact initiative aims to dispel myths about nuclear energy and”inspire the next generation of female scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. For the talent portion of the competition, Stanke performed a piece from “Vivaldi’s Summer/FourSeasonss – Storm” on her electric violin.