Meet the 20-year-old Wisconsin nuclear engineering student who was crowned Miss America 2023

A Wisconsin nuclear engineering student with a knack for sharing her opinion on “hot political issues” was crowned Miss America 2023.

Grace Stanke, 20, earned the coveted title in Thursday’s beauty pageant at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Originally from Wausau, Wisconsin, she wowed the judges with her beauty and brains – making it clear that while she loves to compete, her greatest passion is science.

The beauty queen is currently studying nuclear engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and often expresses her love for the subject on her social media accounts.

A Wisconsin nuclear engineering student with a knack for sharing her opinion on “hot political issues” was crowned Miss America 2023

Grace Stanke, 20, earned the coveted title in Thursday’s beauty pageant at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut

Originally from Wausau, Wisconsin, she wowed the judges with her beauty and brains – making it clear that while she loves to compete, her greatest passion is science

“I am so proud to be a woman in nuclear engineering. It’s not easy, nor is it an easy path, but it’s so worth it,” she wrote on Instagram in June.

The beauty queen is currently studying nuclear engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and often expresses her love for the subject on her social media accounts

“I find joy in the little things, and understanding something so small that makes something as big as a nuclear power plant work just makes me happy to be alive!

“To the young woman, little girl, middle school student who wants to be an engineer but is struggling for some reason, remember, YOU are a trailblazer in this field.

“Each woman paves the way a little more for the next. I very much look forward to working with each and every one of you.”

When asked by a follower what her “legacy” was supposed to be in July, the self-proclaimed “nuclear nerd” said: “The best answer I have is a nuclear analogy. I want to be the neutron that is shot at uranium to start the decay process in a power plant.

“I want to be the person who inspires the next three people to move on and make strong decisions. I want to be the person who makes that change in people and influences the generations to come.”

“I am so proud to be a woman in nuclear engineering. It’s not easy, nor is it an easy path, but it’s so worth it,” she wrote on Instagram in June

She added, “To the young woman, little girl, middle school student who wants to be an engineer but is struggling for some reason: remember, YOU are a frontrunner in this field.”

When asked by the judges what she would use Miss America’s platform for, she said she was “excited” to have the opportunity to use her voice in front of an even larger audience

In addition, the activist often speaks about climate change and its impact on the environment.

‘I am able [answer questions] and say, “That’s not the organization’s point of view, that’s my personal point of view,” especially when it comes to hot political issues,” she said

When asked by the judges what she would use Miss America’s platform for, she said she was “excited” to have the opportunity to use her voice in front of an even larger audience.

“As Miss America, I know I represent this organization, but I can [answer questions] and say, “That’s not the organization’s point of view, that’s my personal point of view as Grace Stanke.” especially when it comes to things like nuclear energy and so many other hot political issues,” she said.

Grace, who is also an avid violinist, wowed the audience even more with a stunning performance of Aaron Sinclair and Antonio Vivaldi’s track Storm during the competition.

Hollywood Life reported that she started playing the instrument at the age of eight and that it helped her find her love for pageants.

She previously admitted that during the performance she became so anxious that she started shaking, and she realized she needed to do more things on stage to overcome her fears – which led to her competing ” Miss Wisconsin Outstanding Teen” participated.

Grace, who is also an avid violinist, wowed the audience even more with a stunning performance of Aaron Sinclair and Antonio Vivaldi’s track Storm during the competition

Additionally, based on her Instagram account, Grace loves water skiing, hiking and travelling

She was previously Miss Madison for two years before receiving the title of Miss Wisconsin earlier this year

Winning Miss America made her the third woman from the state to receive the crown

‘[Competing] helped me feel comfortable in my own skin,” she told The Northwestern while reflecting on her journey.

Additionally, based on her Instagram account, Grace loves water skiing, hiking and travelling.

She was previously Miss Madison for two years before receiving the title of Miss Wisconsin earlier this year – and winning Miss America made her the third woman from the state to receive the crown.

The beauty pageant, which began in the 1920s and has been going on for 95 years, saw 51 different women compete to see who would be crowned the winner.

Miss New York Taryn Delanie Smith was selected as runner-up while Miss Texas Averie Bishop finished third.