History created: Emma Broyles, a Korean American from Alaska wins the Miss America title

In the competition’s 100-year history, the newly crowned Miss America, Emma Broyles is both the first Korean American and the first Alaskan to hold the title. Speaking to The Associated Press, she said that when the emcee announced Alaska as the winner, she was confident they were confused. Her grandparents moved to Anchorage from Korea about 50 years ago. Her social impact project is the Special Olympics, which she is committed to because her brother has Down syndrome.

“I never could have imagined in a million years that I would be Miss America, let alone that I would be Miss Alaska,” a beaming Emma Broyles told The Associated Press. “And then they said Alaska, and I said, ’No way. Are you sure? Do you want to check that card again?” she said before the sentiment caught up with her and she began crying tears of joy. “Could not believe it,” Broyles said. “I am so, so grateful to everybody back at home who’s been supporting me for so long, and I’m so glad that I’m able to bring home the title of Miss America to the state of Alaska for the first time in history.”

I am so, so grateful to everybody back at home

Broyles and Lauren Bradford, Miss Alabama, were the final two contestants. And Broyles stated that Bradford would make an excellent Miss America. The first Miss America pageant took place in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 1921. Broyles, on the other hand, is only the 94th Miss America. The pageant, which has shifted from a focus on beauty to one on leadership, talent, and communication skills. It was canceled last year due to the pandemic, and it was canceled for several years in the late 1920s and early 1930s.

Broyles’ victory as Miss America is not the first time an Alaskan woman breaks through a barrier this year. Lydia Jacoby of Seward, Alaska, came from nowhere to win the women’s 100-meter breaststroke at the Tokyo Olympics last summer. She was the first Alaskan to qualify for, let alone win, the Olympics in swimming.

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