ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Emma Broyles, an Alaska native and ASU honors student, was named Miss America at the 2022 competition Thursday night.
Broyles competed as Miss Alaska at the competition's 100th anniversary. She is the first to take the title following the 2021 cancelation due to the pandemic.
Broyles said she was shocked when she heard her name announced as this year's winner.
"I truly didn't even expect to make the top 10," Broyles told 12 News. "I was just so happy to be there and so honored to be representing Alaska."
The 20-year-old is additionally the first representative from Alaska to win the Miss America title.
"I'm really excited to get to bring this crown home to Alaska and I'm glad that I was able to do something to make Alaska proud," Broyles added.
The Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University was cheering on two contestants at this year's competition: Broyles and 2020 alum Miss Arizona Amber Barto.
In addition to the title, Broyles was also given a $100,000 scholarship and the Miss America salary.
Broyles is a junior at ASU studying biomedical sciences and voice performance, according to the university website.
She said she intends to attend medical school after graduating from ASU, which she will be able to do debt-free thanks to scholarships Broyles has earned through competing in pageants.
Every contestant must present a social impact initiative they're passionate about in their community. Broyles' initiative is to support the Special Olympics USA organization, a cause that's important to her since her brother has Down's syndrome.
Broyles said the interviewing portion of the pageants was the most challenging aspect of the competition.
"It was a skill that is incredibly important that I gained through the Miss America organization," she said.
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