Alaska's Emma Broyles crowned Miss America 2022

Miss Alaska, Emma Broyles, was crowned Miss America 2022 during the 100th anniversary of the national pageant held on Thursday, December 16 at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut.

The 20-year-old beauty from Anchorage is a student at Arizona State University. She bested 50 other contestants to succeed Camille Schrier of Virginia and become the first-ever Miss America winner from Alaska.

Alabama's Lauren Bradford was named first runner-up while Massachussetts' Elizabeth Pierre finished second runner-up. Sydney Park of New York and Abigail Hayes of Oregon were the third and fourth runners-up, respectively.

Completing the Top 10 are the contestants from the District of Columbia, Andolyn Medina, Florida, Leah Roddenberry, Illinois, Isabelle Hanson, Texas, Mallory Fuller, and Utah, Sasha Sloan.

The new Miss America was selected by a distinguished panel of judges consisting of all former winners. She will receive a $100,000 worth of scholarship and a six-figure salary.

During her reign as Miss Alaska 2021, Emma spent a lot of time working towards a cause close to her heart, a social impact initiative supporting the Special Olympics.

"I firmly believe that lasting change starts with the youth in our communities, which is why I am such a firm believer in our local Special Olympics school programs," she said.

"Ensuring opportunities for students of all abilities to be leaders in their schools and communities is how we will ultimately develop a more inclusive and empathetic world."

Photos: Miss America Organization