The Miss Wausau Area Scholarship Organization is gearing up to announce its new titleholders for 2025, including both Miss Wausau Area and Miss Wausau Area’s Teen. These competitions serve as a preliminary round for the larger Miss Wisconsin and Miss Wisconsin’s Teen pageants scheduled for June 2025 in New Berlin. Under the direction of Jenny Stanke, mother of the reigning Miss America 2023, Grace Stanke, the competition will take place on November 2, beginning at 4 p.m. at the UW Center for Civic Engagement in Wausau. This year, there will be four contenders vying for the Miss title and an additional four competing for Miss Wausau Area’s Teen.
The Miss Wausau Area Scholarship Competition is designed for young women between the ages of 18 and 27, while participants for the Teen title must be aged 14 to 18. To be eligible, contestants must reside, work, or study in specific counties including Marathon, Taylor, Clark, Portage, or Lincoln. Jenny Stanke emphasized the importance of the Miss America program, highlighting the vast opportunities it offers for scholarship and personal development, detailing how it encourages young women to hone their interview skills, discover their talents, and build lasting friendships.
Contestants will showcase their abilities across five phases during the competition: private interview, talent performance, evening gown presentation, health and fitness assessment, and an on-stage conversation. Current Miss Wausau Area, Lauren Hjelsand, will pass on her crown to the new titleholders, who will not only receive cash scholarships for their educational pursuits but also the chance to represent their community and compete at state and possibly national levels. The Teen winner will similarly advance to the Miss Wisconsin’s Teen competition.
In a delightful addition to the event, eight participants known as “Little Lilacs” will join the on-stage activities. This mentoring initiative for girls aged five to twelve allows them to learn a dance and welcome the contestants, fostering a spirit of empowerment and camaraderie among the younger generation. The program aims to inspire these young girls and encourage their involvement in the pageant community.
The contestants for both titles bring a variety of talents to the stage. For the Miss Wausau Area title, participants include Allison Wisinski, who will perform a vocal piece, Brenna Nitek, also presenting a vocal performance, Avery Manthe, showcasing a HERStory piece, and Devyn Halopka, who will perform a unique magic and science demonstration. Each young woman brings a unique skill set and something compelling to share with the audience, reflecting the diverse talents found in the community.
The Teen competitors likewise exhibit an array of talents: Anna Jacobson will deliver a vocal performance, Clara Krasselt will amaze audiences with her speed painting, Grace Loos will exhibit her archery skills, and Zoey Yang will also captivate the crowd with her singing. This diversity demonstrates the range of talents and aspirations among the contestants, highlighting their dedication to personal growth and community representation. Tickets for this exciting event are priced at $15, available at the door, and will only be accepted in cash. For those looking for more information, inquiries can be directed to the Miss Wausau Area Scholarship Organization via email or through their Facebook page. The event promises to be an inspiring celebration of talent, scholarship, and the empowerment of young women in the Wausau area.
