Miss Alaska Emma Broyles reacts after being crowned Miss America, Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
AP Photo/Jessica Hill
Miss_America_42219 Miss Alaska Emma Broyles reacts as she is crowned by 2020 Miss America Camille Schrier, after winning the Miss America competition, Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
AP Photo/Jessica Hill
Miss Alaska Emma Broyles reacts as she is crowned by 2020 Miss America Camille Schrier, after winning the Miss America competition at Mohegan Sun, Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
AP Photo/Jessica Hill
Miss Alaska Emma Broyles is surrounded by a group hug after being crowned Miss America, Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
AP Photo/Jessica Hill
Miss_America_90691 Miss Alaska Emma Broyles waves in confetti after being crowned Miss America, Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
AP Photo/Jessica Hill
Miss_America_26760 Miss Alaska Emma Broyles, left, reacts as she is announced as the winner of the Miss America competition, Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn. At right is runner up Miss Alabama Lauren Bradford. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
AP Photo/Jessica Hill
Miss_America_77992 Miss Alaska Emma Broyles reacts after being crowned Miss America, Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
AP Photo/Jessica Hill
Finalist Miss Massachusetts Elizabeth Pierre competes in the Miss America competition at the Mohegan Sun, Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
AP Photo/Jessica Hill
Miss Alabama Lauren Bradford is announced as a top 10 finalist in the Miss America competition at the Mohegan Sun, Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
AP Photo/Jessica Hill
Miss Texas Mallory Fuller is announced as a top 10 finalist in the Miss America competition at the Mohegan Sun, Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP) — The contestant from Alaska was crowned Miss America at an event Thursday marking the competition’s 100th anniversary.
What began as a 1921 Atlantic City beauty pageant has evolved away from the emphasis on looks alone — contestants are no longer judged on physical appearance — with a new focus on leadership, talent and communication skills.
Emma Broyles from Alaska claimed the centennial crown and a $100,000 college scholarship. She emerged as the winner out of 51 contestants representing the 50 states and the District of Columbia at the competition at a Connecticut casino.
The finale that historically has been featured in a primetime television broadcast was available only to stream this year via NBC’s Peacock service.
