Grand Canyon University celebrated a proud showing at Sunday's Miss America pageant. Alumna and Ingram Honors College graduate Victoria Vredevoogd was a Quality of Life Award winner, and student Nora Andrews championed mental health awareness on the main stage.
Although the two Lopes missed the 11-contestant semifinalist round, Vredevoogd, competing as Miss Arizona, was first runner-up for the Quality of Life Award, earning a trophy and a $7,500 scholarship.
"Competing at Miss America was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I’m incredibly honored to have been named a Quality of Life Scholarship winner," Vredevoogd posted on Instagram. "Having my work advocating for survivors of domestic and sexual violence recognized on the national stage is so special.
“And while my competition journey may be over, my year as Miss Arizona is just beginning!! I can’t wait to come home and I'm so excited for the year ahead. Arizona, I hope I made you proud. … Thank you, God, for blessing me beyond all measure!”
All contestants, including Andrews, who represented Miss Alaska, earned a $3,000 scholarship. Miss Texas Regan Hutsell was crowned Miss America 2027, earning a $50,000 scholarship. Miss Louisiana Shelby Bordelon was first runner-up.
"WE DID MISS AMERICA!!!!!!! It feels surreal to even write that. WOW," Andrews wrote on Instagram. "While 52 women got to live out their 'Super Bowl Sunday' dreams last night, they also gained friends for life and WON the experience. On top of the incredible support from my friends, family and state, I was honored to be representing home. ... Telling my HERstory on the Miss America stage was the honor of a lifetime."
GCU News senior writer Jason Gonzalez can be reached at [email protected].
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