Current:Home > StocksMiss Hawaii Savannah Gankiewicz takes Miss USA crown after Noelia Voigt resignation -MoneyTrend
Miss Hawaii Savannah Gankiewicz takes Miss USA crown after Noelia Voigt resignation
View
Date:2025-04-17 23:17:29
Less than two weeks after former Miss USA Noelia Voigt resigned, Miss Hawaii Savannah Gankiewicz has officially taken the title.
The model and activist was crowned Wednesday in a ceremony broadcast live from Waikiki, Hawaii. Gankiewicz, 28, was crowned by Hawaii Gov. Dr. Josh Green, according to CNN and Entertainment Tonight.
"While this decision was not made lightly, I firmly believe that this opportunity was meant for me and I am ready to make a positive impact with this organization that I hold dear to my heart," Gankiewicz said, according to the outlets.
The contentious Miss USA title was originally held by Voigt until May 6, when the former Miss Utah relinquished her Miss USA crown to preserve her mental health.
Miss USA and Miss Teen USA'smoms say they were 'abused, bullied, and cornered'
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Voigt said in a lengthy Instagram post that her resignation might "come as a large shock to many," but shared a word of advice with readers: "Never compromise your physical and mental well-being. Our health is our wealth."
On May 9, Miss USA announced that Miss Hawaii had stepped in to complete the final three months of Voigt's vacated seat.
"I fully support and respect Noelia's decision to step down, and I stand in solidarity with mental health awareness," Gankiewicz said in a statement shared on social media at the time. She added, "To my fellow Miss USA sisters, I believe it's crucial for us to stand united for the future of the organization and the incoming class of 2024 and beyond.
"I pledge my wholehearted support to the new delegates who have dedicated themselves to their state pageants, and I am committed to ensuring a seamless and memorable transition between Miss USA titleholders."
Former Miss USA staffersays organization caused pageant winners' mental health to decline
Comments were limited on the joint post, which was a collaborative effort by the Miss USA, Miss Hawaii USA and Gankiewicz's Instagram accounts.
Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava resigned from her title within days of Voigt, sharing in an Instagram statement that her "personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization."
Miss USA resignations:CW 'evaluating' relationship with pageants ahead of live ceremonies
That title's runner-up, Miss NY Teen USA Stephanie Skinner, declined her invitation to replace Srivastava.
Srivastava, in a post on her Instagram story shortly after Miss USA's resignation, quoted Michelle Obama's famous motto, "When they go low, we go high."
She also shared a message: "Please do not send hate to anyone, while we can't control what is said about us, we can control what we say about others. Even if that means overlooking attacks on one's character."
2024's Miss USA and Miss Teen USA will be crowned in August.
Contributing: KiMi Robinson
veryGood! (883)
Related
- Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
- Security guard found not guilty in on-duty fatal shot reacting to gun fight by Nashville restaurant
- Move over, 'Barbie': Why 'Red, White & Royal Blue' is the gayest movie this summer
- Balanced effort leads US past Doncic-less Slovenia 92-62 in World Cup warm-up game
- The Super Bowl could end in a 'three
- Lower age limits, eye-popping bonuses: Lifeguard recruitment goes hardcore
- California hiker falls to death in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park
- Robert De Niro’s Daughter Shares Heartbreaking Message on Late Son Leandro’s 20th Birthday
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Move over, 'Barbie': Why 'Red, White & Royal Blue' is the gayest movie this summer
Ranking
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- Court dismisses challenge to Biden’s restoration of Utah monuments shrunk by Trump
- Louisiana school district’s superintendent announces retirement
- 'I'm a Swiftie!' Kevin Costner 'blown away' at Taylor Swift concert with his daughter
- Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
- Abducted By My Teacher: Why Elizabeth Thomas Is Done Hiding Her Horrifying Story
- Report: Dianna Russini leaves ESPN to become The Athletic’s top NFL insider
- Maui fires caught residents off guard as evacuees say they didn't get warnings about blazes that have killed dozens
Recommendation
Meta donates $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund
Skull found at Arizona preserve identified as belonging to missing Native American man
Denver house explodes and partially collapses, hospitalizing 1
Turkish investigative reporter Baris Pehlivan ordered to jail — by text message
Scoot flight from Singapore to Wuhan turns back after 'technical issue' detected
The Ultimatum’s April Marie Gives Birth, Welcomes First Baby With Cody Cooper
Men attacked Alabama boat co-captain for ‘just doing my job,’ he says
Survivors of Maui’s fires return home to ruins, death toll up to 67. New blaze prompts evacuations