Current:Home > ScamsMiss Hawaii Savannah Gankiewicz takes Miss USA crown after Noelia Voigt resignation -GrowthSphere Strategies
Miss Hawaii Savannah Gankiewicz takes Miss USA crown after Noelia Voigt resignation
View
Date:2025-04-16 22:47:49
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! (49)
Related
- New data highlights 'achievement gap' for students in the US
- US higher education advocates welcome federal support for Hispanic-serving institutions
- Ratepayers Have Had Enough Of Rising Energy Bills
- A mural honoring scientists hung in Pfizer’s NYC lobby for 60 years. Now it’s up for grabs
- Warm inflation data keep S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq under wraps before Fed meeting next week
- Colorado vs. Nebraska score: Highlights from Cornhuskers football win over Buffaloes today
- Cowboys QB Dak Prescott becomes highest-paid player in NFL history with new contract
- Jordan Love’s apparent leg injury has the Packers feeling nervous
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- Ashley Tisdale Gives Birth, Welcomes Baby No. 2 With Husband Christopher French
Ranking
- 'Most Whopper
- Recreational marijuana sales begin on North Carolina tribal land, drug illegal in state otherwise
- Georgia school shooting suspect was troubled by a broken family, taunting at school, his father said
- You can get a free Krispy Kreme Original Glazed doughnut on Saturday. Here's how.
- Don't let hackers fool you with a 'scam
- Which NFL teams have new head coaches? Meet the 8 coaches making debuts in 2024.
- Evacuations ordered as wildfire burns in foothills of national forest east of LA
- Nashville’s Mother Church of Country Music retains its roots as religious house of worship
Recommendation
IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
With father of suspect charged in Georgia shooting, will more parents be held responsible?
Impaired driver arrested after pickup crashes into Arizona restaurant, injuring 25
Kelly Stafford Reveals the Toughest Part of Watching Quarterback Husband Matthew Stafford Play Football
'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
School districts race to invest in cooling solutions as classrooms and playgrounds heat up
American Taylor Fritz makes history in five-set win over friend Frances Tiafoe at US Open
Which NFL teams could stumble out of the gate this season?