Less than two weeks after former Miss USA Noelia Voigt stepped down, Miss Hawaii Savannah Gankiewicz has officially won the title.
The model and activist was coronated Wednesday in a ceremony broadcast live from Waikiki, Hawaii. Gankiewicz, 28, was crowned by Hawaii Governor Dr. Josh Green, according to CNN and Entertainment Tonight.
“While this decision was not made lightly, I strongly believe that this opportunity was meaningful to me and will add value to this organization that I hold dear to my heart,” Gankiewicz said, according to the newspaper. “We are ready to make an impact.”
The controversial Miss USA title was originally held by Voigt until May 6, when the former Miss Utah vacated the Miss USA crown to protect her mental health.
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In a lengthy Instagram post, Vogt said his resignation may come as a “huge shock to many,” but added: “We should never sacrifice our physical and mental health. Our health is mine. It’s our property,” he said, giving advice to readers.
On May 9, Miss USA announced that Miss Hawaii had stepped in to fill the final three months of Vogt’s vacancy.
Gankiewicz said in a statement shared on social media at the time: “I fully support and respect Noelia’s decision to resign, and stand in solidarity with her efforts to raise mental health awareness.” . She added: “Dear Sisters of Miss USA, we believe it is important to come together for the future of our organization and for our new students in 2024 and beyond.
“I pledge my wholehearted support to the new delegates who have given their all to the state pageant, and I am committed to ensuring a seamless and memorable transition between the Miss USA titleholders. ”
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Comments on the joint post, which was a collaboration between Miss USA, Miss Hawaii USA and Gankiewicz’s Instagram accounts, were limited.
Miss Teen USA Umasofia Srivastava stepped down from the title within days of Vogt’s resignation, saying in an Instagram statement that her “personal values are no longer fully aligned with the direction of the organization.” said.
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The runner-up for that title, Miss NY Teen USA Stephanie Skinner, declined the invitation to replace Srivastava.
Srivastava posted on her Instagram Story shortly after stepping down as Miss USA, quoting Michelle Obama’s famous motto, “When they go low, we go high.”
She also added, “Don’t send hate towards anyone. You can’t control what is said about you, but you can control what is said about others. Even if it means overlooking an attack on…
The 2024 Miss USA and Miss Teen USA will be crowned in August.
Contributor: Kimi Robinson
