Current:Home > MyMiss Hawaii Savannah Gankiewicz takes Miss USA crown after Noelia Voigt resignation -EquityExchange
Miss Hawaii Savannah Gankiewicz takes Miss USA crown after Noelia Voigt resignation
TrendPulse Quantitative Think Tank Center View
Date:2025-04-10 18:08:28
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! (5)
Related
- 'Most Whopper
- Start Your Fall Fashion Capsule Wardrobe With Amazon Picks From Darcy McQueeny
- Elephant dies at St. Louis Zoo shortly after her herd became agitated from a dog running loose
- Jim Jordan lost a second House speaker vote. Here's what happens next.
- Current, future North Carolina governor’s challenge of power
- How many votes are needed to win the House speaker election?
- Texas city settles lawsuit over police response to Trump supporters surrounding Biden bus in 2020
- 'The Voice': Gwen Stefani and John Legend go head-to-head in first battle of Season 24
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- John Legend says he wants to keep his family protected with updated COVID vaccine
Ranking
- 'No Good Deed': Who's the killer in the Netflix comedy? And will there be a Season 2?
- Tropical Storm Norma could become Category 3 hurricane before hitting Mexican resorts at Los Cabos
- Jim Jordan lost a second House speaker vote. Here's what happens next.
- Philadelphia Eagles sign seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Julio Jones
- Federal hiring is about to get the Trump treatment
- As home costs soar, Massachusetts governor unveils $4B proposal to build and preserve housing
- Bloomberg Philanthropies launches $50 million fund to help cities tackle global issues
- John Legend says he wants to keep his family protected with updated COVID vaccine
Recommendation
Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
People of African ancestry are poorly represented in genetic studies. A new effort would change that
Burt Young, Oscar-nominated actor who played Paulie in ‘Rocky’ films, dies at 83
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake in Northern California triggers ShakeAlert in Bay Area
Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
People of African ancestry are poorly represented in genetic studies. A new effort would change that
U.S. to create new immigration program for Ecuadorians aimed at discouraging border crossings
New Jersey man says $175,000 in lottery winnings 'came at perfect time' for family