The first Miss America pageant ever to be held was in 1922. It wasn’t meant for beauty or looks. Pageants were meant to attract tourists attention to Atlantic City, New Jersey. Today, Miss America pageants air on television. Over millions of people watch it. One lady from each state compete against each other to win the prize of being Miss America.

Back then, people criticized the Miss America pageant because they felt like the beauty contestants insulted other women. Taylor Waldrup, worker at MAC cosmetics says “There has been many changes throughout the years of this pageant. I look forward to it every year!” The criticism has decreased but it is not fully gone. Many people encourage the contestants by voting and showing them their love.

As you may know, the earlier pageants were mainly an eye catcher for tourists. Today, contestants compete for scholarships. The winner gets offered money and a scholarship to college. Runner ups get money for college but not as much as the first place winner gets. They also dont get as good as a scholarship.

Earlier pageants and the pageants now both cared about their appearance a lot. But now, put on more thngs such as makeup, heels, and accessories. There are also more categories now. Earlier pageants didnt have the swimsuit, lifestyle, and talent competitions.

As a result, through the years, there has been many changes in the Miss America competition. It has been getting bigger and better. It has also been getting more creative.

Zeinab Bazzi

Unis Middle School Journalist