New Miss Wausau Crowned

Tuesday, November 14th, 2023 -- 8:12 AM

(Sam Walters, WSAU) It’s been fifty years since there was a new Miss Wausau in town, but that all changed after 20-year-old Lauren Hjelsand took home the crown Saturday night at the 2024 Miss Wausau Area Scholarship competition at UWSP – Wausau.

According to Sam Walters with WSAU, Lauren is a cancer survivor who wants to pursue a career in STEM and has a love of the outdoors. Those who didn’t win still went through the process that prepares them to be strong, independent women as young adults.

“They have to be willing to teach themselves, to get themselves to be a better person for the business world ahead,” said 2024 Miss Wausau Area Scholarship Director Jenny Stanke. Miss America herself, Grace Stanke was there and NEWS 9’s own Melissa Langbehn judged too.

Looking ahead, Hjelsand will go on to compete to be Miss Wisconsin.

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