Lauren Hjelsand on Saturday was crowned Miss Wausau Area 2024 at the competition held at the UW Center for Civic Engagement.
A graduate of Wausau West High School and current student at Madison Area Technical College, Hjelsand aspires to become a research molecular biologist. She was awarded a $1,000 scholarship and will advocate for equitable STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education during her year of service.
“As a scientist and someone who grew up in poverty, I understand the types of support that can transform students’ lives,” Hjelsand said. “I am working to improve student access to these subjects by providing teachers at the most impoverished schools the supplies they need, engage students in developmentally appropriate science experiments, and expose them to potential future careers in STEM by having professionals speak to students at local community centers.”
Other contestants included Alicia Hoffmann and Alanna Racine. All contestants received a $100 scholarship for competing, and Racine also earned a $100 scholarship for achieving the highest score in the talent competition.
Directed by Jenny Stanke, the mother of Miss America 2023, Grace Stanke, this was the inaugural Miss Wausau Area competition. Contestants were judged in private interview, on-stage conversation, health and fitness, talent, and evening gown.
In addition to representing her community for the next year, Hjelsand will advance to the Miss Wisconsin competition in Oshkosh this June.
