PARK RAPIDS — As Miss Minnesota, Emma Vrieze went to Orlando for the week-long Miss America 2026 contest.

Though she did not make it into the “top 11” semifinal round on Sept. 7, she did not return empty handed.

“Everyone that didn’t make the top 11 was awarded a $3,000 scholarship from a very generous donor," Vrieze said. "So, I’ll be able to use that for nursing school, which I’m very excited about.”

The 2023 Park Rapids Area High School graduate is enrolled in the nursing program at Minnesota State University Moorhead. She has described Miss America as the leading scholarship organization for women, awarding $5 million in scholarships every year.

Though she wasn’t onstage very long during the televised, final night of the contest, Vrieze did spend time performing throughout the week

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