#64: The Introduction of Miss America
In 1921, Margaret Gorman from Washington, D.C., a 16-year-old with grand aspirations, captivated everyone at the inaugural Miss America competition. Her elegance and confidence won her the prestigious title and a prize of $100, marking the beginning of a celebrated tradition.
Beyond its allure, the Miss America pageant aimed to uplift and empower young women. By 1944, Jean Bartel, the then Miss America, introduced the revolutionary concept of providing the winner with a college scholarship, thereby opening avenues for education and infinite possibilities.