The Miss Kansas Scholarship Competition, one of the most iconic events in the state, was held in Pratt on June 9-10, 2023. Sixteen remarkable women from n across Kansas competed for the title of Miss Kansas 2023 and vied for over $53,000 in cash scholarships, according to a media release from the organization.
The 2023 competition showcased exceptional talent, intelligence, and poise of these outstanding contestants.
After two days and five phases of competition, Courtney Wages of Wichita, was named the winner, being crowned Miss Kansas 2023. Courtney's dedication to her Community Service Initiative “One Vision is Not the Only Vision: Eye See You,” advocating for the visually impaired community, earned her the title and a total of $13,250 in scholarships.
Her focus for this initiative is to communicate that vision is not limited to an “impairment” or a form of “eyesight”; it can also be the visions an individual sets for themselves.
Wages is a 2021 Wichita State University graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Musical Theater.
The top five contestants that were recognized for their outstanding performances. The results were as follows:
4th Runner up: Alison Nofsinger - Miss Sedgwick County
3rd Runner up: Lluvia Escalante - Miss Cottonwood
2nd Runner up: Alexis Smith - Miss Wichita
1st Runner up: Sierra Marie Bonn - Miss Meadowlark
Miss Kansas 2023: Courtney Wages - Miss Southern Kansas
The Miss Kansas Scholarship Competition celebrates the achievements and aspirations of young women across the state. It provides them with a platform to showcase their talents, engage in community service, and further their educational goals. The event's focus on scholarships emphasizes the organization's commitment to empowering women through education and personal growth.