Imagine the pressure: Standing on a stage, dreams on the line, competing for a title that could change your life forever. That's exactly what ten remarkable young women and teens from central Wisconsin are gearing up for as they vie for the coveted titles of Miss Wausau Area 2026 and Miss Wausau Area's Teen 2026. But it's more than just a crown; it's about scholarship, community, and a chance to make a real difference.
On November 1st, the UW Center for Civic Engagement in Wausau will transform into a hub of talent, poise, and ambition as these contestants showcase their skills and passions. Tickets are available at the door for $15 (cash only!), offering a front-row seat to what promises to be an inspiring event.
The competition is meticulously organized under the direction of Jenny Stanke, a name you might recognize. She's the mother of Grace Stanke, who held the title of Miss America 2023! Jenny's guidance ensures a high-quality and empowering experience for all involved. And this is the part most people miss: this local competition serves as an official preliminary to the Miss Wisconsin and Miss Wisconsin’s Teen competitions, set to take place in New Berlin in June 2026. So, these aren't just local titles; they're stepping stones to something much bigger.
"In our third annual competition, we cannot wait to continue to uplift women from the central Wisconsin community and award over $6,000 in scholarships," says Executive Director Jenny Stanke. "I look forward to spotlighting the women, and working with our two new titleholders to represent the Wausau area.”
The competition itself is multifaceted, designed to assess various qualities. Contestants will be judged on their performance in a private interview, their ability to engage in an on-stage conversation, their commitment to health and fitness, their chosen talent, and their elegance in evening wear. Think of it as a holistic evaluation, seeking well-rounded individuals who can represent the Wausau area with grace and intelligence.
Avery Manthe, Miss Wausau Area 2025, and Anna Jacobson, Miss Wausau Area’s Teen 2025, will pass on their crowns, marking the end of their year-long reign and the beginning of a new chapter for the incoming titleholders. The winners will not only receive cash scholarships to further their education, but also gain a platform to represent their community and the extraordinary opportunity to compete for the titles of Miss Wisconsin and Miss Wisconsin’s Teen, with the ultimate dream of reaching the Miss America stage.
Now, let's meet the contestants!
Miss Wausau Area 2026 Hopefuls:
Ashley Springer: A UW-Stevens Point student pursuing violin performance, arts management, and music education. Get ready for a unique talent performance! She'll be playing a classical violin number to the electrifying tune of "Thunderstruck." Her platform, "ColorSound − Empowerment Through the Arts," aims to inspire through creative expression.
Allison Wisinski: Another UW-Stevens Point student, Allison is diving into the worlds of accounting and mathematics. Prepare for a powerful vocal performance of "I Have Nothing." Her platform, "Body Positivity − Empowering Others," champions self-acceptance and confidence.
Janae Bond: Studying digital marketing at Northcentral Technical College, Janae will bring some serious groove to the stage with a jazz dance to "Boogie Wonderland." Her platform, "Not Just a Limp," is particularly compelling. It likely addresses overcoming adversity and challenging perceptions, but here's where it gets controversial... shouldn't the platform description be more explicit?
Makaya Stanke: Following in her family's footsteps (perhaps!), Makaya is studying wildlife ecology and management at UW-Stevens Point. She will be showcasing her high-energy cheer routine to "Breakin' Dishes." Her platform, "No Animal Left Behind," is dedicated to animal welfare and rescue.
Abigail Wilke: A senior at Spencer High School, Abigail will touch hearts by singing and performing American Sign Language to the National Anthem. Her platform, "Keeping Families Closer," highlights the importance of family bonds and support systems.
Arianna Gierman: Arianna is pursuing a nursing degree at Northcentral Technical College. She will be performing a lyrical dance to "How Do I Say Goodbye," a performance that promises to be emotionally resonant. Her platform, "Compassion in Action − Bridging the Gap in Patient Care," focuses on improving the patient experience through empathy and understanding.
Miss Wausau Area's Teen 2026 Contestants:
Morgan Sorge: A student at Marathon High School, Morgan will showcase her musical talent with a piano performance of "Fountain in the Rain." Her platform, "The Gift of Life − Blood Donation," promotes the importance of donating blood to save lives.
Colette Pickar: Colette, a student at Faith Christian Academy, will deliver a thought-provoking spoken word piece titled "There Their They're Sew So." Her platform, "Dyslexia Awareness − Education about the Impacts of Dyslexia," aims to raise awareness and understanding of this learning difference.
Kylie Padilla: A student at Wausau West High School, Kylie will bring some pizzazz to the stage with a tap dancing number to "Without You." Her platform, "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year − Fundraising for children's medical care & research," focuses on supporting children's health initiatives.
Chloe Munguia: Chloe, a student at D.C. Everest Senior High School, will perform a jazz dance to "I Know the End." Her platform, "Resilience in Action − Mental Health Awareness," promotes mental health awareness and encourages resilience in the face of challenges.
Each of these young women is not only talented but also deeply committed to their chosen platforms. They represent the best of central Wisconsin, and their dedication is truly inspiring.
So, who do you think will take home the crowns? Which talent are you most excited to see? Do you agree with the criteria used to judge the contestants, or do you think something is missing? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And finally, this is a genuine question, do you believe pageants like this still hold relevance in today's society, and what role do they play in empowering young women? We are eager to hear your perspectives!
