​2023 Contestants

The young women who compete in the Miss America system are intelligent, articulate, highly motivated, caring, talented, ambitious, and hard working. They are passionate about their community service initiatives and are major contributors to public ​service. They exemplify leadership skills, strength of character and spirit...they touch lives.

CONTESTANT #1

Elise Turke
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​​​Age:  24
Hometown:  Grand Rapids
​School:  Wayne State University School of Medicine
Social Impact Initiative:
Women’s Health Education: Breaking Down Barriers of
Access & Understanding
​Talent:  Vocal Performance /
​"There are Worse Things I Could Do"

CONTESTANT #2

Selia Rendon
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​​​Age:  20
Hometown:  Westland
​School:
University of Michigan
Social Impact Initiative:
Stronger Together
​Talent:  Tap Dance /
​"Get Up Offa That Thing" 
​ 
  ​

CONTESTANT #3

Payton
​Perry-Radcliffe

 
​​​​Age:  22
Hometown:  LaSalle
​School:
Grand Valley State University
Social Impact Initiative:
Unity Through Diversity
​Talent:  Vocal Performance /
​"Feelin' Good"
​ 
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CONTESTANT #4

Amneh Mroue
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​​​Age:  23
Hometown:  Dearborn Heights
​School:
Wayne State University
Social Impact Initiative:
Mental Health
​Talent: Vocal Performance /
​"If I Were A Boy"
 
  ​

CONTESTANT #5

Emily Heckathorn
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​​​Age:  26
Hometown:  Bloomfield Hills
​School:  
Central Michigan University
Social Impact Initiative:
Pink Power: Early Detection
for Your Protection
​Talent:
Musical Theatre Dance / "I Gotcha"
 ​

CONTESTANT #6

Kiara Thompson
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​​​Age:  25
Hometown:  Romulus
​School:  
Washtenaw Community College
Social Impact Initiative:
Fill Up Your Cup
​Talent:
Vocal Performance / "Beautiful"​ 
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​ 

CONTESTANT #7

Ameera Hashwi
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​​​Age:  23
Hometown:  Dearborn Heights
​School:
Wayne State University Law School
Social Impact Initiative:
Next Chapter
​Talent:  Vocal Performance /
​"Koul Chi Aam Yeklass"
​ 
 ​

CONTESTANT #8

Janelle Reiff
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​​​Age:  22
Hometown:  St. Clair Shores
​School:
Western Michigan University
Social Impact Initiative:
Physical & Nutritional Health: Choosing You, For You
​Talent:  Vocal Performance /
​"Thinking Out Loud"
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