PORTLAND, Maine — Editor's note: The attached video was originally posted on Jan. 1, 2024.
Competing in the Miss America Pageant is a huge triumph all on its own, but winning a talent competition is truly something to celebrate—and our very own Miss Maine has done just that.
Miss Maine, Veronica “Ronnie” Druchniak of Standish, has spent the last week competing at the Miss America Preliminary competition in Orlando, Florida.
On Thursday, the Miss America Organization posted on social media to congratulate three women who won the preliminary talent competition: Miss Maine, Miss Michigan, and Miss North Carolina. The achievement earned each of them a $3,000 scholarship.
Why is the talent competition such a big deal? It makes up 20% of each contestant's final score.
How the scoring works
(Per the Miss America website)
Preliminary Night Scoring:
- 30% Private Interview
- 20% Fitness
- 20% Talent
- 20% Evening Wear
- 10% On Stage Question
Final Night Scoring (Multi Night Competition):
- 30% Composite Score
- 20% Fitness
- 20% Talent
- 20% Evening Wear
- 10% On Stage Question
For over 100 years, pageant viewers have enjoyed songs, dance routines, monologues and many other talents showcased at Miss America, but Druchniak's aerial hoop routine is one that audiences and judges won't forget.
"I first started doing aerial arts during 2020 in the pandemic," Druchniak told NEWS CENTER Maine’s Rob Caldwell in an interview. "My best friend bought a portable aerial rig for her backyard and that was how we could socialize."
For something that started out as a social distancing hobby, it's really paying off, wouldn't you say?
It all comes down to the Miss America Finals on Sunday Jan. 14, where only one will be crowned.
For more information about contestants and where to watch, click here.