GET GRANTS Miss Wisconsin Willow Newell sent off to Miss America competition AdminAugust 25, 2025013 views RACINE, WI — Willow Newell, just be yourself. (Left to right) Paula Kuiper and Alyssa Bohm of Miss Racine Organization at Willow Newell’s send-off party Aug. 24, 2025, at Mike & Angelo’s. / Grant Ritchey for Racine County Eye Credit: Grant Ritchey The simple three-word message was echoed throughout Mike & Angelo’s Sunday evening to a packed house during the send-off for Miss Wisconsin to Orlando for the annual Miss American pageant. Newell, the first Black Miss Wisconsin, was teary-eyed as she stepped up to the podium to welcome friends and family. Being Miss Wisconsin, Newell said, was a dream come true. She was named the winner of the 2025 Miss Wisconsin competition on June 21 in New Berlin after competing against 28 other contestants to take the title. All participants were required to compete in five categories: evening gown, talent, private interview, health and wellness, and an on-stage conversation on community service. She entered the contest as Miss Racine, and Newell stood out with her vocal performance of, “And I’m Telling You,” from Dreamgirls, which earned her the top-scoring vocalist award. Becoming Miss Wisconsin was just a dream, Newell said, but it became a reality when Miss Racine Organization leaders Paula Kuiper and Alyssa Bohm helped guide the eventual state champion to the crown. Racine native Willow Newell is the first Black Miss Wisconsin. She departs for the Miss America pageant where she will compete against 51 other representatives from the other 49 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C. The new Miss America will be crowned on September 7, 2025. / Grant Ritchey “I truly didn’t know if it was the right thing,” Newell said. “I think I try to listen to my heart and listen to where my life is going and you encouraged me so much. “When I got off the Miss Racine stage, I was so surprised that I won Miss Racine because I thought I did terribly, but Paula and Alyssa said, ‘You’re going to be the first Black Miss Wisconsin. It’s going to happen.’” Kuiper and Bohm said Newell won Miss Wisconsin and can win Miss America because of who she is and her “heart of gold.” “Be Willow,” Kuiper said, holding back tears. “Just keep being Willow.” Bohm was also emotional. “It’s a true, true joy to watch you grow and be by your side,” Bohm said. “You’re going to represent us so beautifully.” Newell: First Black Miss Wisconsin is important milestone Community members and family gathered for Willow Newell’s Miss Wisconsin send-off party. Pictured (right) is Veronica King. / Grant Ritchey for Racine County Eye Credit: Grant Ritchey Being the first Black Miss Wisconsin is an important milestone in Newell’s life, she said, and for other Black girls and women in the dairy state. “I get to see little girls who think that they’re not beautiful and tell them and look them in their eyes, tell them that they are (beautiful.) Because growing up, I did not think I was beautiful,” Newell said. “And so you all being here and having this role is turly transformational for me and I cannot thank you enough.” Black Arts Council Racine (BACR) is hosting a Miss America watch party from 6 to 9 p.m. on September 3, 2025, at 1509 Rapids Drive. BACR is requesting anyone attending RSVP by calling 414-293-3103 or via email at bacrwi@gmail.com. Culture and the arts The Racine County Eye has a rich culture section with arts & entertainment, food, shopping and more. Subscribe today to stay up-to-date with local news. Follow us on Facebook to make sure you get the latest news. Racine County Eye – Journalism that serves. Like this: Like Loading… Related Local news The Racine County Eye is your source for local news that serves our diverse communities. Subscribe today to stay up-to-date with local news. Follow us on Facebook: Racine County Eye to ensure you get the latest news. Source link