Newly crowned Miss America, Emma Broyles, center, performed during the Fine Arts Camp Musical Theater Camp production of ''Legally Blonde'' in the Performing Arts Center in this photo from 2018. (Sentinel File Photo)
By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
Many Sitkans know Emma Broyles as Elle Woods, the lead character in the Sitka Fine Arts Camp production of “Legally Blonde” in 2018.
And others may remember her as Sister Sarah in the musical “Guys and Dolls” that the SFAC staged in 2016.
Broyles now has nationwide recognition as Miss America 2022. She was crowned Thursday night in the climax of the annual Miss America pageant Uncasville, Connecticut.
Broyles, 20, from Anchorage, is the first Miss Alaska – and the first Korean American – to win the Miss America title in the pageant’s 100-year history.
The news of the 2020 Service High School graduate’s win was cheered at the Fine Arts Camp by those who have known and worked with her as an actor over the years.
“Honestly, I’m not surprised,” said Zeke Blackwell, who was assistant director for the two productions that starred Broyles. “She’s an incredibly hard worker; on top of that she’s really nice to work with.”
Blackwell said she more than held her own as a 14-year-old in a lead role in her first production, and overcame personal challenges – and losing her voice – during the “Legally Blonde” rehearsals, going on to nail the part on opening night. He said she didn’t allow her personal struggles to affect the show.
“She was still dedicated to the responsibilities she was holding, and worked hard to make sure the show was a success,” he said.
Broyles now attends Arizona State University where she is in the honors college and majoring in biomedical sciences.
Roger Schmidt, Fine Arts Camp executive director, said he doesn’t know a lot about the skills it takes to win Miss America, but that SFAC – and the arts in general – instill the confidence that people need to express who they are.
“We know and we believe that the arts are an incredible tool to prepare young people to be on stage, to share who they are with people,” he said. “I think Emma did a remarkable job and grew at camp in her ability to communicate and express herself.”
Blackwell also noted her win in the preliminary Miss America competition when she received a prize for her social impact initiative supporting the Special Olympics. Her platform is Building Community through Special Olympics.
Broyles has a big voice, and sang “Let Me Be Your Star” from the NBC-TV show “Smash” for the talent portion of the Miss America pageant.
Among the SFAC friends and teachers offering congratulations was Musical Theater Camp director WT McRae of New York City, who posted Thursday on Facebook:
“Emma Broyles is one of the kindest, hardest working, talented students I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She has wanted to be Miss America since we met. I remember her taking break time to study video of competitors in the Miss America circuit. Tonight she won! I couldn’t be more proud to know her! Congrats to her!!!”
