The Miss America pageant began in 1921 in Atlantic City but has been awarding scholarships to young women for decades now. It started as solely a beauty pageant but has evolved dramatically over the years to its present day “scholarship pageant” designation. Each winner now receives a scholarship to the college of their choosing, and runners-up also receive similar rewards. Amazingly, the Miss America Scholarship Program provides more college scholarships to women than any other organization in the United States.

 

However, people watch the pageant for the young attractive women, who are required to strut around in revealing swimsuits and high heels. The ladies must also don evening wear, in addition to showcasing a talent and answering some questions. The brutal nature of trying to be perfect, having bright white teeth, not an ounce of fat on your body and always smiling can unfortunately cause nervous breakdowns. For over ninety years though this competition has been going strong and shows no signs of slowing down.