Carthage alumna Willow Newell ’25 crowned Miss Wisconsin

Carthage proudly congratulates Willow Newell ’25 who recently won the Miss Wisconsin competition. She will serve as a representative for the state for the coming year and makes history as the first Black woman to win the Miss Wisconsin competition.

Newell '25 performing in the musical theatre production of “Hair” in 2022.While earning her bachelor of arts in musical theatre at Carthage, she showcased her talent as a vocal performer and performed in several theatre productions.

In the Miss Wisconsin’s talent competition, Ms. Newell’s performance of “And I’m Telling You” from “Dreamgirls” earned her the top-scoring vocalist award and Ryan Guy Memorial Music Scholarship.

In addition to other awards, Ms. Newell will receive $13,000 in scholarships. As Miss Wisconsin, she will make appearances across the state and promote her community service initiative “Expression Without Exclusion” that aims to ensure that everyone — regardless of their background — has access to opportunities in the arts.

Ms. Newell will represent Wisconsin in the Miss America competition in September. She began participating in the Miss America Opportunity eight years ago and has held the titles of Miss Kenosha, Miss Great Lakes, and Miss Racine.