Miss Arizona Crowned Again: Maricopa’s Double Triumph!

Contestants at the 2024 Miss Arizona Teen competition pose for a group photo with winner Vianah Bradt, wearing purple, front and center. [Victor Moreno]

Maricopa is now celebrating a significant dual victory as it becomes the home of both Miss Arizona and Miss Arizona Teen.

Miss Arizona Shailey Ringenbach from Tortosa and Miss Arizona Teen Vianah Bradt from Senita each triumphed over nearly 50 contestants statewide, bringing their crowns back to Maricopa.

Ringenbach, 20, received her crown on June 22 at the Madison Center of the Arts in Phoenix. She is set to represent Arizona at the Miss America pageant in January in Florida.

Currently, Ringenbach enjoys a full-ride scholarship to Arizona State University, where she majors in digital marketing and minors in real estate. Alongside her studies, she gains practical experience by selling homes for D.R. Horton in Sorrento.

Originally National American Miss Arizona Pre-Teen, Ringenbach grew up in Maricopa and was active in gymnastics after moving to Tortosa. She brings nine years of pageant experience to her new title.

In addition to her academic and professional endeavors, Ringenbach is a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority and resides on the ASU campus.

“This year, there is a particularly close and unusual tie between the city of Maricopa and the Miss America organization,” remarked Steve Ringenbach, Miss Arizona’s father.

Arizona has a storied history in the Miss America pageant, with Jacque Mercer (Thatcher) winning in 1949 and Vonda Kay Van Dyke (Phoenix) taking the crown in 1965.

At 17, Bradt is currently a senior at Maricopa High School and an active member of the dance team. Her passion for the arts and mentorship informs her service initiative, Building Confidence Through Mentorship.

Performing since the age of 3, Bradt has dedicated 10 years to the Miss Arizona Organization, starting in the Princess Program at age 8 and competing locally since she was 13.

Bradt was crowned on June 24 at the Higley Center for the Performing Arts in Gilbert.