Miss Alaska

Stepahnie Wonchala

What is your hometown like?
My hometown of Eagle River is a quiet and quaint place where locals own the businesses, and everyone knows everyone. It's a really friendly town only 25 minutes away from Anchorage, which is the largest city in Alaska.

What were you like when you were a child?
As a child, I was very creative, curious and imaginative. When not directing puppet shows or starring in homemade movies, I could be found curled up in my favorite chair, completely engrossed in a book.

Who is the most influential person in your life?
Though younger than me, my brother Matthew has been both an influential and motivating individual for me. Not only has he been my best friend since childhood, but his passion and dedication to both bodybuilding and football inspire me to push myself further in my personal fields of interest.

What is one thing about you that people you meet may not immediately realize?
I am very proud of my German heritage and read, write and speak the language fluently. I also visit Europe bi-annually and have even walked up the Eiffel Tower twice.

What was one defining moment in your life?
Winning top interview and placing as first runner-up in the Miss Alaska pageant when I was only 17 years old opened my eyes to what great things I was truly capable of.

What was one defining moment in your life?
Pageants have instilled a strong sense of self in me. I've learned to focus on my own performance, no one else's. Because in the end, how I do depends on what I bring to the table.

What was one defining moment in your life?
If crowned Miss America 2006, I wish to first and foremost create the national awareness that my platform demands. Helping Special Needs Students Excel: Practicing Inclusion is both a relevant and ever-present issue in our society, and I will continue to make its promotion my priority via the Special Olympics and the Partner's clubs.