The first and only Jewish Miss America has died

The first and only Jewish Miss America has died
(Image credit: AP Photo)

Bess Myerson, the winner of 1945's Miss America pageant, has died at age 90, The New York Times reported Monday.

Myerson, who grew up in the Bronx and represented New York City in the pageant, was crowned Miss America just days after World War II ended. Her victory in the pageant represented "an affirmation of some sort of acceptance" for Jewish people in America, the Times notes. As for her part, Myerson entered the pageant for the allure of a college scholarship and the money to buy her own piano.

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Meghan DeMaria

Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.