From Scrubs to Sashes: MSUM Nursing Student Crowned Miss Minnesota 2025

From clinicals to crowns, nursing student Emma Vrieze proves that grit, humility, and heart can take you anywhere, even to the Miss America stage. The Park Rapids native was crowned Miss Minnesota 2025, and she’s bringing her passion for healthcare and water safety to the national spotlight.

The Crowning Moment

“When I heard my name called, it felt like everything changed in an instant,” Emma says.

Since winning the title in June, Emma’s life has changed overnight. She's now preparing to represent Minnesota at the 2026 Miss America competition, all while proudly representing Minnesota State Moorhead along the way.

A Dragon on the National Stage

Emma is currently pursuing a nursing degree with a psychology minor and serves as president of MSUM’s Letters of Love club, which sends encouraging messages to children in hospitals all around the world. She also works as a float team nursing assistant at Essentia Health, where she supports a diverse range of patients.

BS in Nursing

Emma credits Moorhead for preparing her to handle such a demanding schedule. “MSUM taught me to put all my efforts into what I’m working toward to get the result I want,” she says. “I’m so proud to be a Dragon and to represent Northern Minnesota on a national stage. It’s fulfilling.”

Emma has also learned that pageantry and nursing have a direct link to one another.

“The unique thing about MSUM’s nursing program is how incredibly strong it is. Our professors teach us how to be great nurses and critical thinkers,” she explains.

“That same critical thinking helps me answer high-pressure questions during competitions. Whether I’m caring for a patient or answering a question on gun control, I must respond with compassion and clarity.”

Water Safety: A Mission That Hits Close to Home

Emma’s community service initiative, “Swim with Knowledge: Water Safety,” is rooted in her own experiences.

“I was a competitive swimmer for over 12 years. I’ve taught over 1,000 kids to swim, worked as a lifeguard, and I’m also a show water skier,” she says. “Water has always been part of my world, but I realized how little people actually know about water safety.”

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1–4. Emma hopes to change that by educating families across the state and country.

“People think arm floaties or puddle jumpers are safe, but they actually put kids in a vertical position, the same position as drowning,” she says. “Proper Coast Guard-approved life jackets keep kids horizontal and teach them to be stronger swimmers.”

A Voice for Minnesota

In the talent portion of Miss Minnesota, Emma performed “House of the Rising Sun", a bold, emotional choice inspired by a pop-rock history class she took at MSUM.

“People see me as bubbly and energetic, but there’s a serious, passionate side to me, too,” she says. “That song shows both sides to the judges.”

As she prepares for Miss America, Emma is excited to share her story—and her state.

“I want people to look at me and think, ‘That’s the epitome of a Minnesotan.’ I’m proud to be from the land of 10,000 lakes, and I want to share our values, our kindness, and our causes—like water safety—with the nation.”

Advice to Fellow Dragons

Having become more confident and driven during her time as an undergrad and contestant, Emma hopes her journey encourages other students to step outside their comfort zones.

Emma’s mother, aunt, local pageant directors and Moorhead professors model empathy, compassion, and responsibility, serving as her strong support system.

“It just takes one brave step to do something great,” she says. “I was shy before all of this. But putting myself out there changed my life.”

Whether it’s starting a campus club, pursuing a passion project, or stepping into a leadership role, Emma encourages her peers to be bold.

“There’s so much power in being brave. Even if it’s scary, you grow so much from those worth-it moments.”