Miss Wisconsin Pageant underway, contestants react to decision to drop swimsuit competition

WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- Miss America announced changes to their pageant earlier this month. They're dropping the swimsuit competition and The Miss Wisconsin pageant is following suit.

The young women compete for that title this weekend.

Wednesday and Thursday will be the last time Miss Wisconsin will hold a swimsuit competition. The pageant is wrapping up and some of the young women have already said goodbye to the bikini. 

Miss St. Francis, Miss West Allis, and Miss Milwaukee-area all shared their secrets for looking great in a swimsuit but looking great isn't why any of them are competing.

"My platform is domestic violence awareness. It revolves around my sister who was unfortunately killed in the Brookfield spa shooting," said Haley Schonter, Miss Milwaukee-area.

"I have 2 titanium rods and 20 screws in my spine. It's important for me to give back to the Miracle Network because they gave me so much," said Gina Miliacca, Miss West Allis.

Alexa Biani is 17-years-old and Miss Wisconsin's youngest competitor. "I am new but I'm excited to walk in my swimsuit because it shows health."

The girls got the news as they were preparing to show off their swimsuits.

"Some that are confused, some that are very upset," said Haley Schonter.

In their decision to compete, however, the girls are ready to show the world that true beauty is on the inside.

In addition to changing the focus from outward appearances and focusing on beauty inside, the competition hopes to attract new contestants that may have been hesitant to join because of the swimsuit portion.

The Miss Wisconsin Pageant will continue through the weekend.