The Miss America 2026 competition concluded on September 7, 2025, at the Walt Disney Theatre, Dr. Phillips Centre for the Performing Arts in Orlando, Florida.
The prestigious event, which brought together 52 contestants from across the United States, crowned Cassie Donegan of New York as Miss America 2026.
Her victory marked a proud moment not only for her state but also for the pageant, which continues to evolve into a platform for leadership, scholarship, and community service.
Cassie Donegan: The New Miss America.
Cassie Donegan, who represented New York, distinguished herself through her exceptional talent, confidence, and advocacy work.
A trained performer with a background in musical theater, Cassie is also an entrepreneur, serving as COO of Southern Sitter LLC, a childcare company she helped expand.
Her Community Service Initiative, “Promoting Arts Education in Our School Systems,” reflects her passion for ensuring young people have access to creative expression and opportunities in the arts.
Final Results and Top 5 Contestants.
The competition was fierce, with outstanding performances from women across the nation. The top five finalists included:
- Winner: Cassie Donegan (New York)
- 1st Runner-Up: Sadie Schiermeyer (Texas)
- 2nd Runner-Up: Paris Richardson (Florida)
- 3rd Runner-Up: Audrey Kittila (Georgia)
- 4th Runner-Up: Emma Terry (Alabama)
These finalists impressed judges with their intelligence, leadership, community service, and stage performances.
Scholarships and Awards.
Miss America is known as the largest provider of scholarships to young women in the U.S., and this year was no exception.
- Cassie Donegan won $50,000 in tuition scholarships for winning the title of Miss America.
- In total, she earned over $70,000, including the preliminary awards.
- The scholarships aim to empower contestants to pursue higher education and professional careers without incurring debt.
The Miss America 2026 Competition.
The event included the following signature rounds of competition:
- Talent Segment: Contestants showcased their skills in music, dance, public speaking, and innovation.
- Evening Wear & Onstage Interview: This segment was designed to reflect contestants’ confidence, poise, and public speaking abilities.
- Community Service & Leadership: Each delegate presented her Community Service Initiative, reinforcing the organization’s focus on service.
A Platform Beyond Beauty.
Miss America 2026 highlighted that the pageant now emphasizes more than just beauty. Instead, it emphasizes:
- Scholarship: Financial support for education.
- Service: Community engagement and activism.
- Leadership: Providing inspiring role models for young women.
- Talent: Celebrating creativity and skills.
This evolution has helped Miss America remain relevant in modern times.
Cassie Donegan’s Vision and Advocacy.
As Miss America, Cassie plans to use her platform to advocate for arts education, which she believes is essential for the development, creativity, and confidence of young people.
She aims to collaborate with schools, communities, and policymakers to increase the accessibility and appreciation of the arts within the education system.
A Historic Moment for New York.
With Cassie’s win, New York celebrates another successful representation in the Miss America competition.
This achievement brings pride to her state and reinforces New York’s legacy of producing confident, talented, and socially aware women leaders.
Cassie Donegan—Miss America 2026.
- Full Name: Cassie Donegan
- Title: Miss America 2026
- Representing: New York
- Background: Performer in musical theatre and entrepreneur
- Role: COO of Southern Sitter LLC (childcare company)
- Community Service Initiative: “Promoting Arts Education in Our School Systems”
- Scholarships Won: Over $70,000 (including $50,000 for the crown)
- Advocacy Focus: Expanding arts education access for youth across the U.S.
- Crowned On: September 7, 2025, in Orlando, Florida
Conclusion
Miss America 2026 was more than a pageant—it was a celebration of intelligence, service, and empowerment.
Cassie Donegan’s victory reflects the modern spirit of Miss America, where leadership, education, and advocacy are just as important as grace and performance.
Cassie’s vision for promoting arts education will inspire thousands of young women across the United States during her reign.