ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Cassie Donegan, Miss New York, has been crowned Miss America 2026 following two inspiring nights of preliminary competition and the final night of pageantry at the Walt Disney Theater in the Dr. Phillips Center. Chosen from among 52 delegates representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, Cassie becomes the 98th woman in the organization’s 104-year history to earn the crown—and the eighth Miss New York to achieve the title.

Scholarships and Advocacy for Arts Education
Cassie has earned more than $70,000 in scholarships through the Miss America program, supporting her undergraduate studies and pursuit of a master’s degree. Raised in a non-traditional household, she credits the arts with giving her a safe, empowering space. That experience fuels her Community Service Initiative, “Promoting Arts Education in Our School Systems.” Over nearly two decades, she has advanced arts accessibility by directing youth theatre curricula, curating a K-12 S.T.E.A.M. masterclass, and founding three scholarship funds. Her mission is to ensure every child has the opportunity to embrace creativity and self-expression.

Leadership and Professional Achievements
Outside of her advocacy work, Cassie serves as Chief Operations Officer of Southern Sitter LLC, a women-led childcare company she helped expand into a multi-state business. Her leadership has created flexible career opportunities and financial stability for hundreds of women balancing work, family, and passions. Cassie is also a proud member of the Actor’s Equity Association, with a professional performance career that includes sharing the stage with nationally recognized talent.

2025 Cassie Donegan, Miss New York. Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News

A New Era of Miss America
“Miss America has always been a powerful springboard for ambitious women to turn their dreams into reality,” Cassie shared. “I am honored to represent an organization that provides scholarships, resources, and a platform for women to lead—and I’m deeply grateful for the chance to bring that mission to life.”

The finale was hosted by Nikki Novak and Billy Gilman, with a celebrity judging panel including Mayan Lopez, Frederick Anderson, Frank Kelleher, Jen Hale, and Tawny Godin Welch. Cassie secured the crown after advancing through multiple rounds and joining the Top 5 finalists alongside Sadie Schiermeyer (1st Runner-Up, TX), Paris Richardson (2nd Runner-Up, FL), Audrey Kittila (3rd Runner-Up, GA), and Emma Terry (4th Runner-Up, AL). Semi-finalists included Kennedy Holland (AR), Zoe Scheiderich (TN), Maria Derisavi (MD), Anna Leah Jolly (MS), Ariana Rodriguez (KY), and Nitsaniyah Fitch (IL).

As Miss America 2026, Cassie Donegan will serve as the official national ambassador for the Miss America Opportunity, traveling nationally and internationally to promote scholarship, service, and her advocacy for arts education.

_________________________________________________________________-

J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The Miss America Organization proudly announced that Tess Ferm, Miss South Carolina’s Teen, has been crowned Miss America’s Teen 2026. Selected from 52 exceptional delegates representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, Tess impressed judges and audiences alike with her talent, poise, and unwavering commitment to Food Allergy Awareness and Education.

Scholarship Achievement and Education Goals
Tess has earned $58,000 in scholarships through the Miss America’s Teen program. She is a graduate of Porter-Gaud School and will begin her freshman year at Furman University, where she plans to study Psychology. Her long-term goal is to become a Child Life Specialist, using her education to support children and families in need.

Community Service and National Recognition
Her Community Service Initiative, From Fear to Freedom: Food Allergy Awareness and Education, is inspired by her own journey with anaphylactic allergies. Tess is dedicated to building safer, better-informed communities nationwide. For her exceptional advocacy and service, she received the Quality of Life: Teens in Action Overall Award and was honored for her national fundraising efforts with the American Heart Association.

Role Model and Year of Service Ahead
As Miss America’s Teen 2026, Tess will serve as a national ambassador, inspiring young women to dream boldly, lead confidently, and embrace their potential. “Being Miss America’s Teen means representing possibility,” Tess shared. “Teens are not just the future, but the now—ready to lead, to innovate, and to make a difference. This crown is more than a crown—it’s a launchpad.”

Tess advanced through multiple rounds of competition to secure the title, placing ahead of an accomplished Top 5 that included Sara Devolld (1RU, Alaska), Emma Fossum (2RU, Texas), Delaney Higgins (3RU, New Jersey), and Blake Hart (4RU, District of Columbia). Additional semi-finalists included Reagan Moore (GA), Jasmine Wu (CA), Fiona Treiber (IA), Allison Payton (OH), Mila Pearl (OR), and Lynzi Allen (PA).

With her crown, Tess Ferm begins a year of service focused on empowering her peers and amplifying her message: “No dream is too bold, and no voice is too small when it’s used with purpose.”

__________________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Miss America Organization has announced a landmark multi-year partnership with Daytona International Speedway, home of the world-renowned DAYTONA 500 and Rolex 24 At DAYTONA races. The collaboration unites two of America’s most iconic institutions, both committed to impact, entertainment, and strengthening communities nationwide.

A Tradition of Excellence
“For more than 104 years, Miss America has been a tradition that inspires women to lead. Daytona International Speedway carries that same spirit of excellence on a global stage,” said Miss America CEO and Owner Robin Fleming. “Bringing our two iconic brands together is an extraordinary opportunity to celebrate what makes American traditions timeless.”

Empowering Women Through Scholarship
As part of the partnership, Daytona International Speedway will make a $10,000 annual donation to the Miss America’s Scholarship Foundation (MASF), reinforcing both organizations’ mission of advancing education and opportunity. Each year’s Miss America will also attend a flagship motorsports event at Daytona International Speedway, such as the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA or the DAYTONA 500.

Leadership and Legacy on the National Stage
Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher will serve as a celebrity judge for the Miss America and Miss America’s Teen competitions. “Miss America showcases accomplished women who embody talent, intelligence, and leadership — qualities that inspire us all,” said Kelleher. “Just as the DAYTONA 500 is a defining moment in motorsports, Miss America is a defining stage for these remarkable women. I’m honored to serve as a judge in 2026 and proud to celebrate two traditions that represent excellence and opportunity at the highest level.”

The partnership will officially launch with Miss America 2026, the 98th woman to wear the crown, who will be crowned on September 7, 2026 at the Walt Disney Theater in the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Celebrating the 104th year of the Miss America brand, this new chapter highlights the synergy between motorsports, entertainment, and the organization’s mission of empowering young women through service and scholarship.

_________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III | Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com