Miss America Week wrapped Sunday night after Miss New York 2025, Cassie Donegan was crowned Miss America 2026. Miss South Carolina’s Teen Tess Ferm won Miss America’s Teen.
Donegan, 27, representing New York, was crowned Miss America 2026 on September 7, 2025, at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando, FL, succeeding Abbie Stockard of Alabama.
She won a $50,000 scholarship and will serve as a global ambassador for the Miss America Organization. Donegan, a seasoned pageant competitor since 1999, performed a vocal talent in the competition, as noted in the lottery order where she was listed for a vocal performance.
She is the COO of a female-founded company, a member of the Actors’ Equity Association, and the founder of The Arts Legacy Foundation, which offers three scholarships to support arts accessibility. Her background includes musical theater, and she’s passionate about making the arts more inclusive globally.
Donegan was also a finalist for the Miss America Quality of Life Award for her community service, which focuses on arts advocacy, stemming from her creation of the Lydia Fray Music Scholarship and Kay Sykes Arts Scholarship during her time as Miss Virginia’s Outstanding Teen in 2014. Her extensive pageant experience includes success in talent and interview categories across multiple systems, including the Miss America Organization
Ferm, 18, from Charleston, SC, was crowned Miss America’s Teen 2026 on September 6, 2025, in Orlando, FL. A Furman University freshman, she won $58,000 in scholarships with her platform From Fear to Freedom: Food Allergy Awareness and Education.
Her vocal performance of “Tomorrow” from Annie earned her a state talent award. Ferm advocates for food allergy safety, educating thousands and collaborating with legislators and FARE. She’ll serve as a national ambassador, promoting her cause.
First & Jenn 
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