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Cassie Donegan Crowned Miss America 2026

In a dazzling event held on September 8, 2025, Cassie Donegan, proudly representing New York, was crowned Miss America 2026 during an electrifying finale in Orlando, Florida. This year’s competition, which brought together 52 accomplished delegates from across the country—including all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico—was a true celebration of talent, dedication, and empowerment.

Cassie, the 98th woman to hold the prestigious title in Miss America's 104-year history, becomes the eighth representative from New York to earn this honor. Beyond the crown, she has also secured over $70,000 in scholarships through her participation in this esteemed program, aiding her undergraduate studies and supporting her dream of a master's degree.

Raised in a non-traditional family environment, Cassie discovered her passion for the arts, finding solace and empowerment within. This connection inspired her Community Service Initiative, titled "Promoting Arts Education in Our School Systems," where she's been an advocate for children's access to creative expression for nearly two decades. With a vision for fostering artistic opportunities, she has developed youth theater curricula, curated a K-12 S.T.E.A.M. masterclass, and established three scholarship funds designed to enhance accessibility within the arts.

In addition to her advocacy work, Cassie serves as the Chief Operations Officer of Southern Sitter LLC, a women-led childcare service. Under her leadership, the business has expanded significantly across multiple states, supporting hundreds of women in finding flexible jobs that allow them to balance their career aspirations with family responsibilities.

Cassie’s background as a performer—she is a member of Actor's Equity Association—has enabled her to grace various stages nationally, where she has collaborated with some of the industry's top talents. Reflecting on her experience, Cassie expressed gratitude, stating, "Miss America has always been a powerful springboard for ambitious women to turn their dreams into reality. 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 spotlight evening was hosted by Nikki Novak and Billy Gilman, featuring a distinguished panel of celebrity judges, including Mayan Lopez, Frederick Anderson, Frank Kelleher, Jen Hale, and Tawny Godin Welch. The event took place at the Walt Disney Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center, a fitting venue for such an inspiring occasion.

Throughout the event, the Miss America organization revealed its commitment to educational opportunities, granting over $5 million in tuition scholarships annually, alongside an additional $35 million in-kind scholarships through various programs.

After successfully navigating multiple rounds of competition, Cassie outshone her peers, placing in the Top 5 alongside an impressive group of finalists: 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). Additional 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, Cassie Donegan is poised to take on the role of the national brand ambassador for the Miss America Opportunity, embarking on a mission that promotes arts education, champions scholarships, and encourages individuals from all walks of life to embrace their creativity and realize their full potential.

About Miss America

The Miss America organization stands as a leading platform for empowerment and service among young women, fostering their personal and professional growth while encouraging them to be positive role models within their communities. Since its inception in 1921, the organization has been dedicated to the mission of "Empowering Women to Lead," engaging thousands of participants nationwide as local and state ambassadors committed to community service. Through the Miss America's Scholarship Foundation Inc., it is proud to offer the largest monetary scholarships available to women in the United States.