Cassie Donegan of New York Crowned Miss America 2026

NEW YORK - Cassie Donegan, Miss New York, has been crowned Miss America 2026 after two nights of inspiring preliminary competition featuring 52 delegates representing every U.S. state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Donegan becomes the 98th Miss America in the organization’s 104-year history—and the eighth New Yorker to win the iconic crown.

Donegan has earned more than $70,000 in scholarships through the Miss America program, supporting both her undergraduate studies and her pursuit of a master’s degree.

Championing Arts Education

Raised in a non-traditional household, Donegan credits the arts as her refuge and foundation. That passion fuels her Community Service Initiative, “Promoting Arts Education in Our School Systems.” For nearly 20 years, she has advanced access to creative learning—directing youth theater curricula, developing a K-12 S.T.E.A.M. masterclass, and founding three scholarship funds to break barriers in arts education.

Leadership Beyond the Stage

Beyond pageantry, Donegan is the Chief Operations Officer of Southern Sitter LLC, a women-led childcare company she helped expand into a multi-state business. Under her leadership, the company has created hundreds of flexible jobs for women, empowering them with financial stability while balancing family and career.

She is also a professional performer and a proud member of the Actor’s Equity Association, having shared the stage with leading talents nationwide.

“Miss America has always been a powerful springboard for ambitious women to turn their dreams into reality,” Donegan said. “I’m honored to represent an organization that provides scholarships, resources, and a platform for women to lead.”

A Star-Studded Finale

The final night, hosted by Nikki Novak and singer Billy Gilman, featured celebrity judges including Mayan Lopez, Frederick Anderson, Frank Kelleher, Jen Hale, and Tawny Godin Welch. The competition took place at the Walt Disney Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando, Florida.

Donegan secured the crown over a strong Top 5 lineup:

• 1st Runner-Up: Sadie Schiermeyer (Texas)

• 2nd Runner-Up: Paris Richardson (Florida)

• 3rd Runner-Up: Audrey Kittila (Georgia)

• 4th Runner-Up: Emma Terry (Alabama)

  
  

Semi-finalists included Kennedy Holland (Arkansas), Zoe Scheiderich (Tennessee), Maria Derisavi (Maryland), Anna Leah Jolly (Mississippi), Ariana Rodriguez (Kentucky), and Nitsaniyah Fitch (Illinois).

The Miss America Opportunity

Each year, the Miss America Opportunity awards over $5 million in tuition scholarships and provides an additional $35 million in-kind scholarships nationwide. As the new Miss America, Donegan will serve as the official national ambassador, traveling across the U.S. and abroad to promote arts education, scholarship, service, and empowerment.