ORLANDO, F.L. (WIVT/WBGH) – The torch has been passed as Miss New York’s Cassie Donegan is crowned the 2026 Miss America.
On September 7th, 52 women representing all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, competed for the title of Miss America in Orlando, FL at the Walt Disney Theater. Out of the 52, Miss New York 2025, Cassie Donegan won the crown.
In addition to the crown, Donegan also won a $50,000 scholarship.
Cassie Donegan is initially from a small town in Virginia and has been participating in the Miss America Program since she was 9 years old.
She has been living in New York City for the past 8 years. Donegan is a professional performer and Actors Equity member. She received a BFA in musical theater from Belmont University, before attending Ames Christian University. In addition to her career in the arts, Donegan is the COO of Southern Sitter LLC, which is a childcare booking company.
Donegan works with the American Heart Association advocating for heart health and strives to promote arts education in schools as well.
Prior to the finals, Donegan was one of three winners in the talent competition on September 4th.
She will reign as Miss America for a year.
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