Cassie Donegan: From New York to Miss America 2026
Cassie Donegan, representing New York, has been crowned Miss America 2026! The 28-year-old singer and arts advocate won the title on September 7th at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando, Florida, besting 52 other contestants. The newly crowned Miss America received the coveted crown and a $50,000 scholarship. She also won an additional $3,000 for her talent performance, a vocal performance.
Facing Online Criticism
Shortly after her win, Cassie Donegan addressed some online criticism regarding her pageant makeup. During the rapid-fire question portion of the finals, she spoke about "authentic self-expressions," and she is proud of everything that went into her win.
A Champion for Arts Education
Beyond her pageant success, Donegan is deeply committed to arts education. Her Community Service Initiative, "Promoting Arts Education in Our School Systems," reflects her passion for ensuring every child has access to creative expression. She has directed youth theatre curricula, curated a K-12 S.T.E.A.M. masterclass, and founded scholarship funds to bridge accessibility gaps in arts education.
More Than Just a Crown
Cassie's accomplishments extend beyond the stage. She serves as Chief Operations Officer of Southern Sitter LLC, a women-led childcare company, creating flexible career opportunities for women. She is also a member of Actor's Equity Association, building a professional performance career on stages across the nation.
Looking Ahead
Donegan has earned more than $70,000 in scholarships through the Miss America program, funding her undergraduate education and supporting her pursuit of a master's degree. She is the 98th woman to hold the Miss America title and the eighth from New York. She plans to use her platform to continue advocating for arts education and empowering women.