The five Miss America Teen 2026 finalists: lives of the teen beauty pageants

Tess Ferm took home the win for the 2026 Miss America Teen competition in Orlando, Florida on September 6. She, among many other contestants all over the nation, stand testament to a humble, hardworking and rather inspirational background, exemplifying the persona behind the physical beauty of Miss America’s selection.

Tess Ferm (Miss South Carolina's Teen - Winner)

Tess Ferm

Tess Ferm, an 18-year-old Charleston native, won Miss America’s Teen 2026, earning $58,000 in scholarships as well as the Quality of Life: Teens in Action Overall Award. A Porter-Gaud graduate and incoming Furman University psychology student aiming to become a child life specialist, Tess champions "From Fear to Freedom," her platform advocating food allergy awareness inspired by her own experiences with anaphylaxis. As national ambassador, she will travel, speak with lawmakers, and empower peers to lead with purpose.

Sara DeVolld (Miss Alaska’s Teen — 1st Runner-Up)

Sara DeVolld, Miss Alaska’s Teen 2025, earned First Runner-Up at Miss America’s Teen 2026. A senior homeschool student from Kenai, she serves as a National STEM Champion and uses her platform “Dance for Heart” to advocate creativity, light, and self-expression. Sara exemplifies the power of STEM and artistry, inspiring others to overcome boundaries, even when their passions defy easy categorization.

Also read: Miss America's Teen 2026: South Carolina's Tess Ferm wins crown, $30,000 scholarship in Orlando competitio

Ashton Blake Hart (Miss District of Columbia’s Teen — Finalist)

Ashton Blake Hart represented Washington, D.C. as Miss Capital City’s Teen and advanced to the Top 5 at Miss America’s Teen 2026. Her talent is piano, and she has served as a State Teen Ambassador for the organization. A dedicated pageant veteran, her dream of gracing the Miss America stage has come true.

Delaney Higgins (Miss New Jersey’s Teen — 3rd Runner-Up)

Delaney Higgins, from Long Valley, New Jersey, claimed Third Runner-Up at the national pageant. She previously held the title Miss South Jersey’s Teen, where she performed baton twirling and secured both Preliminary Fitness and Talent Awards. Her dynamic presence and competitive spirit reflect her passion for performance and youthful leadership.

Emma Fossum (Miss Texas’ Teen — 2nd Runner-Up)

Emma Fossum, crowned Miss Texas’ Teen 2025 from Colleyville, earned Second Runner-Up at Miss America’s Teen 2026. Notably, she became the first Asian American to hold the Texas teen title. Her talent is piano, and her platform—“Miles for Music”—highlights her advocacy for music education and creative expression. Emma is also celebrated as articulate, talented, and available for civic and leadership engagements across Texas.