By: Olivia Evans
September 8, 2025
Cassie Donegan has a new crown.
Miss New York was officially upgraded to Miss America 2026 Sept. 7 at the Orlando, Fla., ceremony, becoming the eighth person from The Empire State to wear the crown in the competition’s 104-year history.
“Miss America has always been a powerful springboard for ambitious women to turn their dreams into reality,” Cassie said in a press release following her win Sept. 8. “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.”
Cassie, 27, was awarded over $70,000 in scholarships from the Miss America program from her win, which will, according to the press release, help her fund her undergraduate education and on her pursuit of her master’s degree.
The new Miss America titleholder earned the crown over her fellow top five finalists, Miss Texas Sadie Schiermeyer, Miss Florida Paris Richardson, Miss Georgia Audrey Kittila and Miss Alabama Emma Terry.
In July, Cassie was crowned Miss New York, succeeding previous titleholder Abby Quammen.
“I will never be able to find the perfect words to express what this journey has meant to me, but I’ll start with the simplest: thank you,” Cassie wrote in a statement at the time. “Miss America prep is officially underway, and I could not be more honored to serve New York in this way. This state—diverse, driven, resilient—is home.”
Indeed, Cassie assured she was ready to compete for the bigger title this month.
“I am so deeply proud to represent it and will do so with everything I have,” she added. “To be supported on this journey by a state board as incredible as mine is every girl’s dream—and I’m beyond lucky to call that my reality.”
With her latest win, Cassie will serve as the official national brand ambassador for the Miss America Opportunity, traveling around the country to promote the brand’s ideals.
To look back at the history of Miss America winners, keep reading…
Read the article HERE: https://www.eonline.com/news/1422190/cassie-donegan-wins-miss-america-2026
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