The event focused on mentorship, leadership and inspiring the next generation through the Miss America program.
By: NEWS 9
April 13, 2026
MIDWEST CITY, Okla. -The Miss America Tea Party serves as a meaningful gathering for young girls interested in the world of pageantry, offering them a chance to connect with accomplished titleholders and learn about leadership, service, and personal growth.
The event, held this past Sunday in Midwest City, highlighted the values of mentorship and community impact that are central to the Miss America Organization.
Distinguished guests included Cassie Donegan, who was crowned Miss America 2026 last September, Tessa Dorrell, the newly crowned Miss Oklahoma and Miss Oklahoma’s Teen, Taylor Meeks.
Leadership and community impact
Donegan and Dorrell emphasized the importance of investing in younger generations. They spoke about how events like the Tea Party allow titleholders to inspire and mentor aspiring participants.
Donegan credited the Miss America program and its strong sense of sisterhood for shaping her into the woman she is today.
Dorrell said she was proud to represent her hometown of Jones, and was honored to be the first Miss Oklahoma from her town.
Leaving the world a better place
Taylor Meeks shared a personal perspective centered on her life motto: “Leave it better than you found it.”
Meeks reflected on the origins of this belief, recalling how her mother instilled it in her at a young age.
Meeks encourages people to embrace small, everyday acts of kindness like helping clean up a space or offering a compliment to a stranger. She expressed concern that society is losing sight of these simple, but meaningful, gestures and urged young people to help restore that sense of purpose and positivity.
How to get involved
For those interested in participating, the Miss America program offers opportunities for contestants, volunteers, and supporters alike. Registration and additional information are available through the official Miss America Organization website.
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About Miss America
Miss America’s mission is Empowering Women to Lead with Purpose as the nation’s premier empowerment platform for young women. Founded in 1921, the iconic Miss America program is also America’s largest provider of tuition-only scholarship awards for women, distributing all scholarships through the Miss America’s Scholarship Foundation Inc. a tax-exempt nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.