[CHATTANOOGA, TN] August 8, 2026 — Miss America 2026 Cassie Donegan brought her message that “Creativity Changes Lives” to Chattanooga, Tennessee, for a week filled with service, performance, and meaningful connections throughout the community.
During her visit, Cassie partnered with the Morning Pointe Foundation, visiting residents and staff at two Morning Pointe assisted living communities before taking the stage for the Foundation’s annual Seniors Got Talent Finals. At both locations, she spent time getting to know residents, sharing stories, and celebrating the people who make each community special.
Her visit culminated at the Seniors Got Talent Finals, where Cassie joined finalists and supporters for an evening celebrating the remarkable talents of adults age 60 and older. Contestants from across Tennessee and Kentucky showcased talents ranging from singing and instrumental music to dance, comedy and more. Cassie also took the stage to perform alongside the talented senior finalists, bringing her passion for the arts full circle.
The event supports the Morning Pointe Foundation’s mission to advance senior care through scholarships, caregiver support programs and educational partnerships, while helping students pursue careers in nursing and other healthcare professions.
Beyond her time with Morning Pointe, Cassie explored Chattanooga and some of the destinations that make the city unique, including Vital Buffalo Farm and Conservatory, connecting with the local community and experiencing the city’s culture and hospitality.
From the residents she met at Morning Pointe to the performers she joined on stage, Cassie celebrated the idea that creativity has no expiration date, and that the joy of creating, performing and sharing your talents can enrich lives at any age. Her time in Chattanooga was a celebration of the arts, community, and the power of creativity to bring people together, values she has carried throughout her year of service as Miss America.
###
About Miss America’s Scholarship Foundation Inc. (MASF):
Miss America is the nation’s leading empowerment and service platform for young women, supporting their personal and professional growth while inspiring them to serve as positive role models in their communities. Since 1921, Miss America has been dedicated to its mission of
“Empowering Women to Lead,” engaging thousands of young women nationwide, ages 14-28, as local and state brand ambassadors committed to community service.
Through the Miss America’s Scholarship Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3), the program awards the largest amount of scholarships to women in America.