[NEW YORK, NY] September 17, 2025 — Miss America 2026, Cassie Donegan, took in the skyline from the most photographed building in the world: the Empire State Building, which has stood as an iconic symbol of New York since its completion in 1930. From the observation deck, Cassie celebrated the city that has long been a beacon of ambition, artistry, and possibility—a city that holds special meaning for her personally.
The visit marked a significant moment in the early days of her year of service, connecting the legacy of Miss America with the enduring spirit of New York. Just as the Empire State Building has inspired generations with its resilience and innovation, Cassie represents a new era of Miss America, one that empowers women to lead through service, shattering glass ceilings rather than wearing glass slippers, and driving meaningful change through her national work in arts education.
As the 98th Miss America and the 8th Miss New York to hold the title, Cassie embodies the very spirit of the Empire State Building itself—a symbol of the heights that can be reached with vision and determination.
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About Miss America
Miss America is the nation’s premier empowerment platform for young women, with service to community at the core of its impact. Participants pursue personal and professional growth while inspiring others as positive role models. With its mission of Empowering Women to Lead, Miss America is also the largest provider of tuition scholarships for women in the United States, distributed through the Miss America’s Scholarship Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization.