[NEW YORK, NY] November 23, 2025 — The Miss New York Organization rolled out the red carpet this weekend as they welcomed home Cassie Donegan, Miss America 2026, with a series of spectacular celebrations in the heart of New York City. 27 members of the Miss America Class of 2026 traveled to New York to join the festivities— a powerful testament to the enduring sisterhood and support at the heart of the Miss America community.
Festivities began with a special boat tour to the Statue of Liberty, where Cassie was joined by friends, family, titleholders, and members of both the Miss New York and Miss America communities. The scenic celebration set the tone for an unforgettable weekend.
The centerpiece of the homecoming was a concert and celebration that featured performances by Cassie herself, the crowning of Miss New York 2025, Lauren Norris, and additional performances from Miss America’s Teen 2026, Tess Ferm; Miss New York’s Teen 2025, Nadia Anwar; and members of the Miss America Class of 2026 Top 11. The event was hosted by Susan Powell, Miss America 1981, whose warmth and charisma made the evening even more special.
Throughout the night, attendees heard remarks from Robin Fleming, CEO of Miss America; Sloane Lewis, Executive Director of the Miss New York Scholarship Organization; and Claire Buffie Adkisson, Board Chair of the Miss New York Organization. In a particularly meaningful moment, Claire announced that an annual scholarship to the Institute of American Musical Theatre in New York City would be established in Cassie’s honor—recognizing her powerful advocacy for arts education as both Miss New York and now Miss America.
The celebration continued the next morning as Cassie and her supporters attended the iconic Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes. Cassie was treated to an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour, adding yet another unforgettable memory to the weekend.
The festivities concluded with a private luncheon with Cassie and the Miss America community, followed by an afternoon of ice skating at Central Park’s Wollman Rink—capping off the weekend with joy, community, and classic New York charm.
Cassie’s homecoming was a heartfelt tribute to her impact, her artistry, the strength of the Miss America sisterhood, and the bright year of service ahead as Miss America 2026.
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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.