Tess Ferm Wins Miss America’s Teen 2026 Crown in Orlando

Tess Ferm of Charleston, South Carolina, was crowned Miss America’s Teen 2026 in Orlando, Florida, earning a $30,000 scholarship and committing to advocate for food allergy safety through her platform, From Fear to Freedom. Earlier in the year, Peyton Bolling from Arkansas made history as the first contestant from her state to win Miss America’s Teen, inspiring many with her achievements and educational plans. In addition, West Virginia is represented on the national stage by Courtney Bearer, Miss West Virginia 2025, who is notable for her unique hula hoop talent performance and heart health advocacy, and Delanie Graham, Miss West Virginia’s Teen, who promotes closing the opportunity gap for young women through Project PowHERful. Meanwhile, Kennedy Holland of Arkansas won a preliminary talent competition for Miss America, alongside contestants from New York and Utah. These events highlight a diverse cohort of young women excelling in talent, scholarship, and philanthropic efforts across the Miss America and Miss America’s Teen programs.