News Summary
Cassie Donegan of New York has been crowned Miss America 2026 at a prestigious event in Atlantic City. Her journey reflects perseverance and dedication to the arts and community engagement. Donegan’s commitment includes advocating for children’s rights and promoting arts education, making her a role model for aspiring performers. As she embarks on her new role, Donegan aims to inspire young women nationwide and elevate their voices within the arts community.
Smithfield, Virginia – Miss America 2026 Crowned
Cassie Donegan, representing New York, was crowned Miss America 2026 on September 7, 2025, during a prestigious event held in the bustling city of Atlantic City, New Jersey. The title was awarded by Miss America 2025, Abbie Stockard, marking a significant milestone in Donegan’s journey from her roots in Smithfield to the national stage.
At 27 years old, Donegan embodies the values of perseverance and community involvement. She grew up in Hampton Roads and began her performing career at the Smithfield Little Theatre (SLT), where she participated in various productions throughout her teenage years. Her acting debut took place in 2010 when she portrayed Peter Pan at just 12 years old. She further honed her craft with standout performances, including her role as Penny Pingleton in SLT’s “Hairspray” in 2013 and as Wednesday Addams in the 2014 production of “The Addams Family”.
Throughout her performing arts journey, Donegan displayed remarkable talent and professionalism. Her dedication was recognized by both her directors and fellow cast members, setting a strong foundation for her future endeavors. She graduated from Bethel Christian School in 2015, which paved the way for her move to Nashville to attend Belmont University, after which she eventually relocated to New York City to pursue further opportunities in the arts.
Commitment to the Arts and Community
In addition to her performance career, Donegan actively champions children’s rights to creative expression. Over nearly two decades, she has directed youth theatre curricula and founded three scholarship funds aimed at improving accessibility to arts education. Her commitment to the arts community continues as she serves as the Chief Operations Officer of Southern Sitter LLC, a childcare company led by women.
Donegan’s journey in the Miss America organization began when she was named Miss Five Boroughs before eventually becoming Miss New York in July 2025. Contestants in the Miss America competition undergo rigorous evaluations that include interviews, fitness assessments, talent presentations, and evening wear displays. Throughout her experience in the pageant circuit, Donegan has earned over $70,000 in scholarships provided through the Miss America program, which will support her continued advocacy in arts education and children’s rights.
National Ambassadorship and Future Aspirations
As the newly crowned Miss America, Donegan will serve as a national brand ambassador for the organization, traveling worldwide to promote its mission and programs. Her significant role is expected to increase visibility for the Miss America brand while showcasing her passion for inspiring young women across the nation.
Mark Hall, a veteran volunteer at SLT, commended Donegan for her resilience and talent, noting that this title will undoubtedly serve as a stepping stone in her career. Former castmate Judy Triska praised Donegan’s journey, emphasizing her potential and asserting that she is truly “born for” the stage, reflecting a belief in her capacity to inspire others.
Conclusion: Inspiring the Next Generation
Cassie Donegan’s rise to Miss America represents not just a personal achievement but a beacon of hope for aspiring performers and advocates for the arts. Her experiences in acting, community engagement, and mentoring highlight her mission to encourage other young women and elevate their voices within the arts community. As she embarks on this exciting chapter, Donegan’s dedication to her craft and commitment to creating opportunities for others set a hopeful precedent for the future.
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Additional Resources
- Smithfield Times: Cassie Donegan, Miss America 2026
- Valley Breeze: Smithfield’s Mansolillo Celebrates Dream Win as Miss Rhode Island
- Suffolk News Herald: Smithfield Senior Named Miss Juneteenth
- Wikipedia: Miss America
- WRAL: Miss NC 2018 Crowned Amid Changes in Miss America Organization
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WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
