South Carolina’s Tess Ferm Crowned Miss America’s Teen 2026

The Miss America Opportunity has crowned its newest teen titleholder. Tess Ferm, Miss South Carolina’s Teen, earned the title of Miss America’s Teen 2026 last night in Orlando, Florida.

Tess stood out among 52 delegates representing every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Her dedication to Food Allergy Awareness and Education, paired with her grace on stage and powerful voice as an advocate, captured the crown and the hearts of audiences nationwide.

A graduate of Porter-Gaud School and an incoming freshman at Furman University, Tess plans to study psychology and hopes to become a Child Life Specialist. She has already made an impact by championing her initiative, From Fear to Freedom: Food Allergy Awareness and Education. Inspired by her own experience with anaphylactic allergies, Tess works to create safer and more informed communities. Her service was recognized on the national stage when she received the Quality of Life: Teens in Action Overall Award and was honored for her fundraising efforts with the American Heart Association.

In total, Tess has earned $58,000 in scholarships through the Miss America’s Teen program. Looking ahead to her year of service, she will travel the country as a role model for her generation, encouraging teens to lead with confidence, embrace their potential, and chase their dreams.

Reflecting on the moment, Tess shared, “Being Miss America’s Teen means representing possibility. It’s about showing that teens are not just the future, but the now—ready to lead, to innovate, and to make a real difference in our schools, our communities, and across the country. This crown is so much more than a crown, it’s a launchpad.”

Tess rose to the top after securing a spot in the Top 5, alongside first runner-up Sara Devolld of Alaska, second runner-up Emma Fossum of Texas, third runner-up Delaney Higgins of New Jersey, and fourth runner-up Blake Hart of the District of Columbia. Rounding out the Top 11 semi-finalists were Reagan Moore (GA), Jasmine Wu (CA), Fiona Treiber (IA), Allison Payton (OH), Mila Pearl (OR), and Lynzi Allen (PA).

With Miss America’s Teen 2026 crowned, the spotlight now turns to the Miss America 2026 competition. Tonight, a new Miss America will be chosen, and she will join Tess Ferm in serving as a national ambassador and role model. It promises to be another historic evening for the Miss America Opportunity.