Story perspectives

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

9/8/2025

Summary

Story summary

Tess Ferm from South Carolina was crowned Miss America’s Teen 2026 on September 6, 2025, in Orlando, Florida.
She will receive $30,000 in scholarships and promote food allergy safety through her initiative, "From Fear to Freedom."
Ferm's campaign educates communities about food allergies, drawing from her personal experiences.
The competition included 52 contestants, with Ferm winning the Quality of Life: Teens in Action Overall Award.
This is South Carolina's third title in Miss America’s Teen history, the first since 2009.

History

Historical Context

The Miss America pageant originated in 1921 as a promotional event in Atlantic City, evolving into a platform that has awarded millions in scholarships. In 2023, winner Tess Ferm's advocacy for food allergy safety highlights a shift towards social responsibility in beauty contests, reflecting broader public health awareness and community engagement trends that have emerged over the decades.

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Story summary

Tess Ferm from South Carolina was crowned Miss America’s Teen 2026 on September 6, 2025, in Orlando, Florida.
She will receive $30,000 in scholarships and promote food allergy safety through her initiative, "From Fear to Freedom."
Ferm's campaign educates communities about food allergies, drawing from her personal experiences.
The competition included 52 contestants, with Ferm winning the Quality of Life: Teens in Action Overall Award.
This is South Carolina's third title in Miss America’s Teen history, the first since 2009.

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