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

ORLANDO, FL (WOLO) — The Miss America Organization has crowned Miss South Carolina’s Teen, Tess Ferm, as Miss America’s Teen 2026.

Selected from among 52 state delegates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the organization says “Tess shined with her talent, poise, and dedication to Food Allergy Awareness and Education, capturing the crown and the hearts of audiences nationwide.”

Ferm, a native of Charleston, has earned $58,000 in scholarships through the Miss America’s Teen program. She is a graduate of the Porter-Gaud School and an incoming freshman at Furman University, where she plans to study Psychology with the goal of becoming a Child Life Specialist.

According to the Miss America Organization, her Community Service Initiative, From Fear to Freedom: Food Allergy Awareness and Education, is inspired by her own experience with anaphylactic allergies and is dedicated to creating safer, more informed communities. For her outstanding service, Tess was honored this evening as the Quality of Life: Teens in Action Overall Award Winner and recognized nationally for her fundraising efforts on behalf of the American Heart Association.

As Miss America’s Teen 2026, Ferm will serve as a national ambassador for the Miss America’s Teen program— “encouraging young women everywhere to dream boldly, lead confidently, and embrace their limitless potential.” Her year of service  is meant to “celebrate the very best of what it means to be a role model for her generation.”

“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,” says Tess.

“Because of this program, I’ve had the chance to meet with legislators to advocate for my initiative, speak at press conferences, perform on stage, sharpen my interview skills, and learn how to serve as a brand ambassador. Most importantly, it has helped me grow my confidence, find my voice, and step into leadership. Miss America empowers young women to be bold, well-rounded, and ready to chase their goals.”

Ferm earned the crown after advancing through multiple rounds of competition and securing a place in the Top 5 finalists alongside Sara Devolld (1RU, AK), Emma Fossum (2RU, TX), Delaney Higgins (3RU, NJ), and Blake Hart (4RU, DC).

Rounding out this year’s group of semi-finalists were Reagan Moore (GA), Jasmine Wu (CA), Fiona Treiber (IA), Allison Payton (OH), Mila Pearl (OR), and Lynzi Allen (PA).

“If there’s one thing I want every young person to take from tonight, it’s this: no dream is too bold, and no voice is too small when it’s used with purpose. I am honored to spend this year proving just that as your Miss America’s Teen 2026,” says Ferm.