Abby Stockard, a student at Auburn University, wins Miss America 2025
Abbie Stockard, a 22-year-old nursing student at Auburn University, was crowned at Miss America 2025.
Miss America officially took a bite of the Big Apple.
New York transplant Cassandra “Cassie” Donegan became the 98th woman and the 98th woman to win the crown on Sunday, September 7th.
Donegan, who crowned Miss New York in July, defeated all 50 state contestants, as well as Washington, DC and Puerto Rico, earning the title of Miss America.
The 27-year-old, held at the Walt Disney Theatre in Orlando, Florida, was crowned by former Alabama winner Abby Stockard and was later welcomed into sisterhood by former Miss America contestants.
In addition to the Crown and new titles, Donegan has won more than $70,000 in scholarships through the Miss America program.
“Miss America was a powerful stepping stone for ambitious women to turn their dreams into reality,” Donegan said in a statement. “We are honored to represent an organization that provides scholarships, resources and a leading platform for women, and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to make that mission come true.”
Here’s what you need to know about Miss America 2026:
Who is Cathy Donegan?
According to the About Me section of Donegan’s website, she is a “typical Southern girl” and was born and raised in “Little Town Nomay, Virginia.” She is actually from Smithfield, Virginia. The town was recognized in a Facebook post on September 8th, saying, “Congratulations to Cassie Dongan, who originally took Smithfield pride in 2026!”
Usually, Donegan can find her “I” section with “meaning curly hair running barefoot like it flows somewhere outside.”
“I grew up singing on a small church stage, and I ended up leading me to a rather exciting place,” says Miss America Bio. “I moved to Nashville, Tennessee and attended the BFA Musical Theatre Program, which was awarded to Belmont University.
Donegan moved to New York City after graduating from Belmont University, reported the Smithfield Times of Virginia.
“My family is my rocks. My puppies are my joy… And sushi and avocado are my weakness,” Donegan wrote in her bio. “The bottom line is, I love to laugh, I love to love completely and unconditionally, and I’m lucky enough to make a living and tell stories!”
Donegan aside, he has been dabbing in advocacy work and entrepreneurship for many years, serving as chief executive officer of Southern Sitter LLC, a member of the Actors Equity Association, and serving as the community service initiative as the brain behind “promoting arts education in school systems.”
What will Cassie Dongan’s duties be as Miss America?
During his tenure as Miss America, Donegan will serve as the national brand ambassador for Miss America Ons Campect, a year-round programme of Style, Services, Scholarships and Success, four pillars of Miss America and Miss America’s teen crown.
According to a news release from Miss America, Dongan travels around the world, “to promote champion arts education, scholarships and services, ensuring that individuals of all ages embrace creativity and achieve their full potential.”
According to the renowned organization, Miss America Opportunity awards more than $5 million in tuition scholarships and offers an additional $35 million in kind scholarship through national, state and local programs.
