JACKSON, Tenn. (WKRN) — Fifty teens from across the country gathered in Tennessee this week to compete for the title of Miss Teen Volunteer America 2026, showing off their glamour, talent, fitness, interview skills, and spirit of volunteerism.
Miss Teen Volunteer America 2025 Anna Grace Loudenbeck passed the crown on to Izzy Karns, the reigning Miss Mississippi Teen Volunteer, at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson on Saturday, March 8, according to organizers.
“What an answered prayer this year has been. My heart is overflowing with emotion, as this year has been filled of excitement, growth, but also challenges. Being a national titleholder is not easy, but the possibility to make an impact on at least one person is the greatest motivation. I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many inspirational people and serve missions close to my heart,” Loudenbeck, a student at Samford University in Alabama, posted on the pageant’s social media following Karns’ victory. “Thank you to everyone who believed and supported me throughout this journey, I could not have done it alone. I will forever cherish the opportunities this job has provided and the memories I’ve made. As I pass the crown and wave goodbye, I hope to leave behind a legacy of authenticity, humility, and grace.”
JUNE 2024: South Carolina contestant crowned Miss Volunteer America 2025
Kerns — described by officials as an 18-year-old freshman at the University of Southern Mississippi — had already been named a fitness and wellness winner during the preliminary competition on Thursday, March 6. In addition, she reportedly performed a vocal rendition of “Almost There” from “The Princess and the Frog” for the talent portion.
As Miss Teen Volunteer America 2026, Kerns received a $10,000 scholarship and will serve as the national brand ambassador for the Salvation Army and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, organizers said.
Miss Teen Volunteer America 2026 (Courtesy: Sheldon Smith Photography via Miss Volunteer America)
Miss Teen Volunteer America 2026 (Courtesy: Sheldon Smith Photography via Miss Volunteer America)
Based on the competition’s social media, the following contestants rounded out the top five or won other special awards over the past couple days:
JANUARY 2025: Miss Tennessee comes in 3rd place at Miss America 2025
As described on the pageant’s Facebook page, “Miss Teen Volunteer America is a nationwide, service-oriented scholarship program based in Tennessee that seeks to empower young women across the country through educational scholarships and extraordinary opportunities.”
The founder and CEO of Miss Volunteer America is Allison DeMarcus, the only woman in history to represent Tennessee at the Miss Teen USA, Miss America, and Miss USA pageants. She is also married to Jay DeMarcus of the legendary country music group, Rascal Flatts. In addition, this television personality is the current president of the Board of Directors of Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, which is one of many Middle Tennessee boards on which she has served over the years, and volunteers for numerous local organizations.
According to officials, this year’s Miss Teen Volunteer America pageant would not have been possible without the support of the presenting sponsors: Jane Alderson, the DeMarcus family, Scott Hilburn, Jackson Madison County Community Economic Development Commission, and Sherri Hill. To learn more about the competition, click here.
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This news comes just over three months before the contestants for Miss Volunteer America travel to Jackson to compete for that title.
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