2026 titleholders
Miss Louisa County
During the Miss Virginia 2026 competition, Nicole Linder was recognized as one of the competition’s top fundraiser for the American Heart Association, raising more than $6,000, and received the Irene and Tom Brock Tuition Scholarship in honor of Shannon DePuy Bream, Miss Virginia 1990, which is in support of her medical research studies.
Nicole is a passionate mental health advocate and graduate student dedicated to ensuring no one struggles alone. After experiencing her own battle with anxiety as a teenager, she transformed that painful moment into purpose, building Minds Matter: C.A.L.M., a community service initiative that teaches others how to Challenge stigma, Accept their mental health journey, Listen to their body and mind, and Manage their well-being with confidence.
Miss Louisa County's Teen
During the Miss Virginia's Teen 2026 competition, Samantha Scott was selected as a Miss America Quality of Life finalist among the Teen delegates, won Preliminary Night Two On-Stage Question, and finished as 3rd Runner-Up to Miss Virginia’s Teen.
At just 16 years old, Samantha is already transforming compassion into action through her community service initiative, Wrapping Our Communities in Care, an outreach platform inspired by her great-grandfather’s journey from Trinidad to the United States. Arriving with only a suitcase and a few dollars, he found refuge at a local YMCA—an act of kindness that shaped Samantha’s belief that no one should face homelessness alone.
Miss Hanover county
During the Miss Virginia 2026 competition, Alexia Williams was selected as the recipient of the prestigious Miss America Quality of Life Award, won Preliminary Night One On-Stage Question, and earned a place among the Top 13 semifinalists.
Alexia is a journalist, performer, and advocate committed to strengthening the next generation through her signature initiative, S.T.A.R. – Successful Training of Adult Responsibilities. After moving 14 hours away from home at just 18, Alexia experienced firsthand how overwhelming adulthood can feel—and how many young people are left without guidance. Her program empowers teens and emerging adults with essential life skills across five pillars: Finances, Career, Self-Care, Relationships, and Health. Through school partnerships, youth organizations, and a fast-growing social media platform, she provides practical tools, motivational content, and real-world lessons to help her audience prepare confidently for life beyond the classroom.
Miss Hanover County's Teen
During the Miss Virginia's Teen 2026 competition, Lexie Hovey was selected as a Miss America Quality of Life finalist among the Teen delegates, won Preliminary Night One On-Stage Question, and finished as 2nd Runner-Up to Miss Virginia’s Teen.
At just 16, Lexie is a powerful voice for families affected by Type 1 Diabetes, using her Community Service Initiative — Turning Type One into Type None — to educate, advocate, and spread hope across Virginia. Her mission began when her older brother, Zach, was diagnosed at age 11. Lexie witnessed the fear and uncertainty her family faced, from emergency seizures to the daily demands of managing blood sugar. Those moments shaped her calling: to ensure no family navigates Type 1 Diabetes without awareness, support, and compassion.
Miss Spotsylvania County's Teen
During the Miss Virginia's Teen 2026 competition, Bethany Ablondi earned a place among the Top 12 semifinalists.
At 12 years old, Bethany's world suddenly changed. Once a vibrant dancer training five days a week, she became overwhelmed by unexplained pain, fatigue, and months of unanswered medical questions. The diagnosis—Celiac disease—finally brought clarity, but it also reshaped every aspect of her life. From losing access to her favorite foods to feeling isolated at events centered around shared meals, Bethany learned firsthand how deeply this autoimmune condition affects not just the body, but a person’s emotional and social well-being.