More than 150 people from across the country filled the Carroll County Civic Center over the weekend, November 22 and 23, for the two-day Miss Star United States Pageant, which concluded with the crowning of the 2026 national queens in several age divisions.
This is the pageant’s fifth year in operation.
Miss Star United States emphasizes service and its mission of raising funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Contestants’ ages ranged from 4-years-old to 60 across six groups.
At the end of Sunday’s final showcase, the following 2026 queens were crowned:
- Tiny Miss Star United States – Heidi Anne Kramer, representing Missouri
- Little Miss Star United States – McKenna Becker, representing the Midwest
- Pre-Teen Miss Star United States – Ava Klaire Marcinek, representing Mississippi
- Teen Miss Star United States – Hannah Hoffman, representing the Roll Tide State
- Miss Star United States – Jaycee McMillian, representing the Heartland
- Ms. Star United States – Andrea Zerilli, representing Michigan
According to Director Tera Wigham, the newly crowned queens will spend the next year serving in their communities and representing the organization at charitable events nationwide.
Their titles also come with a number of opportunities, including participation in New York Fashion Week, national print photoshoots, and a free trip to Six Flags.
This year’s event raised $7,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
