JACKSON, Tenn. (WKRN) — For the second year in a row, a contestant from a state starting with “Miss” was crowned Miss Teen Volunteer America in Tennessee after competing against dozens of young women, all showing off their glamour, talent, fitness, interview skills, and passion for volunteerism.
On Saturday, March 7, Miss Teen Volunteer America 2026 Izzy Karns passed her title on to Julianna Fallon, the reigning Miss Missouri Teen Volunteer, at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson, according to organizers.
Ahead of the emotional crowning ceremony, Karns — who was an 18-year-old freshman at the University of Southern Mississippi when she won last year — posted a farewell message on the official Miss Teen Volunteer America Instagram account:
The night I won Miss Mississippi Teen Volunteer, and this journey started, I remember feeling like I had all of these expectations to live up to. To be perfect, to fit a mold, & to be what everyone “expected” of me.
Over the last 609 days, and especially during the last 365, I’ve learned that being me, 100% and unapologetically, is all I’ve ever needed to be. To be present and joyful in all that this experience has presented to me.
The things that mean the most to me that I’m taking away from this year, are the relationships I’ve gained and the lessons that I didn’t even know I needed to learn. These seemingly small “things” have shown me that it’s about the lives I can touch and the people who touch mine.
Tonight I’m feeling overwhelmed with gratitude.
Thank you for the moments & for an experience that has made me “me.”
Forever your Miss Teen Volunteer America 2026, Izzy Karns
Officials described Fallon’s win as a “milestone victory,” making her Missouri’s first national titleholder in the Miss Teen Volunteer America competition.
Organizers said this 18-year-old, a senior at St. Teresa’s Academy in Kansas City, impressed the judges in several key moments leading up to Saturday’s finale. That included the talent competition on the second night of preliminaries, which Fallon won after singing a number that she said was about “love and unity.”
As Miss Teen Volunteer America 2027, Fallon will reportedly become a national spokesperson for the organization’s partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and a national partner with The Salvation Army, in addition to receiving a $10,000 scholarship and other exclusive opportunities as part of her reign.
Allison DeMarcus, the founder and CEO of the Miss Volunteer America pageant system, praised this year’s competition and its 51 participants: “This year’s class of state titleholders was truly something special. The talent, poise, and heart these young women brought to Jackson left me speechless. Julianna is an extraordinary young woman and I have no doubt she will shine in this role. And while there can only be one national titleholder, every single young woman who competed this week will go home and continue making a real difference in their communities. That’s what this program is all about.”
According to officials, Fallon is a “dedicated leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for community service” who consistently demonstrates initiative, communication, and a passion for serving others. She is the lead anchor and executive producer of the St. Teresa’s Academy broadcasting program, co-founder and vice president of the Small Business Club, and two-year team leader at Waterway Carwash. After high school, she plans to pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration in Communication and Professional Sales at the University of Mississippi.
Organizers said Fallon’s S.E.R.V.E. Initiative, “Hope for Every Heart,” is “rooted in her personal experience with hardship and the transformative power of kindness and hope.” Through the initiative, Fallon has hosted donation drives, read to youth, mentored young women in self-worth and kindness, made hats for people in need, and supported charitable causes through public appearances and fundraising.
Fallon posted her own statement on Sunday, March 8, sharing her appreciation and eagerness for the role: “I cannot begin my reign without expressing my gratitude for the people around me. To the Miss Teen Volunteer national board for welcoming me with open arms and love. Not only to the executive board but to the entire Miss Volunteer America Organization for all of your support. To my Missouri board and directors for pushing me to where I am and believing in my mission. And lastly to my family for supporting me, pushing me to be the best version of myself, and making me the young woman I am today. None of this would be possible without my people. I love you all. Thank you. I cannot wait to see what’s in store this year.”
Based on the competition’s social media, the following contestants rounded out the top five or earned other forms of special recognition over the past few days:
- First runner-up and preliminary fitness and wellness winner: Miss Maryland Teen Volunteer Tess Bond
- Second runner-up: Miss Texas Teen Volunteer Lily Roberts
- Third runner-up: Miss Wisconsin Teen Volunteer Ella Bey
- Fourth runner-up: Miss Rhode Island Teen Volunteer Lola Paolissi
- Non-finalist talent winner: Miss Illinois Teen Volunteer Lucy Kuelper
- People’s Choice Award winner: Miss Michigan Teen Volunteer Evelynne Hew-Lan
- Non-finalist interview winners: Miss Tennessee Teen Volunteer Alexa MacArthur, Miss Louisiana Teen Volunteer Isabella Anne Gray, and Miss Georgia Teen Volunteer
- Non-finalist recognition: Miss California Teen Volunteer Genesis Quiette, Miss Virginia Teen Volunteer Addison Rhudy, Miss Connecticut Teen Volunteer Ella Perillo, Miss New Jersey Teen Volunteer Ariana Scott, and Miss New Hampshire Teen Volunteer Isabel Dwyer
- Preliminary fitness and wellness winners: Miss Kansas Teen Volunteer Averie Mountain, Miss District of Columbia Teen Volunteer MaKenzie Winters, and Miss North Carolina Teen Volunteer Chesney Pounders
- Preliminary talent winner: Miss Indiana Teen Volunteer Sterling Buzsa
According to a release about the event, “The competition was a testament to the strength and diversity of the Miss Teen Volunteer America program, with runners-up and special award recipients from states across the nation earning recognition for their remarkable talent, service records, and stage presence. Each young woman who took the stage this week embodied the heart of this organization.”
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Officials described Miss Teen Volunteer America as a Tennessee-based, service-oriented program that aims to empower young women across the U.S. through educational scholarships and extraordinary opportunities.
The founder and CEO of the Miss Volunteer America system is the only woman in history to represent Tennessee at the Miss Teen USA, Miss America, and Miss USA pageants. Allison 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.
Meanwhile, the contestants for Miss Volunteer America will be traveling to Jackson in just over three months to compete for that title.
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