Miss Oregon’s Teen 2026 becomes Oregon’s first double preliminary award winner before advancing to the Top 11
Miss Oregon’s Teen 2026 Aria Christensen made history during the 2026 Miss America’s Teen Competition in West Palm Beach, Florida, becoming the first Oregon Teen ever to earn two preliminary awards at the national competition.
Aria first captured a preliminary fitness award, demonstrating the strength, confidence and stage presence she developed through years of dance and cheerleading. She then returned for the separate Talent Night and earned a preliminary talent award for her performance.
The two victories made Aria Oregon’s first double preliminary award winner in the history of the Miss America’s Teen program.
Aria continued her remarkable national journey by advancing to the Top 11 during the Miss America’s Teen Finals. Her placement distinguished her as one of the competition’s leading semifinalists from among accomplished state representatives from across the country.
Throughout the week, Aria represented Oregon with confidence, authenticity and joy. She also shared her Community Service Initiative, “Beyond the Label: Breaking Bipolar Stigma,” which draws from her own experience of being diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder at age 14. Through her advocacy, Aria works to encourage honest conversations about mental health and remind young people that a diagnosis does not define their potential.
The 2026 Top 5 included Elle Anderson of Utah, Madalyn Sullivan of Mississippi, Zoe Zogleman of Texas, Natalia Yurecko of Minnesota and Logan Wells of South Carolina. Anderson was ultimately crowned Miss America’s Teen.
Joining Aria in the Top 11 were semifinalists Melony Tidmore of Georgia, Tianna Lei Wailehua of Hawaii, Camdyn Lee of North Carolina, Lucille Esler of New York and Kendall Laroche of New Hampshire.
Aria returns home having set a new standard for Oregon and created a milestone that will remain part of Miss Oregon history. Her two preliminary awards, Top 11 placement and meaningful advocacy made Oregon proud and demonstrated the talent, determination and heart she brings to her year of service.