It's almost time to crown the next Miss America.On September 6, 52 women from around the country will gather at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, for the chance to win the coveted title.The winner will be crowned by Miss America 2026 Cassie Donnegan and will take home a $50,000 scholarship.Before you watch the competition — which will stream on PageantVision.com at 7 p.m. ET — meet the 52 women competing for the crown.
Alabama: Ruby Tilghman
Miss Alabama.
Courtesy of Miss America IP INC.
Ruby Tilghman, 22, graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in chemistry. She is an incoming student at the university's Heersink School of Medicine. Tilghman previously represented Florida at the Miss America's Teen competition in 2021.Tilghman is an avid hiker who has visited 28 national parks. She is also a recipient of the President's Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award.
