CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – A Porter-Gaud graduate has been named Miss America’s Teen 2026 during a special competition held over the weekend.

Tess Ferm, an 18-year-old from Charleston, was previously crowned Miss South Carolina’s Teen for 2025 and went on to compete on the national stage in Saturday’s 2026 Miss America’s Teen Competition.

Ferm, who is a rising freshman at Furman University, will receive $30,000 in scholarships and will serve as a brand ambassador for the Miss America’s Team program.

Ferm is also the winner of the national “Teens in Action” award for her extensive work to support those with food allergies.

Ferm launched a platform, “Fear to Freedom,” out of her own life-threatening allergies, where she has educated more than 2,500 students and teachers, and has helped in

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