On Sunday, April 12, 21 of Louisiana’s most talented young women gathered at the University of Louisiana
Monroe to compete for college scholarships and the title of Miss Louisiana’s Teen 2026.
“After a dynamic weekend of competition, we are proud to announce that Ava Martin is our new Miss Louisiana’s Teen,” said
Dewana Little, Executive Director of the Miss Louisiana Organization.
Representing the Union Parish Teen title, Martin, a Minden native and student at Minden High School, impressed judges in
private interview, on-stage conversation, health and fitness, talent, and evening wear. She earned a preliminary Health and
Fitness award in the Jazz group ($250 scholarship) and was awarded a $5,000 scholarship as the new titleholder.
Martin’s Community Service Initiative, The Language of Movement, focuses on helping children build confidence and
express emotions through structured movement. She plans to travel across Louisiana, visiting schools and community
organizations in all 64 parishes. Her coloring book, The Language of Movement, is available on Amazon and supports
emotional expression through movement.
“As Miss Louisiana’s Teen, I am honored to serve our state and use my platform to make a difference,” said Martin. “I hope
to inspire young people to know their voice and their story matter.”
Martin performed a musical theatre dance, “Dancing Through Life,” during Saturday night’s competition.
Finalists were recognized as follows:
1st Runner-Up: Halle Campbell (Avoyelles Arts & Music Festival’s Teen)
2nd Runner-Up: Scarlett O’Glee (Louisiana Watermelon Festival’s Teen)
3rd Runner-Up: Geneviève Wetzel (Belle of the D’Arbonne’s Teen)
4th Runner-Up: Autumn Percival (Louisiana Port City’s Teen)
Completing the Top 11 were Catherine Williams (Natchitoches City of Lights’ Teen), Julia Cox (Minden’s Teen), Landry
Edwards (Twin Cities’ Teen), Alayna Johnson (Monroe’s Teen), Paris Chance (Richland Parish’s Teen), and Calli Scott
(Slidell’s Teen).
Non-finalist talent awards were presented to Jordyn Brielle King (Spirit of the Red’s Teen) and Sydney Sotak (Dixie
Stockshow’s Teen). The Community Service Award was presented to Izzy Gray (Dixie Stockshow’s Teen).
The Miss Louisiana Organization awarded $16,000 in scholarships during the Teen competition, the largest in program
history. More than $60,000 in scholarships will be awarded at the Miss Louisiana Competition, scheduled for June 18–20.
The Miss Louisiana Organization is part of the Miss America Organization, the largest scholarship provider for women in the
world. Sponsors include the City of Monroe, Discover Monroe-West Monroe, University of Louisiana Monroe, Louisiana
Department of Tourism, Propane Dealers of Louisiana, Louisiana Blue, TownePlace Suites by Marriott Monroe, Origin Bank,
and New Beginnings Wellness Center & Spa.