Zoey Lyttle / People: Miss America Cassie Donegan Speaks Out After She's Criticized for Her Pageant Makeup (Exclusive) - The 28-year-old was named Miss America 2026 on Sept. 7, besting 52 delegates from around the country - Fresh off her win at Miss America 2026, Cassie Donegan spoke to PEOPLE about winning the crown at the annual pageant on Sept. 7