MISS TRACY 2026 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
A PERSON CAN TELL HOW MUCH DEDICATION AND PASSION ALIYAH LOFTNESS has for something by her reaction at the end. That showed in spades at the culmination of Sunday’s Miss Tracy Scholarship Program when Loftness was crowned Miss Tracy 2026.
“I get really emotional when I’m determined for something and really put my all into it,” Loftness said well after she had wiped away tears of joy and regained her composure. “It was just a big night to be with my girls — all of us had put in so much work over the summer. We’ve all been there for each other; we just wanted to do the best we can and have fun. Even at our 11 o’clock practices, we all just gave our all.”
Addison Kainz was 1st runner-up, and Rosa Vang was 2nd runnerup.
The girls were judged on scholastic achievement and community involvement; creative arts; fitness; presence and composure and a panel evaluation. Loftness said the only part of the program that gave her a bit of trepidation was presence and composure.
“I was only nervous for presence and composure,” Loftness admitted. “I have trouble speaking, and I’m not the best at walking — I’m a little clumsy! But I just trusted in myself.”
The theme of this year’s program was “Radiant,” and the question posed to the girls asked how they keep their inner light radiating when no one is watching.
“I feel like the program changed me, to help me be myself, be who I am,” said Loftness. “I have always been introverted and scared to talk to other people, but this program really made me learn who I truly am.”
Loftness will receive a $1,500 scholarship, while Kainz and Vang are the recipients of $900 and $700 scholarships, respectively.
Winning in each category were: Kainz (scholastic achievement and community involvement, and talent); Loftness (interview); Avery Torgeson (presence and composure); and Vang (spirit and fitness). Each candidate also receives a $300 alumni scholarship. Andria Johnson was awarded the Lori Bangasser Memorial Scholarship, and Piper Freeburg was Miss Photogenic.
Emcees of Sunday’s program were Lexi Erickson and Arika Sanders, and Elizabeth Roseland performed a piano selection at the program. Last year’s Miss Tracy court, Marin Knott, Kenzie Fischer and Brooklyn Elsen entertained the large crowd with a skit as well.
