Helena, Butte residents earn Miss Montana and Miss Montana Teen honors, respectively
Miss Montana and Miss Montana’s Teen for 2026 were crowned Saturday night at the Mother Lode Theatre in Butte.
The new Miss Montana for 2026 is Adella Harris of Helena. Harper Harryman of Butte was named Miss Montana’s Teen.
Ten women from across Montana competed for the title at the 76th annual Miss Montana — in its 76th year — while five young women competed for the title of Miss Montana’s Teen.
Harris, an honors student and resident advisor studying political science at Montana State University, plans to attend law school and pursue a career dedicated to public service. She hopes to one day serve the people of Montana in public office.
Through her work on her local school board and experience within the Montana State Legislature, Harris said she is passionate about helping others recognize their value and potential.
She told the audience her community service initiative, Made for More, is founded on the belief that every individual has a unique purpose and calling.
During the competition, Harris also earned $5,400 in scholarships and a full-ride scholarship to Troy University in Alabama.
Harryman is completing her junior year at Butte High School and is passionate about service, leadership and dance. Through the Miss Montana Organization, she earned $1,800 in scholarships, including a full-ride scholarship to her choice of University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Mississippi State University in Starkville, and Troy University in Alabama.
Her community service initiative, The Mind & Movement Collective, promotes teen mental health through movement, mentorship and meaningful conversation.
Harryman said she was honored to represent Montana while advocating for mental wellness and empowering young people across the state.
Additionally, 13 girls from across Montana participated in Montana’s Treasures, the Miss America Little Sisters’ program.
Montana’s official preliminary to the Miss America competition is centered around the four points of the crown: style, success, scholarship and service.
According to a spokesperson, the organization provides young women with opportunities for personal and professional growth while awarding scholarships to support higher education.
As Miss Montana, Harris will represent Montana at the Miss America competition Aug. 28 to Sept. 6 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Harryman will be there as well, representing Montana at Miss America’s Teen pageant.
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