2026 Miss Savannah Juneteenth | Miss Jakayla Ladson
Jakayla M. Ladson is the newly crowned Miss Savannah Juneteenth 2026, an accomplished student leader, community advocate, and scholar who embodies the values of excellence, service, and leadership. Set to graduate in 2027, Jakayla maintains an impressive 4.0+ GPA while actively serving her school and community through numerous organizations and leadership roles.
Her involvement includes Savannah Youth Ambassadors, Twirling 2 Fight Cancer, the National Honor Society, and the National Society of High School Scholars. She also serves as a Black Baton Twirling Network Ambassador, Dr. Twirlz Ambassador, Coastal Heritage Society Teen Board Member, CURE Club participant, and volunteer with Life Bridge Church Child Care. As Dance Team Captain and a competitive baton twirler, Jakayla has demonstrated exceptional discipline and talent, earning titles as the 2023 Beginner Southeast Pageant Winner (Baton) and 2025 Intermediate Southeast Pageant Winner (Baton).
Jakayla's commitment to leadership and community impact was recognized during the 2026 Dreams Fulfilled Scholarship Gala, where she was awarded both the Savannah Heritage Tourism Leadership Scholarship and the Majestic Arts and Leadership Scholarship, totaling $750 in scholarship support.
Her achievements continued on pageant night when she was crowned Miss Savannah Juneteenth 2026 and awarded a $3,000 scholarship sponsored by the Tourism Leadership Council, the program's leading scholarship partner. Through her title, Jakayla will serve as an ambassador for the Miss Savannah Juneteenth Scholarship Program, representing the organization at community events, educational programs, leadership initiatives, and cultural celebrations throughout the year.
Jakayla pursued the Miss Savannah Juneteenth title to honor the legacy of freedom, resilience, and Black excellence that Juneteenth represents. She believes in the transformative power of education and scholarship and is passionate about encouraging young people to embrace their history, discover their purpose, and lead with confidence.
Service To Our Community
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Jakayla and all participants of the 2026 Miss Savannah Juneteenth Scholarship Program are available for community engagements, public speaking opportunities, school visits, volunteer initiatives, appearances, and special events. Formal appearance requests may be submitted for review using the link below.