Massachusetts woman will become first law enforcement officer to compete at the Miss America Competition

Worcester, MA – Over the weekend, Miss Massachusetts 2026 was crowned at the Hanover Theater in Worcester.

According to The Miss Massachusetts Scholarship Foundation, taking home the crown was Ashlyn Mercier who is an active-duty police officer in Westborough and will make history as the very first law enforcement officer to compete at the Miss America Competition. The 25-year-old competed alongside 22 other young women from across the Commonwealth and previously held the title of Miss Bay State 2026.

Mercier holds an undergraduate degree in National Security from the University of New Haven in Connecticut and earned a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Boston University.  She is the daughter of Kevin and Traci Mercier of Oxford and performed a contemporary lyric dance for the talent phase of the competition.

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude to be Miss Massachusetts,” said Mercier. “I cannot thank the judges enough for trusting me to step into this role.  I have been involved with the Miss America opportunity for six years and it has truly shaped me into the woman I am. I am thrilled to represent my home state on the Miss America stage.”

Mercier’s Community Service Initiative is titled “Nick’s Courage: One Smile Goes a Mile”.

“This was created in honor of my younger brother who is a two-time pediatric cancer survivor,” said Mercier “I hope to forge meaningful partnerships with organizations that share a similar mission to mine, which is to bring positivity and hope into the lives of children battling critical illnesses.”

In addition to promoting this cause, she will also work alongside the American Heart Association championing the Go Red for Women initiative.

“Ashlyn was crowned from a field of incredible competitors,” said Miss Massachusetts Scholarship Foundation Executive Director Dolores Rabuffo. “Her heart for serving her community and passion for the organization is inspiring. Our entire board is looking forward to supporting her for the next year.”

Mercier won a $10,000 scholarship along with a generous prize package and will be competing to become Miss America in West Palm Beach, Florida in late August. Miss America finals are scheduled for September 6, 2026.

1st Runner Up was Miss Boston, Faith O’Hanlon; 2nd Runner Up was Miss Blue Hills, Tess O’Riordan; 3rd Runner Up was Miss Middlesex County, Josette Huang; and 4th Runner Up was Miss Worcester County, Hunter Schulz.