On October 11, 2025, Kayleah John, Miss Juneteenth Delaware 2025 and a student at Cab Calloway School of the Arts, proudly represented the First State at the 6th Annual Miss Juneteenth USA Scholarship Pageant in Texas City, Texas. Competing against talented young women from across the country under the theme “From Roots to Resilience,” Kayleah impressed judges with her confidence, intellect, and grace, earning the title of 2nd Runner-Up at this year’s national competition.
The Miss Juneteenth USA Scholarship Pageant is a national celebration of culture, education, and empowerment for young Black women. The program focuses on academic excellence, community service, and cultural awareness, awarding scholarships to help participants pursue their higher education goals.
This year’s national winners include:
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👑 Bailey Howell (Texas State Queen) — Crowned 2025 Miss Juneteenth USA
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🥈 Je’Delle Ross (Tennessee State Queen) — 1st Runner-Up
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🥉 Kayleah John (Delaware State Queen) — 2nd Runner-Up
In the Junior Division, Constiana Johnson (Virginia) earned the crown, while Brooklyn Flack (Texas) was named Little Miss Juneteenth USA.
Delaware’s Rising Star: Kayleah John
As Miss Juneteenth Delaware 2025, Kayleah John continues to make Delaware proud. Beyond her success at the national level, she has been a vibrant presence in Delaware’s cultural scene, performing at events such as the August Quarterly Youth Day and Gospel Explosion.
Her journey reflects the continued excellence of Delaware’s representatives on the Juneteenth stage, a legacy that began with Saniya Gay, who made history as the first-ever national Miss Juneteenth USA in 2020. Together, Kayleah and Saniya embody the strength, leadership, and cultural pride that the pageant celebrates.
A Legacy of Leadership: Sandy Clark & the Delaware Juneteenth Association
The success of Delaware’s contestants stems from the tireless work of leaders like Sandy Clark, Co-Founder, Treasurer, and Pageant Director of the Delaware Juneteenth Association (DEJA). For over 25 years, Sandy has directed the Juneteenth Youth Pageant as part of Delaware’s annual celebration, dedicating her efforts to empowering youth through culture, service, and education.
In recognition of her outstanding commitment, the “Sandra M. Clark Service Award” was established — an annual honor given to a deserving youth (ages 8–18) for exemplary community service, ensuring her spirit of leadership continues to inspire generations to come.
About the Delaware Juneteenth Association (DEJA)
The Delaware Juneteenth Association is devoted to developing programs that address the challenges facing today’s youth — including substance abuse, violence, teen pregnancy, and low self-esteem. Through education, prevention programs, and cultural celebrations, DEJA provides tools for growth while instilling pride in African American heritage and history.
If you’d like to support DEJA’s mission of empowering Delaware’s youth and families, donations are tax-deductible and deeply appreciated.
💻 Visit DEJA’s official page to contribute or learn more about upcoming programs and events. https://www.delawarejuneteenth.org/
Quote from MJUSA Director Sylvia Lewis-Harris:
“These pageants have inspired young women to compete for the honor of being Miss Juneteenth USA because it gives them the opportunity to represent themselves with confidence, humility, and pride.”
Congratulations, Kayleah John!
Your grace, talent, and leadership have made Delaware proud. Your journey from Roots to Resilience continues to inspire young women across the nation.
