Meet Gracie Leonhardt, the new Miss Caldwell County’s Teen 2026!

We’re so excited to introduce Gracie Leonhardt, the newly crowned Miss Caldwell County’s Teen 2026! She is from Fallston, NC. She earned her title on November 8, 2025, and will go on to represent her community on the Miss North Carolina’s Teen stage in June!

Let’s get to know her a little better!

Digital Spotlight interview with Gracie Leonhardt

Q: Tell us a little about yourself!
A: I’m from Fallston, NC. I currently attend Burns High School as a Junior! I’m also dually enrolled at Cleveland Community College, getting my Associate’s in Science. After I get my Associate’s in Science, I hope to attend UNC Chapel Hill to get my Bachelor’s in Biochemistry! After that, I plan to take the MCAT and apply to Duke University Medical School. One day, I hope to become a Pediatrician.

Q: What should we know about your Community Service Initiative?
A: My CSI, Pearls With A Purpose, is all about education and advocacy for dental healthcare. With my local title, I hope to spread awareness on the importance of taking care of your oral hygiene, the harmful effects of neglecting your dental care, and to raise funds to make dental healthcare more accessible across North Carolina. I plan to visit K-12 schools across Western North Carolina to spread awareness and start a dental drive to make resources readily available for North Carolinians!

Q: What talent did you perform at your local competition?
A: I danced to Prince’s song “Baby I’m a Star.”

Q: Do you have any previous experience within the Miss America Opportunity?
A: This is my first title in the organization.

Q: What’s one fun fact about you?
A: I have a double uvula, which is the thing that hangs in the back of your mouth, if you didn’t know! 🙂 There is a 2% chance of being born with it, and I’m a part of that percentage!

Q: What’s your favorite way to spend a day off when you’re not competing or volunteering?
A: I love to read on my days off. Being so busy, I don’t typically have time for leisurely activities. So when I do find the time, I like to spend it with my nose in a book!

Q: What’s your favorite way to stay #MissAmericaFit?
A: My favorite way to stay #MissAmericaFit is by cutting out soda! It’s such an easy change that everyone can apply to their lives. Cutting out soda has made such a positive impact on me, and I feel like I can think clearly without the extra sugars and caffeine that cause brain fog. I also love going to the gym and walking on the treadmill; it’s one of my favorite parts of my day because it allows me to take a second and reflect on my day while bettering myself!

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to a younger girl who looks up to you, what would it be?
A: “Bet on yourself! I think it’s so important for young girls to realize that they can do hard things. Just because something is difficult doesn’t mean it is impossible. I think this is valuable advice that I wish I could’ve heard when I was younger, because there are so many things I wish I would’ve done, and had I bet on myself, I might’ve done more!”

Q: Where can people support your American Heart Association efforts?
A: Visit my Spotfund page to support my efforts and learn more about heart health awareness!

Follow Her Journey

Be sure to follow Gracie Leonhardt, Miss Caldwell County’s Teen 2026, throughout her year of service as she represents her community and embodies the spirit of Scholarship, Style, Service, and Success.