Meet Taylor Sanders, the new Miss Sandhills’ Teen 2026!

We’re so excited to introduce Taylor Sanders, the newly crowned Miss Sandhills’ Teen 2026! She is from Leland, NC. She earned her title on September 27, 2025, and will go on to represent her community on the Miss North Carolina’s Teen stage in June 2026!

Let’s get to know her a little better!

Digital Spotlight interview with Taylor Sanders

Q: Tell us a little about yourself!
A: I’m from Leland, NC. I’m currently a junior at North Brunswick High School. I’m focusing on obtaining my high school diploma for college prep at North Carolina A&T State University or Winston-Salem State. My ambition is to earn my Master’s and become licensed as a mental health counselor focusing on children and adolescents. As a counselor, I want to take over my mother’s therapy agency, Blossom Counseling Center.

Q: What inspired your Community Service Initiative?
A: My CSI is Be Yourself for Suicide Awareness and Bullying Prevention. My objectives are to continue building my partnership with Outside of the Darkness, local NAMI support and advocacy groups, while speaking to children in the local school setting about mental health and bullying. I want to encourage teachers and administration about the importance of listening and providing support to those in need.

Q: What talent did you perform at your local competition?
A: During my local, I performed a lyrical dance to “I Believe” by Fantasia to inspire others to believe in themselves and dream big. 

Q: Do you have any previous experience as a titleholder within the Miss America Opportunity?
A: Previously, I have held the titles of Miss Taste of Charlotte Festival’s Carolina Princess 2020, Miss Taste of Charlotte Festival’s Carolina Princess 2019, and Miss Zebulon Carolina Princess 2018.

Q: What’s one fun fact about you?
A: One fun fact is that my family is from New Orleans and understands what Mardi Gras means.

Q: What’s your favorite way to spend a day off when you’re not competing or volunteering?
A: My favorite way to relax is to “bed rot,” meaning sleep and binge-watch Netflix.

Q: What’s your favorite way to stay #MissAmericaFit?
A: My favorite way to stay Miss America Fit is to focus on my nutrition and enjoy hobbies that keep me physically moving, such as dance.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to a younger girl who looks up to you, what would it be?
A: “Don’t let one ‘NO’ turn you around from your dreams. KEEP pushing forward. ”

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 Taylor Sanders, Miss Sandhills’ Teen 2026, throughout her year of service as she represents her community and embodies the spirit of Scholarship, Style, Service, and Success.