Introducing the 2026 Deer Park Royalty: Princess Amber Coe, Miss Deer Park Lilla Karlsson, and Princess Aubrey Longly (left to right), as contestants Sophia Emmans, Sophia Hunsaker, Grace Hansen, Whiteny Martin, Joeli Thomas, Aurora “Rory” Winkfield, and Eva Eckhart look on with support.
The “Dream a Little Dream” 2026 scholarship program has officially named the young leaders who will represent the heart of our community this year. This production served as a brilliant showcase of local talent and poise, celebrating the ambition and grace of ten exceptional young women.
The stage of the Deer Park High School Ken Fisher Auditorium transformed into a realm of elegance and aspiration tonight, March 14th, for the 2026 Miss Deer Park Scholarship Program. The theme this year was “Dream a Little Dream.” The event brought together ten local young women. They competed for a title that carries both prestige and a commitment to community service. After an evening of performances and public speaking, the moment of truth arrived as Lilla Karlsson was crowned Miss Deer Park 2026, marking the beginning of a transformative year.
The newly crowned Miss Deer Park will be joined by her royal court, Princess Amber Coe and Princess Aubrey Longly. Together, these three young women will serve as the face of Deer Park at regional events and parades throughout the coming year. Beyond the crowns, the program continues its incredible legacy of investing in local youth, awarding $15,110 in scholarships this year to help contestants turn their academic dreams into reality.
To earn their place on the court, the ten contestants: Eva Eckhart, Aurora “Rory” Winkfield, Joeli Thomas, Aubrey Longly, Whiteny Martin, Amber Coe, Grace Hansen, Sophia Hunsaker, Sophia Emmans, and Lilla Karlsson, all navigated a rigorous judging process. The competition pushed the participants to showcase their individuality through a private interview, a live talent presentation, and a challenging on-stage interview question. The evening reached its visual peak during the formal wear segment, where each contestant was presented in a stunning ball gown, reflecting the poise and confidence they had cultivated throughout the program.
As the 2026 court prepares for their year of service, the Miss Deer Park Scholarship Program once again proved that the future of our community is in capable hands. While only three were selected for the court, every contestant walked away with invaluable self-discovery and the support of a community that encourages them never to stop dreaming.
