Incoming Auburn College of Education student named Miss Alabama's Teen, set to compete for Miss America's Teen while leading “State of Love” outreach program

Earlier this year, Sterrett, Alabama, native Grier Feldman was named Miss Alabama’s Teen 2026, and it should come as no surprise that her passion for service and hard work led her to Auburn’s College of Education, where she will be a freshman this fall.

“I’ve wanted to be a teacher since I was 9 years old, and I can’t wait to one day live out that dream,” Feldman said. “I’ll be a proud fourth-generation educator, which makes this path even more special to me.”

The road to becoming Miss Alabama’s Teen was not an easy one for Feldman, who competed four times previously for the title. After months of intense preparation, she was ready to leave everything on the stage.

“I spent months working out for the fitness competition, practicing baton every day for talent, participating in mock interviews, perfecting my evening gown walk and preparing for the always nerve-wracking on-stage question,” Feldman said. “When I arrived at Miss Alabama's Teen, I knew I had done everything I could to prepare. I had put in the work, and I was ready to trust God's plan for my life.”

Feldman’s community service initiative is State of Love, an outreach program for pediatric cancer patients she started when she was 8 years old after a family friend was diagnosed with leukemia at age 4.

“Watching a child face something so difficult opened my eyes to the reality of pediatric cancer and made me want to help in any way I could,” Feldman said. “State of Love began with a simple idea: donating collegiate hats to patients at Children's of Alabama. Living in Alabama, we all know how passionate people are about their college teams, and the kids loved showing their team spirit while going through treatment.”

What began as a small hat drive quickly grew through the support of local businesses, individual donors, the Auburn University Bookstore and many others who wanted to make a difference. Today, State of Love is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and through partnerships with childhood cancer organizations, Feldman has helped raise more than $2.1 million for pediatric cancer research and over $18,000 to provide State of Love coloring books, collegiate hats and other items to pediatric cancer patients across the country.

Feldman believes it is important for everyone to know that there is much more to the Miss Alabama’s Teen competition than the six minutes each contestant spends on stage.

“What many people don't see is that these young women are so much more than contestants,” Feldman said. “They are leaders, volunteers, advocates and changemakers who are making a difference in their communities every day.”

This fall, Feldman will begin her next journey as a student in Auburn’s College of Education and as a member of the Auburn University Marching Band’s Tiger Eyes Majorettes. Her choice of university was an easy one, especially after visiting campus for a tour of the College of Education.

“Being able to sit down afterward, ask questions and learn more about the program gave me a great understanding of everything the College of Education has to offer and confirmed that it was exactly where I wanted to be,” Feldman said. “The faculty and opportunities were incredibly impressive, and I could easily picture myself there. And honestly, the new building alone might make you want to be an education major—it is absolutely amazing!”

Feldman plans to major in Elementary Education with a minor in Communication.

“Along with teaching, I am passionate about improving education on a larger scale,” Feldman said. “By pursuing a minor in Communication, I hope to develop the skills needed to one day advocate for education reform. I believe our teachers and students deserve the very best, and I want to be a voice for positive change so that every student has the opportunity to succeed and every teacher has the support they need to make a difference.”

In September, Feldman will go on to represent the state of Alabama at Miss America’s Teen. She says the work has already begun, and she is preparing every day for the competition.

“It is truly a privilege to represent our state, and it is especially meaningful to represent Auburn University,” Feldman said. “I will be the first Miss Alabama's Teen to compete at Miss America's Teen while attending Auburn, and I am proud to represent Auburn as an Auburn Tiger Eyes Majorette in the talent portion.”

As she prepares to juggle life as a college student, her responsibilities as Miss Alabama’s Teen and her preparation for Miss America’s Teen, Feldman remains positive, dedicated and thankful for every opportunity that comes her way.

“I am thankful for the people, opportunities and experiences that have helped shape my journey and brought me to this moment,” she said. “Auburn is where I have always wanted to be, and I cannot wait to give back to the university that has already given me so much. I am excited to pursue my passion for education, continue serving others and proudly represent Auburn in everything I do.

“And of course, I am thankful that I finally get to say it as an Auburn student…War Eagle!”