Elizabeth Romanek Crowned Miss West Virginia 2026

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Elizabeth Romanek was crowned Miss West Virginia 2026 during the annual Miss West Virginia Competition held Saturday in Martinsburg.

Representing Miss Morgantown, Romanek earned the opportunity to serve as the state's official representative to the Miss America Organization over the next year. She succeeds outgoing Miss West Virginia Courtney Bearer.

A native of Wheeling and graduate of Wheeling Park High School, Romanek is also a graduate of West Virginia University and currently serves as the assistant director of admissions and recruitment events at Bethany College.

Contestants from across West Virginia competed throughout the week in a variety of categories, including interviews, talent, evening wear, fitness and on-stage questions.

Other top finalists included Zoe Burleson of Miss Mon Valley, who was named first runner-up; Kaitlyn Dice of Miss Berkeley County, second runner-up; Jalyn Western of Miss University City, third runner-up; and Delaney Wells of Miss Capital City, fourth runner-up.

As Miss West Virginia, Romanek will spend the coming year making appearances across the state and promoting the mission of the Miss America Organization while preparing to compete for the title of Miss America later this summer.

The competition also crowned a new Miss West Virginia's Teen. Zoe Little, representing Miss Clarksburg Winterfest's Teen, earned the statewide title and will join Romanek in representing West Virginia at the national Miss America and Miss America's Teen competitions scheduled for later this year.