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Ava Grace Nichols, Miss Ca Teen USA Makes California Proud
- TVM
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
Newly crowned Miss California Teen USA Ava Grace Nichols shines in Miami, earns a coveted Top 10 placement at Miss Teen USA, and now heads toward an exciting season that includes New York Fashion Week with Teen Vibes Magazine. It has been an incredible few weeks for Ava Grace Nichols. After representing La Jolla and capturing the title of Miss California Teen USA 2026, Ava Grace took her new crown straight to one of the biggest stages in pageantry: Miss Teen USA 2026. On August 26 in Miami, she represented California among 51 contestants from across the country and earned an impressive spot in the Top 10. For those of us who have had the opportunity to watch Ava Grace's journey, the accomplishment feels both exciting and incredibly well deserved.
From the moment Ava Grace steps in front of a camera or onto a stage, she has that unmistakable “it” factor. Her stage presence is simply off the charts. She has a natural ability to command attention while still appearing poised, confident and completely herself. And then there are the photos! Ava Grace quite literally seems incapable of taking a bad picture. Whether she is wearing a crown and sash, walking a competition stage or stepping in front of an editorial camera, she knows how to connect with the lens in a way that feels effortless.
But there is much more to California's newest teen titleholder than what audiences see under the stage lights.
Ava Grace Nichols, Miss Ca Teen USA models to Teen Vibes Magazine Ava Grace Nichols, Miss Ca Teen USA looking like Kylie Jenner at Teen Vibes Magazine Photoshoot Ava Grace Nichols, Miss Ca Teen USA shoots with Teen Vibes Magazine Ava Grace Nichols, Miss Ca Teen USA giving "Cher" at Teen VIbes Magazine
At just 17, Ava Grace balances a 4.3 GPA with leadership, community service, athletics and the performing arts. She is a Girl Scout Gold Award recipient and created Re-Woven by Grace, an initiative centered around sustainable fashion and encouraging young people to rethink how clothing is used and consumed. She has also served as a St. Jude Leadership Society Delegate, raising nearly $6,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, while pursuing her interests as a competitive sprinter, actress, model and singer-songwriter. Those qualities made watching her represent California at Miss Teen USA especially meaningful. The national competition brought together accomplished young women from throughout the United States, with Georgia's Kiran Reddy ultimately taking home the Miss Teen USA 2026 crown. Ava Grace advanced into the Top 10 alongside representatives from Iowa, Missouri, Oregon and Virginia, an achievement that put her among the competition's standout contestants. She made California proud, and we have a feeling this is only the beginning of what audiences are going to see from her.
And Ava Grace isn't slowing down. Teen Vibes Magazine is thrilled that she will be accompanying us to New York Fashion Week for an upcoming editorial photoshoot. From a California crown to the Miss Teen USA stage and now NYFW, it feels like the perfect next chapter for someone whose confidence and camera presence are so naturally suited to fashion and editorial work. We cannot wait to get Ava Grace in front of our cameras in New York and capture another side of this rising young talent. What makes this moment even more exciting is knowing how much possibility lies ahead. A state title can open incredible doors, but Ava Grace brings something to those opportunities that can't simply be awarded with a crown... ambition, versatility, work ethic and a genuine ability to shine. Whether her next chapter takes her further into modeling, acting, music, fashion, advocacy...or a combination of them all...she already has the foundation to make the most of every opportunity that comes her way.
At Teen Vibes Magazine, we could not be more excited for Ava Grace or more proud to watch what comes next. Becoming Miss California Teen USA 2026 was a major accomplishment. Representing California at Miss Teen USA and finishing in the Top 10 made the moment even sweeter. And now, with New York Fashion Week and so many other opportunities on the horizon, Ava Grace Nichols is entering a chapter that looks very bright indeed. Congratulations, Ava Grace! California is proud of you—and Teen Vibes will be cheering you on every step of the way.
Teen Vibes Magazine is appreciative of the opportunity to be a sponsor for the Miss Ca and Miss Teen Ca USA Pageant. Miss Teen Ca USA and Miss Ca USA's pageant greatness is brought to you by CROWN DIVA PRODUCTION.
For more than 25 years, Crown Diva Productions has produced California's premier pageants, creating exceptional experiences that inspire confidence, leadership, and personal growth in young women across the state. Under the leadership of Executive Director Kristen Bradford, the organization is built on decades of pageant expertise, mentorship, and a commitment to developing women who are prepared to lead with purpose both on and off the stage. At the heart of the Miss California USA and Miss California Teen USA program is the Wellness Experience, a signature initiative designed to nurture each contestant's mental, physical, and emotional well being. From the moment a contestant joins the program, their team is dedicated to providing an empowering, transformative journey that extends far beyond the competition.
Bold. Balanced. Beautiful.
For more information visit: www.misscaliforniausa.com
Photo Cred: Jenna Zeiher / JZ Photography: Instagram
HMUA Cred: Kimberly Werner / Instagram
Missy Andria / Instagram
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