Zaniyah Johnson, Teen Miss Juneteenth America Class of 2026 participant, brings leadership, ambition, and service to the Miss Juneteenth America Scholarship Pageantry Program.
As a young leader from Mobile, Alabama, Zaniyah reflects the values that define the Miss Juneteenth America experience — education, leadership, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact within her community and beyond.
A 12th grade student at C.F. Vigor High School, Zaniyah continues to strengthen her leadership through academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and real-world experiences that prepare her for a future in healthcare and service.
Academic Leadership and Excellence
Zaniyah has demonstrated strong leadership within her academic environment through both achievement and service.
Her school involvement includes:
- Vice President of the National Honor Society
- Member of the National Technical Honor Society
- Vigor High School Ambassador
- Member of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
Through these roles, Zaniyah continues to build discipline, leadership, and a commitment to excellence in her academic journey.
Leadership Beyond the Classroom
IIn addition to her academic success, Zaniyah is actively involved in extracurricular activities that reflect both leadership and initiative.
Her involvement includes:
- Varsity Cheerleader
- Varsity Tennis Player
- Participant in the Distinguished Young Women Program
- Founder of her own lash business, Lash Angel
- Participant in the Equitable Neighbors Initiative
- USA Teen Program Volunteer
- Physician Shadowing/Observation Experience
- YES 251 Internship Program
- Part-time employee at Crumbl
These experiences demonstrate her ability to balance leadership, entrepreneurship, and real-world learning opportunities.
Distinguished Achievements
Zaniyah’s accomplishments reflect both excellence and initiative.
Her achievements include:
- UCA All-American Cheerleader (four years)
- Successfully securing a $35,000 grant for a nonprofit organization
- A-B Honor Roll Student
- Palmers Williams Group Pitch Competition Certification
These milestones highlight her drive, innovation, and ability to create meaningful impact through leadership.
A Commitment to Community Impact
Service is a central part of Zaniyah’s leadership journey.
She actively contributes to her community through:
- Future Leaders Working Volunteer
- Dumas Wesley Community Outreach Center Volunteer
- Crittenton Youth Services Ambassador
- Volunteer for the Dia-Beat It Walk
- Volunteer for the Red Delta Heart Disease Awareness Walk
Through these initiatives, Zaniyah continues to uplift others while contributing to causes that improve community well-being.
Talents, Creativity, and Expression
Zaniyah expresses her creativity and individuality through a variety of talents and interests.
Her hobbies and talents include:
- Entrepreneurship through her lash business
- Cheerleading
- Poetry
- Praise dance
- Skating
These outlets allow her to balance creativity, discipline, and self-expression.
Dream HBCU: Florida A&M University
As part of the Miss Juneteenth America experience, each participant proudly represents her Dream HBCU, celebrating the connection between education, heritage, and leadership.
Zaniyah’s Dream HBCU is Florida A&M University, a university known for preparing leaders across healthcare, business, and public service.
At the Scholarship & Legacy Banquet in Mobile, Alabama, Dream HBCUs are honored alongside participants as they celebrate academic goals and future opportunities.
Guided by Courage and Independence
Zaniyah is inspired by the words:
“The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been before.” — Albert Einstein
This quote reflects her commitment to leadership, independence, and forging her own path toward success.
A Future in Healthcare
Looking ahead, Zaniyah aspires to become a cardiothoracic surgeon, dedicating her career to advancing healthcare and improving patient outcomes.
Scholarship funds earned through the Miss Juneteenth America Scholarship Pageantry Program will support her college education, tuition, and academic resources, allowing her to focus on her studies and long-term goals.
Supporting Future Leaders
Zaniyah’s nonprofit organization of choice is Future Leaders Working, an organization dedicated to mentoring young parents and supporting families in overcoming economic challenges.
Through this connection, she continues to support initiatives that empower individuals and strengthen communities.
Continuing the Story in Mobile, Alabama
In June 2026, Zaniyah will join fellow participants from across the nation in Mobile, Alabama, where they will engage in leadership development, cultural heritage experiences, and scholarship opportunities.
From the Dora Franklin Finley Heritage Trail Tour to the Second Line Parade and the Scholarship & Legacy Banquet, each experience reflects the deeper purpose of the Miss Juneteenth America Scholarship Pageantry Program® — honoring heritage while preparing young leaders to shape the future.
Zaniyah Johnson’s journey reflects the promise of Juneteenth — leadership, education, and service carried forward as part of the living story of American history.
Her chapter in the Miss Juneteenth America Class of 2026 – Teen Division is just beginning.