Pageant Perfection!

Congratulations to our new Miss Long Island Teen 2026, Shyla Silva!

Shyla, a sophomore at High School West, was recently named the Miss Long Island Teen 2026 after impressing the judges with her platform, Shyla Cares, a nonprofit focused on inspiring youth volunteerism and community engagement.

“I started it at the age of 7. I’ve completed over 1,500 hours of community service, and received six Golden Presidential Community Service awards. I host different drives, such has coat and toy drives. I’m trying to helping the less fortunate get out of their dark places.”

Shyla started done modelling and acting at an early age and has been competing in pageants since she was 8 years old. Her mother, Laura, also competed in pageants when she was a teenager and was first runner-up in Miss New Jersey Teen USA.

“Doing pageants helps in other aspects in life such as interviewing and public speaking…it’s been a great experience.”

The 2026 Long Island competition featured eight teen contestants from across Nassau and Suffolk counties, each representing their hometowns and personal causes. Contestants were evaluated in interview, activewear, evening gown, and on-stage question categories, reflecting the program’s emphasis on poise, intellect, and service.

Shyla will represent Long Island at community events, appearances, and eventually on the Miss New York USA and Miss New York Teen USA stages.“Doing pageants helps in other aspects in life such as interviewing and public speaking…it’s been a great experience.”