After applying in March of 2026 and undergoing the required processes, on April 15, Evelyn Brush won the first-ever Miss Teen Bel Air competition. “I was awarded four days before my 15th birthday,” she said. “[It was] the best present I received!” Brush talked with Harco City Lifestyle to share how she plans to move forward in the role, including important community service work that she’s enthusiastic about spearheading.
What inspired you to compete for the title of Miss Bel Air's Teen 2026?
At a local meeting for the Fire Prevention Association, the mother of my local executive director, Gabrielle Brady, spoke up about the Miss Bel Air program and how they had newly added a teen portion. After the meeting, my mother and I spoke to her further about the program, and hearing about the amazing scholarship opportunities, I was inspired to give it a try.
What are some other previous pageants or other related competitions you’ve participated in?
Before my title of Miss Bel Air’s Teen, I had never competed in any pageant. However, I was Harford County’s Junior Miss Fire Prevention First Runner Up for the 2024-2025 year and the 2025-2026 year, representing Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company.
Did you have any mentors or anyone who gave important guidance along the way?
My local executive director, Gabrielle Brady, has been with me through everything. Gabby has attended multiple events with me. Not only that -- she has [also] walked me through the ins and outs of pageants. She has truly been the best mentor through this whole experience.
What were some takeaways from the competition?
In my interview, I found I was a little nervous. Over time, I’ve become so much more confident, and my talking skills have improved tremendously. Not only has it given me confidence, but I’ve also become more principled.
Tell us about your community service plans and how you plan to implement them:
Balance Beyond Standing is my community service initiative. It focuses on advocating for teens with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) by educating others on how POTS affects a patient beyond the physical aspects. I aspire to continue educating the Maryland community, and more, by attending events and teaching about POTS.
What are you most excited about in terms of fulfilling the role of Miss Bel Air’s Teen 2026?
I am most excited about making POTS a more widespread and understood diagnosis. As someone diagnosed with POTS, I understand how difficult it is for doctors struggling to give answers and those around you to mistake how you feel for other things, such as anxiety. I aspire to change the way POTS is perceived, and I am excited to give patients hope and a feeling of acknowledgement.
What are your future plans?
As I am currently in high school, I plan to attend college after graduation. Currently, I am deciding between pursuing a degree in neuroscience or marine biology. I would love to go to college somewhere in the South!
Anything else you’d like readers to know:
At my first event I attended, Countdown to the Crown, I was so nervous. I felt as if I wouldn’t fit in. I learned that it’s okay to put yourself out there and be vulnerable. I believe that’s the best thing you can do. Most importantly, be you and dream big; dreams do come true if you want them to.