Jaclyn Sexauer crowned Miss Missouri Volunteer 2026, earns $11,200 in scholarships
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
KIRKWOOD, Mo., (KBSI) — Jaclyn Sexauer of Heart of Missouri was crowned Miss Missouri Volunteer 2026 on Jan. 3 at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center, earning $11,200 in scholarship awards.
Sexauer received several top honors during the state competition, including overall fitness and wellness winner, a tie for overall interview, the $500 community service scholarship and the $200 social media marketing award.
The 23-year-old is an honors graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree with double majors in dance and exercise science. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in sports psychology and hopes to work as a collegiate or professional strength and conditioning coach while also coaching dance.
Sexauer’s service initiative, “The War Inside: Addressing Mental Illness in Our Nation’s Heroes,” focuses on mental health advocacy for veterans, with an emphasis on post-traumatic stress disorder, suicide prevention and reducing stigma surrounding mental health. She said her work is inspired by her grandfather, a Vietnam War veteran whose untreated mental illness affected her family.
Her service efforts include organizing the annual “Rucking for a Reason” fundraiser, now in its fourth year, which has raised thousands of dollars and donated supplies to Welcome Home Veteran’s Shelter. Sexauer has also led fitness-based and community fundraisers, visited veterans’ homes across Missouri and partnered with organizations focused on veteran wellness. During her year as Miss Missouri Volunteer, she plans to expand her advocacy statewide through partnerships with organizations including Team Fidelis, Guardian Homes, First Phorm and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Sexauer has also earned recognition for her achievements in athletics and leadership. Her honors include being named an American Kinesiology Association National Scholar, Exercise Science Major of the Year, Spirit of St. Louis dancer, Chiefs Cheer finalist and a four-time Presidential Service Award recipient. She has placed multiple times at the Miss Missouri Volunteer competition in recent years.
As Miss Missouri Volunteer 2026, Sexauer will serve as a statewide ambassador promoting service, fitness, mental health advocacy and women’s empowerment through school visits, athletic mentorship, community events and digital outreach.
Sexauer will advance to compete at Miss Volunteer America in June 2026.
