Community

2026 Miss Destin

September 13, 2026

Kaylynn Hayles

My name is Kaylynn Hayles, and I am incredibly honored and grateful to serve as your Miss Destin 2026. Being born and raised in Destin, this community has always held such a special place in my heart, and becoming Miss Destin is truly a dream come true. I feel so blessed to represent the town that has shaped me into the person I am today.

“One of the biggest parts of my life has always been fishing.”

I am the daughter of Eric and Angela Hayles and have an older brother, Maddox, who has always been someone I look up to. Growing up in Destin gave me the opportunity to experience an amazing childhood surrounded by a close-knit community, beautiful beaches, and lifelong friendships.

From a young age, I have always loved being involved in the community and participating in activities that helped me grow both as a leader and teammate. I cheered for the Destin Dolphins football team and participated in local dance and gymnastics programs.

Giving back to the community means so much to me. I enjoy volunteering as a coach for the Destin Dolphins and Destin Marlins cheer teams and mentoring younger athletes in the same programs that helped shape me growing up.

Outside of volunteering, I love spending time with family and friends, being out on the water, relaxing at the beach, and taking my dog, Bettie, on walks. I also work two jobs, hostessing at Harbor Docks and making snowcones on the beach with Sunrise Beach Chair Company.

I attended Destin Elementary School and later Destin Middle School, where I became heavily involved in athletics and extracurricular activities. During middle school, I served as president of the fishing club, was a four-year member of the cheer team, and competed on the track and field team for four years. I ran the 800-meter race and threw discus, and one of my favorite memories was qualifying for the state competition in eighth grade with my school’s 4×8 relay team.

This upcoming year, I will be a senior at Niceville High School. I am an honors student with a 4.2 weighted GPA and a proud four-year member of the nationally and state-ranked Niceville High School cheerleading team. I am also involved in several organizations including Beach Clean Up Club, National Honor Society, Women in Sports Association, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Leadership, where I have had the opportunity to give back to the community.

One of the biggest parts of my life has always been fishing. I grew up spending countless hours on the boat with my dad, whether it was joining him on fishing trips or spending time with my family on our boat. A favorite memory of fishing of mine would be during Harbor Docks Cobia Classic when I was younger and I caught the biggest one out of everyone!

October has always been one of the most exciting times of the year in Destin because of the Destin Fishing Rodeo. I always joke that I was born September 30th, the day before October started, just so I could enjoy all 31 days of rodeo season! I am beyond excited to be part of the 78th Destin Fishing Rodeo and welcome everyone with open arms. Serving as Miss Destin 2026 is an honor I will never take for granted, as I am the luckiest girl in “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.”

2026 MISS DESTIN AWARDS & OUR VILLAGE OF SUPPORT

2026 MISS DESTIN CONTESTANTS

Andreia Barcelos	Kallie Causton	Baylie Moseley
McKinley Parker	Kendra Quaranto	Eilleanorah Ream
Estella Scoma	Lacy Sherwood	Hadley Wright

AWARDS

Miss Destin 2026 + $5,000 Scholarship
Kaylynn Hayles

1st Runner-Up + $1,000 Scholarship
Estella Scoma

Bonnie Orr Memorial Award
Estella Scoma

2nd Runner-Up + $750 Scholarship
Kallie Causton

3rd Runner-Up + $500 Scholarship
Kendra Quaranto

Most Photogenic Award
Andreia Barcelos

The Nancy Cheney Congeniality Award
Estella Scoma

The Peyton LoCicero-Trist Humanitarian Award
Estella Scoma

Video Excellence Award
Estella Scoma

Miss Destin’s Crown
Amber Helton

Rodeo Crown, Sashes & Sash Pin
Capt. Kelly & Mary Anne Windes
Real Estate Professionals of Destin

Presentation Flowers
Destin Blooms Floral Studio

$50 Rodeo Heritage Award
Charter Boat Lady Em, Capt. Travis Ream

$25 Miss Destin Community Award
Emerald Coast Rental Management

SUPPORTER LEVELS

Doctoral
City of Destin
Destin Charter Boat Association
Cheney Insurance Group

Master
Nancy and John Cheney Family
Destin Area Chamber of Commerce
Destin Fisherman’s Co-Op
Emerald Coast Rental Management
Frill Seekers Gifts
Guy’s Glass & Mirror
Larry Hatchett Fishing Foundation
Lady Em, Capt. Travis Ream
Jim Liufau, State Farm Insurance
Dr. Mike and Darlene Raim
Real Estate Professionals of Destin, Inc.
The Scout Guide 30A & Destin
Thrive Wellness

Bachelor
Ann White Interiors
The Men’s Wearhouse
Destin Blooms Floral Studio
Chick-Fil-A – Destin

Sponsoring Organization
Destin Fishing Rodeo, Inc.