Shyla Silva couldn’t quite believe it.
When her name was announced as Miss Long Island Teen 2026, the Smithtown High School West sophomore froze, even forgetting to walk across the stage.
“I was so very shocked, I don’t remember a lot of it,” said Silva, who was crowned by the Miss Long Island Organization. “I had just a genuine reaction.”
As Miss Long Island Teen 2026, Silva will represent the region at community events and charitable initiatives throughout the year and will advance to compete on the Miss New York Teen USA stage.
Having began modeling and acting at a young age, Silva entered her first pageant when she was 8 years old. Pageantry runs in her family — her mother, Laura Silva, also competed as a teen and was first runner-up in Miss New Jersey Teen USA.
“Doing pageants helps in other aspects of life, such as interviewing and public speaking,” Silva said. “It’s been a great experience.”
Her achievements go beyond the stage.
At 7, Silva founded Shyla Cares, a nonprofit encouraging youth volunteerism and community engagement. She has completed more than 1,500 hours of service, earned six Gold Presidential Community Service Awards, and organized charitable winter coat drives and toy collections.
“I’m trying to help the less fortunate get out of their dark places,” she said. “Giving back has always been important to me.”
