Geanna Koulouris
Miss Long Island 2026

Geanna Koulouris is honored to hold the title of Miss Long Island 2026. Geanna is 23 years old, proudly representing her hometown of Bethpage. A passionate educator, advocate, and community leader, Geanna currently serves as a teacher in the Valley Stream Central High School District. Geanna holds a Master’s degree in Teaching English and Students with Disabilities from NYU where she earned her acceptance to Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society for Educators. Geanna earned her Bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Biology from Hofstra University, graduating at just 20 years old. In addition to her educational accolades, Geanna is a bilingual Greek dance instructor at both Holy Trinity in Hicksville and Saint Demetrios in Merrick.

Geanna believes that teaching is more than academics—it’s about empowering students to believe in themselves and discover their potential. Drawing from her experience in special education and bilingual classrooms, she works to create a learning environment where individuality and growth are celebrated with an emphasis on learning through hands-on experiences..

Outside the classroom, Geanna leads with purpose through her community initiatives, She is the founder of EmpowerEd which encourages young women to embrace confidence, leadership, and self-worth through education and service. Through mentorship programs, classroom visits, community workshops, and organized service projects, she inspires others to use their voices for positive change and to lead with authenticity and compassion. This past she hosted several local beach and park cleanups to protect the beauty of Long Island, which she hopes to gather more volunteers for in the future.

Geanna’s journey with Miss Long Island Pageants began when she was crowned Miss Long Island Teen 2019—a transformative experience that helped her overcome insecurity and step into her confidence to become the young woman she is today. This year, she made history as the first former Miss Long Island Teen to return and win the Miss Long Island title, symbolizing perseverance, growth, and the belief that confidence is something we build, not something we’re born with.

As Miss Long Island 2026, Geanna is committed to continuing her mission of empowerment by expanding EmpowerEd across Long Island and partnering with schools and organizations to foster leadership, self-esteem, and education-driven community engagement. With her background in education and her passion for making a difference, she hopes to inspire others to dream boldly, lead with kindness, and turn challenges into opportunities for growth.

Shyla Silva
Miss Long Island Teen 2026

Shyla Silva is deeply honored to be crowned Miss Long Island Teen 2026. Born and raised in Smithtown, New York, Shyla is a sophomore at Smithtown High School West.

At just 15 years old, Shyla is far from an average teenager. A beacon of compassion and leadership, she has devoted herself to making a lasting difference in her community from an early age. Her journey of service began when she witnessed a mother and daughter sitting in the snow on a New York City street without coats. When she learned they were homeless, Shyla immediately asked if she could use her savings to buy coats for them. That experience inspired her to take action, she asked her father to help design a flyer for a coat drive, and within a week, she collected over 100 coats for those in need.

Fueled by her genuine desire to help others, Shyla has since completed more than 2,000 hours of community service. She is also a six time recipient of the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award, recognizing her outstanding dedication to philanthropy.

Seven years ago, Shyla founded her own nonprofit organization, Shyla Cares, as a way to turn her compassion into consistent community impact. Through Shyla Cares, she has organized countless drives collecting school supplies, food, books, coats, and toiletries for families in need. Her efforts have touched countless lives and stand as a powerful reminder that one person’s kindness can inspire meaningful change.

In addition to her volunteer work, Shyla is a passionate advocate for anti-bullying awareness. Having experienced bullying herself, she knows the emotional toll it can take and now works to promote kindness, confidence, and inclusion among her peers.

A dedicated tri-athlete, Shyla plays soccer, basketball, and lacrosse, exemplifying teamwork, perseverance, and leadership both on and off the field. She was recently elected to serve as the Presidential of the Smithtown High School West Interact Club, where she continues to lead community service initiatives. In addition, Shyla proudly serves as Captain to her Relay For Life team, inspiring others to join the fight against cancer through compassion and action.

Looking ahead, Shyla aspires to attend Stanford University, where she plans to study Medical Science. Her goal is to continue her lifelong mission of helping others, using her education to make a difference in healthcare and beyond.

In Shyla Silva, we see the embodiment of youthful compassion, resilience, and leadership. Her unwavering dedication to service and advocacy serves as an inspiring example of how one young person can create lasting change in the world.