MISS SOMERSET COMMUNITY COLLEGE

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1 CONTESTANT CHECKLIST Review contestant requirements to insure eligibility. Review judging criteria and begin to prepare for each phase of competition Complete Contact Information Form Children s Miracle Network Enrollment and Fundraising (Minimum $100 per contestant) Send a headshot (digital images preferred) to the pageant director on or before due date. Develop Contestant Resume (See directions) Select a platform issue and complete the Platform Issue Statement (See directions)

2 DATES TO REMEMBER November 1: Contestants may begin reserving talent selections. March 1: All Written Pageant Materials, including photo for program due to pageant director. March 1, 5:00 Miss SCC Orientation (attendance not mandatory, but highly recommended) March 10, 11: Pageant Rehearsals at the Center for Rural Development March 12: Time TBA, Pageant Interviews and Final Production Walk-Through March 12: 7:00 PM, Miss SCC Scholarship Pageant and Winner s Reception May Miss Kentucky Orientation (Winner Only; Lexington, Kentucky) June 30-July 2 Miss Kentucky Pageant (Lexington, Kentucky) Date TBA: Miss America Pageant (Atlantic City, New Jersey)

3 JUDGING CRITERIA Judging will be conducted by a panel of well-qualified judges, with areas of competition as follows: Private Interview (25% of preliminary score) The judges panel first will meet each contestant for a 10 minute private interview designed to gain insight into a contestant s opinions, aspirations and personality. The basic tool for conducting this interview is a resume of her personal credits and a platform essay highlighting the contestant s community service. Questions are directed to determine the contestant s ability to fulfill the job of Miss SCC and Miss Kentucky as described by the current title holder, the Judge s Chairman and/or the Executive Director. No questions are prohibited; however judges are asked not to become too personal and stay within the bounds of good taste. Answers should be kept short enough so several questions can be asked. Contestants have the option of using the last 30 seconds in their interview to make a closing statement on a topic of their choosing. Judges evaluate the contestant on how well she has stated her opinion; it is inconsequential whether her opinion aligns with their own. Contestants are encouraged to wear professional yet age appropriate attire for the interview such as a dress, pants outfit or suit. The contestants typically stand behind a lectern during the interview with the judging panel seated at a table. Criteria for Scoring Interview Overall First Impression Naturalness and relevance that would be of interest to her peers and to the Miss America constituents and markets Validated aspirations, opinions and responses Personality & personal appearance Leadership and sense of accomplishment Knowledge of and commitment to a community service advocacy issue Qualities, abilities and sincere desire to be Miss America

4 The on-stage competition is comprised of four phases. Typically contestants participate in an opening dance and/or modeling routine and introduce themselves to the audience at the beginning of the pageant prior to competing in the additional phases. The on-stage phases of competition can occur in any order chosen by the pageant director. Talent (35% of preliminary score) Talent is a vehicle used to discern and measure a contestant s commitment and discipline to her stage performance. Talent selections should be no more than 90 seconds in length. This shall be strictly enforced. Criteria for Scoring Talent True talent and entertainment abilities Interpretive ability Technical skill level (execution, technique, synchronization, control) Stage presence and on-stage personality Totality of all elements (including costume, props, voice, use of body, choreography) A variety of talents have appeared on the Miss America stage vocal in every medium, dance in all forms, gymnastics, instrumentals and drama. Less traditional talents, including roller skating, jumping rope and ventriloquism acts have been well received in recent years. Judges keep in mind that contestants are not usually professionals. They are showing an aspect of their character and values as much as their performing arts aptitude. Lifestyle & Fitness in Swimsuit (15% of preliminary score) Physical Fitness Beauty and attractiveness Sense of confidence and presence Drive, energy, charisma and composure Criteria for Scoring Swimsuit Contestants may elect to wear a one-piece or two-piece swimsuit and the choice should compliment her individual style and figure. The swimwear should also be in good taste and the contestants will briefly model their swimwear on-stage showcasing their commitment to physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Shoes or sandals with a high heel are encouraged to be worn with the swimsuit in order to best display a contestant s physique.

5 Evening Wear (20% of preliminary score) Beauty & Poise Sense of confidence and stage presence Walk, posture, carriage and grace Style and personality Criteria for Scoring Evening Wear Contestants are encouraged to select appropriate, contemporary evening wear that reflects their personal style and taste. Contestants will model their choice of evening wear in order to display their poise, elegance, style and personality. Typically, evening gowns are worn but cocktail dresses and pants outfits are also acceptable attire. On-Stage Question (5% of preliminary score) Criteria for Scoring On-Stage Question Ability to articulate her opinions in front of a large audience Display both a sincere and engaging personality Confidence and stage presence Ability to answer question in the time allotted and in context Ability to act as a potential spokesperson for the Miss America Organization Questions to be asked on-stage during this competition are based upon information provided by the contestant. Once the judges scores are added by the pageant s auditor the judges then receive a final ballot listing the names of the top 5 contestants based on overall scores. Judges will then rank those 5 contestants based on who they feel would be the best overall choice for the winner. This alone will determine the outcome of the pageant.

6 ELIGIBILITY To be eligible to compete for the title of Miss Somerset Community College, contestants must meet the following criteria: be at least 17 years old and no older than 24 years old on December 31, 2016; be a female citizen of the United States and of the Commonwealth of Kentucky for at least six months; never have been married, pregnant nor the adoptive parent of a child; be of good moral character; and not have been convicted of criminal offenses other than petty criminal offenses. Requirements may be viewed in their entirety on the Miss Kentucky Scholarship Pageant website at Additionally, the pageant has included the following local requirements: The contestant must meet one of the following criteria: The contestant must be a current SCC student enrolled in at least six credit hours. This may include transitional and on-line courses; OR The contestant must be a former SCC student who has completed at least twelve credit hours through SCC. This may include transitional and on-line courses; OR The contestant must be high school senior who is at least 17 years of age and residing in and/or attending high school in one of the following Kentucky Counties: Adair, Casey, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Lincoln, McCreary, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell, Wayne or Whitley Counties. Home-schooled students are eligible if they meet all eligibility requirements.

7 WARDROBE REQUIREMENTS Personal Interview: Contestant s Choice; typically suit or dress, pants are acceptable On-Stage Introduction & OSQ Contestant s Choice: Cocktail or similar dress; Prefer bright vibrant colors; nude / taupe high heels recommended, but not required Swimsuit One-Piece or Two-Piece Talent Contestant s Choice Formal Wear Typically a full-length gown, but cocktail dress or even pants are acceptable.