Become a teen contestant

teen logoMISS ILLINOIS' OUTSTANDING
TEEN PROGRAM (AGES 13-17)

The 2010 Miss Illinois' Outstanding Teen Pageant will take place May 28-30 at the Hoogland Center for the Arts in Springfield, IL. The winner will go on to compete at the national level for the title of Miss America's Outstanding Teen in Orlando, Florida in August 2010.

TWO WAYS TO ENTER:

1. ENTERING A LOCAL MISS ILLINOIS OUTSTANDING TEEN PAGEANT
To find out which local competition(s) you may be eligible for please check our local teen pageants information page for the Local Teen Pageant nearest you! Each Local Director sets his/her entrance fee.

2. AT LARGE CONTESTANTS
We accept At-Large Contestants not sponsored by a local program, as well as winners of local competitions.

You do not have to win a local pageant to compete in the state pageant in May. You can enter as an At-Large Contestant. That just means that you are not sponsored by a particular local pageant committee but you compete right along with the local titleholders at the state competition.

If you competed in a local pageant, but did not win, you can still enter the state competition as an At-Large Contestant. Also, if you have not entered any local competition or if there is not one in your area, you can enter as an At-Large Contestant.

The entry deadline for 2010 has passed! Please check back after June 1, 2010 for information on the 2011 Miss Illinois' Outstanding Teen & Pre-Teen Pageant!

Sponsorship fee is $300 plus a separate fee for a crown and sash (please speak to the Teen Director for specific details on the cost of a crown and sash). Sponsorship fee includes competition experience, the opportunity to compete for scholarship awards and recognition on-stage during the Miss Illinois preliminary competition. Note: This does not include Hotel Accommodations.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?

The eligibility requirements for Miss Illinois' Outstanding Teen are as follows:

eligibility ages

Contestants are evaluated in six areas:

Private Interview (30% of total score)

At the local level, each contestant participates in an individual 6-minute interview. Interviews are 8 minutes at the state competition and 9 minutes at the national competition. There are typically 5 to 7 judges on a panel, and the interview is press-style, with the contestant standing at a podium. Contestants are questioned on their background as presented on their fact sheet, their educational and career goals, and their interests, hobbies and extracurricular activities.

Scoring is based on overall communication skills, including personality, intelligence, validated opinions, emotional control, overall first impression and personal appearance. Community Service is required on the local level. The National Platforms (US Dream Academy Mentor Club and Give Kids the World) are required on the National level. However, if a contestant has a community service issue that they wish to continue, it will become secondary to their participation with "US Dream Academy" and "Give Kids the World." Training materials will be provided on this national platform.

Scholastic Achievement (5% of total score)

Scholastic Achievement is only included at the State and National Levels

Scholastic Judges will review each contestant's resume and official transcripts. Scoring will be based on the following questions:

1. Has this student maintained at least a "B" average during the past academic year?
2. Would her scholastic achievements place her in the top 10% of your (the judges') institution?
3. Is she taking Advanced, AP, or IB courses?
4. Does she hold leadership positions in her school and extracurricular activities?
5. Based on the information before you, do you believe this student would meet the description of an "outstanding student"?

On-Stage Question (5% of total score)

Questions will be of a general nature and will be neither platform-related nor something taken directly from the private interview. The objective is to evaluate the contestant's ability to think on her feet and answer a question of general interest to people her age, including, but not limited to, local, state, and national current events.

Scoring is based on overall first impression and extemporaneous response to an on-stage question, contestant's ability to answer the question in the context in which it was asked, contestant's ability to handle the pressure of speaking on stage in front of an audience, and if young people see her as a role model who is reflective of today's generation.

Lifestyle and Fitness (10% of total score)

Each contestant briefly appears on-stage modeling sportswear of her choosing that represents something she does to stay fit. (No Swimsuits) (Example: if she is a cheerleader, she can model her uniform; if she rides horses, she can model her riding gear; if she jogs, she can model a jogging suit in character; if she takes karate, she can model her gi; if she plays tennis, she can model her tennis outfit; if she plays basketball, volleyball, softball, etc., she can model her uniform; if she is a dancer, she can model a costume or rehearsal outfit...the list goes on!) The contestant will be given a specific modeling pattern and will NOT be permitted to act out the sport.

Scoring is based on overall first impression, statement of strong physical fitness and health, sense of attractiveness and presence, display of energy, charisma and expression, sense of confidence and composure. The fitness of the teen, by the shape of her body, is not being judged. Instead, her level of pursuit and dedication to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is being evaluated.

Talent (35% of total score)

Contestants perform a 2-minute routine of their own choosing. Some possible talents include all types of singing, dancing, gymnastics, instrumental music, dramatic or comedy monologues, baton twirling and ventriloquism. Other talents that can be performed solo on a stage are also possible. Phone or e-mail us if you have a question about your talent presentation.

Scoring is based on contestant's skill and personality, interpretive ability, technical skill level, stage presence and the totality of all elements, including costume, props, voice, use of body and choreography.

Personal Appearance/Poise in Evening Wear (15% of total score)

Each contestant appears on-stage in a gown of her own choosing, representative of what she would wear to a prom or other formal event. You should be dressed appropriately for a TEEN. High slits and plunging necklines are not acceptable.

Scoring is based on overall first impression, sense of confidence, personality and stage presence, walk, posture, carriage and grace, appropriateness of attire and sense of style, sense of attractiveness, beauty and charm.

MISS ILLINOIS' OUTSTANDING TEEN

We will accept a maximum of 30 contestants. Entry is on a first-come first-served basis with your PAID sponsorship and completed application.

If you are interested in receiving more information about becoming a contestant in the Miss Illinois Outstanding Teen Pageant, email missilotptdir@aol.com.

We look forward to hearing from you!