Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen Contestant Checklist

Name:_____________________________________________________________________ Age (as of July 20th): ________ Grade: ____________ DOB: _________________________ E-mail Address: ____________________________________________________________ Home Address: __________________________________________________________ Home Phone: ________________________ Cell phone:__________________________ School Attending: ___________________________________________________________ Emergency Contact: ______________________________________ Phone: ____________ Please Copy Photos and All Forms on good quality paper Check Box to Ensure ALL Applicable Information is Included Photos will NOT be returned

Teen Contestant Checklist

$100 Entry fee by July 5th, 2013 (check payable to Miss Shelby County Pageant) 8 copies of non-returnable headshot photograph on 8 x11 good quality copy paper for the Judges books. Name must be written in pencil on the back of each copy. Photos will NOT be returned. Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen Local Hold Harmless Agreement (signed & notarized) Official Pink or Blue Copy of Birth Certificate Do NOT Send Original! 8 copies of TYPED Contestant Resume 8 copies of TYPED Contestant Platform Miss Alabamas Outstanding Teen Contestant Contract Acknowledgement of Understanding and Statement of Eligibility for 2013-2014 Talent Request Form (talent 90 seconds or less) Self-addressed envelope for return of birth certificate 2 Copies of Talent Accompaniment CD Also bring 2 copies with you to the pageant! If e-mailing photo, send in JPEG format and submitted by July 13th , 2013

Mail completed Application Packet with name clearly printed on outside envelope to: Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen Pageant- YOUR NAME P. O. Box 1762 Columbiana Al 35051

Opening Number Information

Opening Number Attire
A bright colored cocktail dress.. 9 The dress MUST NOT be extremely short. Keep in mind, the judges will be seated below the stage. 9 If your dress is strapless, the bust MUST fit correctly and you MUST use tape to secure the top to secure and ensure there are no wardrobe malfunctions. Appropriate heels (2-3 inches) sandals, peep toes, or pumps. Jewelry to accessorize your dress

Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen

Competition Information

Each contestant is judged by the selection panel immediately after each event. The score will range between 1 and 10. The high and low scores for each contestant are discarded in each area of competition. The Phases of Competition are listed below in order: Private Interview 25% Your private interview will last 6 minutes. Judges during private interview can ask you a question on a span of subjects such as current events and your fact sheet (resume). Know what is happening around you and within you. Be prepared. Judges will be asking questions related to your resume, community, school, social issues and current events as they pertain to your age in our society. What to Wear: Contestants should wear attire suitable for a job interview skirt suit or dress with coordinating shoes. Physical Fitness 15% The physical fitness portion is designed to show a contestants youthful vitality. A short and simple fitness routine will be taught to the contestants the day of the pageant which will be performed onstage for the fitness competition. What to Wear: Contestants will wear a Khaki shorts with a solid white top, along with white ankle socks and white Keds. These items should easily be purchased at Hibbets or Academy or any Athletic Sporting Goods Store. We would like everyone to appear uniform during the fitness segment. Talent 35% Each contestant will perform a talent presentation no longer than 90 seconds or less. Talents may include, but are not limited to vocals in every medium, dance in all forms, gymnastics, baton, instrumentals, and drama. The talent competition distinguishes each contestants skills and personality, interpretive ability, technical skill level, stage presence, and totality of all elements (e.g. costume, voice, choreography). What to Wear: A costuming choice that is appropriate and in good taste for the chosen talent and age of the contestant. Please note Talent must be completed within 2 minutes. Evening Gown/Onstage Question 25% Evening gown is a very glamorous part of the competition. Each contestant will be judged on overall first impression, stage presence, poise, and personality. You will be asked ONE onstage question in your evening gown. The question will be on a current event or social issue. What to Wear: Dresses should be floor length formal, well fitting, and appropriate for the age of the contestant.

Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen

Pageant Day Backstage Rules:

NO ONE IS ALLOWED BACK STAGE, IN DRESSING ROOMS, OR IN THE HALLS OUTSIDE OF THE DRESSING ROOMS OTHER THAN CONTESTANTS AND PAGEANT OFFICIALS!
MISS SHELBY COUNTY STRIVES TO TAKE GOOD CARE OF EACH CONTESTANT AND PROVIDES BACKSTAGE PAGEANT MOMS TO ASSIST WITH CLOTHING, HAIR, MAKEUP AND OTHER CONTESTANT NEEDS.

Please Make Note:

AT ANY TIME DURING THE DAY, IF WE FIND A PARENT, FRIEND, OR SOMEONE WHO IS NOT A PAGEANT OFFICIAL IN A RESTRICTED AREA (AS NOTED ABOVE) THE CONTESTANT ASSOCIATED WITH THAT PERSON WILL IMMEDIATELY BE DISQUALIFIED AND DISMISSED.

Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen Pageant Day General Rules:

1. RESPECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS! Treat everyone involved with the pageant the way you want to be treated. Our volunteers have put in a great deal of work and time to get everything ready for today. Make sure you thank them! 2. HAVE FUN, MAKE FRIENDS AND SMILE! These are the days that you will miss the most! Be sure to introduce yourself and get to know the people you will be competing with. It makes the day much more enjoyable when you know you are with friends. 3. NO VIDEOS OR PHOTOS DURING THE PAGEANT. NO ONE can take pictures or videos during the pageant due to Miss Alabama pageant rules. This rule must be respected and obeyed. Anyone not obeying these rules will be asked to leave. 4. NO FRIENDS OR FAMILY ALLOWED IN DRESSING ROOMS OR BACKSTAGE! Again, we have great volunteers helping out backstage! Anything you need, we will do our best to make happen! 5. NO OUTSIDE HAIR STYLISTS OR MAKEUP ARTISTS ALLOWED! Contestants should come to the pageant prepared to do their own hair and makeup. This will be great practice for future pageants in the Miss America system. 6. NO FOOD OR DRINK ALLOWED IN AUDITORIUM. We want to avoid spilling anything and to respect the facility guidelines. Also, we do not want to ruin your pageant day garments nor fellow contestants. All food & drinks will be provided for you by the pageant in a designated area. 7. PAY ATTENTION DURING REHEARSALS! We have a very tight schedule and want to ensure each contestant learns the routines for opening number, fitness, and evening gown in the time allotted. 8. TALENT MAY BE REHEARSED on the night before pageant ONLY. 9. CELL PHONES MUST be turned OFF or on SILENT during the pageant and must not be used by contestants during pageant day except during breaks.

Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen Fully Prepared for Pageant Day
Everything should be mailed to the Miss Shelby County Pageant
WE DO NOT ACCEPT APPLICATIONS PACKETS BY FAX OR E-MAIL, ONLY BY U.S. MAIL

DO NOT REQUIRE A SIGNATURE FOR PRIORITY MAIL!

Mailing Address:

Miss Shelby Outstanding Teen Pageant P. O. Box 762 Columbiana, Alabama 35051 APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY July 5th, 2013 TO ENSURE YOUR ABILITY TO PROVIDE ANY MISSING INFORMATION, PLEASE MAKE COPIES OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS: Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen Hold Harmless/Contract & Information Sheet Contestant Resume

BE PREPARED!
9 Know Your Resume! 9 Know Your Platform! 9 Be Familiar with Current Events and Social Issues.

Copies of contestant resumes will be given to each judge for questions to be asked in your interview.

Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen Talent Request Form

Name:_____________________________________________________________________ Last First Middle Talent Category in which you will perform please be specific: ___________________________________________________________________________ Name of Selection:__________________________________________________________________

Composer or Author: ________________________________________________________ Will You Use CD Accompaniment Track?

Yes No

Will You Use Props? Yes No Type of Prop: _____________________________________________ Microphone Preference:

Stand Hand Held Instrument Piano Other (please specify) __________________________________ No Mic
TALENT INTRODUCTION
(30 Words or Less Please Type)

MISS SHELBY COUNTY OUTSTANDING TEEN PAGEANT

HOLD HARMLESS/CONTRACT AGREEMENT 2014
As a Contestant in Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen, I agree to the following terms: 1. I attest that I am a citizen of the United States of Alabama, am not married, have never been married, am not pregnant, have never been pregnant, am not now and have never been involved in any act of moral turpitude in which criminal charges are pending. I verify that I reside at the following address:

2.

I verify with my birth certificate that I meet the age requirements of the Miss Americas Outstanding Teen organization. I have turned 13 years of age before March 1, 2013 and I will not turn 18 years of age before March 1, 2014. I attest that I have not entered my senior year of high school. I am ____ years of age, my birthday is _________________________, and I am in the __________ grade at ___________________________________(name of school) I agree to send $100.00 Non-Refundable Entrance fee to Miss Shelby County as part of the eligibility requirements to be a contestant in Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen.

3.

The following items of this contract have been read and understood by (name of contestant) ________________________________________ and her parent(s) and /or legal guardian(s) __________________________________________________________________________.

If named Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen 2014, I agree to the following terms: 1. The official name of the pageant is Miss Shelby County; Outstanding Teen. This is a preliminary pageant of Miss America/Miss Alabamas Outstanding Teen pageant. We understand that the names Miss Shelby County Miss Alabamas Outstanding, and Miss Americas Outstanding Teen are not to be used for any profit in any way. No commercial endorsement using these names is allowed. ______(Initial) 2. The crown presented to the winner of Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen is to be maintained in excellent condition. The Application of hairspray should be done prior to placing the crown on the head. If the crown is lost, stolen, or damaged , it will be replaced at the cost of the winner. ______(Initial) There are several appearances the winner is expected to make in the Shelby County area during her year of service. These appearance include: Liberty Day Parade Christmas Parade Miss Alabamas Outstanding Teen Pageant 2014 Orientation in Sylacauga Miss Alabamas Outstanding Teen Pageant 2014 Competition in Sylacauga ______(Initial) The contestants involvement in other organizations should be brought to the immediate attention of the director, by presenting the director with a full list of activities and dates for functions related to those activities. ______(Initial) The winner should check immediately with director of extra-curricular activities to ensure there will be no conflict with the required dates. ______(Initial) Outside coaching is prohibited without the express permission of the director. If the

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winner of the pageant is receiving outside coaching, this should be disclosed immediately after the contestant wins the pageant. ______(Initial) The winner of the pageant may not compete for and/or hold another title while holding the title Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen. (Please contact the director with any questions regarding this rule). ______(Initial) If the winner of the pageant should not uphold and maintain the dignity of the pageant, provides false or misleading documents, engages in prohibited acts, suffers a disability, which in the sole and exclusive judgment of the director may impair her ability to complete the year of service, she will forfeit any and all rights to the title and the successor will receive these benefits. This includes competing in the state pageant, scholarship money, prizes, gifts, and any other benefits to which the winner is entitled. ______(Initial) Body piercing and/or tattoos are STRICTLY prohibited. (Body piercing includes: lips, tongue, eye brows, more than 2 ear pierced holes in each ear, and other inappropriate areas of piercing). ______(Initial) The wardrobe needed to compete on the state level is the responsibility of the parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s) . This includes all related clothing, photographs, and other necessities required. All wardrobe items must be approved by the Miss Shelby County Director prior to purchase. ______(Initial) The necessary items related to the state competition wardrobe will be assembled by January 21, 2014 for final approval by the Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen director. The approval is the final decision and no changes to the wardrobe may be made following that date. ______(Initial) Clothing selected for the state competition must be in good taste, age appropriate, and not revealing, distasteful, or inappropriate. ______(Initial) The winner of the pageant is Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen at all times. She is to be appropriately dressed when on appearances. Hair and nails should be properly groomed and makeup in good taste. The director may require certain clothing for appearances and blue jeans are never appropriate for an appearance (unless specified). ______(Initial) Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen is required to represent the sponsors of the Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen Pageant; this includes utilizing the services and products awarded to Miss Shelby County from the sponsors. Failure to utilize the services and products donated by the sponsors shall result in a forfeiture of all or some of the scholarship winnings awarded to Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen 2014. ______(Initial) Wearing the crown in public without the permission of the director is prohibited. ______(Initial) The winner of the pageant will maintain knowledge of current events and stay abreast of state and national current and social events in preparation for the state pageant. ______(Initial) The winner will maintain a good physical appearance and agrees not to lose or gain an excessive amount of weight unless directed by a physician. ______(Initial) Talent practice and preparation is necessary to properly prepare for the state pageant. Talent presentations may be expected at some appearances. The winner will properly rehearse and prepare for any presentation of her talent during her year of service as Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen. ______(Initial) Community service projects will be agreed upon and worked on with the community. This will be done with the guidance and direction of the pageant staff. ______(Initial) The winner will provide the Miss Shelby County Director and Board with one color and one black and white copy in both paper and electronic format of a professionally photographed headshot wearing her crown within 30 days of being chosen Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen. No publicity/press releases/autograph pads, etc. can be generated without this photo. ______(Initial) The style and/or color of the contestants hair will not drastically change without discussion with the pageant director. ______(Initial) The contestant will remain alcohol, drug, and tobacco free during her year of service. ______(Initial) Any use of profanity is prohibited. The use of profanity includes the use of profanity on MySpace, Facebook and Twitter or other social networking accounts. Any profanity should be immediately removed from these accounts prior to the pageant. ______(Initial)

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If the winner of the pageant has a MySpace or Facebook account, she and her parents understand that the account will be monitored for content by the director and board. This includes accepting the director and board member as a friend on both of these accounts. Use of inappropriate photos in conjunction with the pageant title is prohibited. Remember, this is a public forum and your reputation can be determined by this content. ______(Initial) Any concerns should be brought to the immediate attention of the pageant director or board member. ______(Initial) The Miss Shelby County Director will consult with the contestant and approve the contestants talent selection for the state competition. ______(Initial) The contestants will maintain good eating habits and a healthy lifestyle. ______(Initial) The contestant will meet with the Director on a regular basis. ______(Initial) The Miss Shelby County Director must approve any appearance request. ______(Initial) The parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s) may accompany the winner to any official appearance. The Director or a member of the Miss Shelby County Board will also attend official appearances. This is for the safety of the contestant. ______(Initial) Critiquing of the contestant is meant to enhance the performance of the contestant and never meant to be negative, hurtful, or demeaning. ______(Initial) The winner will be a gracious attendee at the events and will not look bored, distracted, or tired. ______(Initial) The winner will always be on time for appearances. ______(Initial) The winner, her name, biography information and photograph will be present on the Miss Shelby County web site on the Internet. This website is accessible through the Miss Alabama website. Duplication of information from the website is prohibited without express written permission of the director. ______(Initial) A photograph of the winner duplicated onto autograph pads will be used during appearances and special events. ______(Initial) We agree to hold harmless the Miss Shelby County Director and Board and other pageant officials for any person injury, theft, damage and loss or property during the designated time of appearances, meetings, workshops, rehearsals and competitions. ______(Initial) The birth certificate enclosed with the application is proof of eligibility. ______(Initial) Winner clause. No former Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen may recomplete for the title in future years. Succession clause. In the event Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen 2014 is selected as Miss Alabamas Outstanding Teen 2014, there will not be a successor named. ______(Initial) We understand that any regression from the rules set forth in this contract and the state contract already signed can result in the title and the right to compete in Miss Alabamas Outstanding Teen being forfeited. ______(Initial) We agree that it is by choice that _______________________________________(contestant) competes in the pageant. ______(Initial)

SIGNATURE PAGE DIRECTLY FOLLOWS

MISS SHELBY COUNTY OUTSTANDING TEEN PAGEANT

HOLD HARMLESS/CONTRACT AGREEMENT SIGNATURE PAGE
The contestant and her parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s) understand the terms and conditions of this contract and hold harmless agreement and are signing this document with duress and are entering this contract and agreement freely and without reservation. Contestant Legal Signature:__________________________________________ Date________________ Parent/Guardian Signature:___________________________________________ Date_________________ Parent/Guardian Signature:___________________________________________ Date_________________

I agree not to hold the Miss Shelby County Pageant Staff/Committee, The Miss Alabama Pageant or Miss America Pageant, Pageant Director/Staff, or anyone affiliated with the pageant responsible for any personal injury, loss of items, or damage while attending the pageant.

_________________________________________________________________ Date_________________ Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian

Notarize document here. The notary must include the raised seal. My commission expires:

Sworn to me this__________day of______________2012

_________________________________
Signature of Notary

MISS SHELBY COUNTY OUTSTANDING TEEN PAGEANT

HOLD HARMLESS/CONTRACT AGREEMENT CONTESTANT INFORMATION SHEET All Fields Requires- Please Type or Write Clearly NAME:________________________________________________________ BIRTHDAY: ___________________________ AGE: __________________ PARENTS NAME: _____________________________________________ PARENTS E-MAIL ADDRESS*: __________________________________ *Please list an e-mail address that is checked frequently PARENTS HOME PHONE: _____________________ PARENTS CELL PHONE:_______________________ PARENTS HOME ADDRESS: ____________________________________ ____________________________________

NAME OF SCHOOL: ____________________________________________ GRADE: _____________________ CURRENT GPA: _________________

Instructions for Completing the Miss America Contestants Resume Please remember. This is your opportunity to demonstrate to the judges why they should consider you for the job of Miss America. You may list as many or as few items under each category as you desire. Your only restriction is that it must follow the established format and it must fit on one page. This page, combined with the Platform Statement, will comprise your entire application for this job. The judges will receive exactly what is submitted. Any items submitted that do not fit the established criteria will be returned for correction only once. Any items, which do not meet the criteria or are submitted after the deadline will not be given to the judges. If your resume arrives on the day of the deadline, but does not meet the criteria, there will not be time to return it to you; therefore, it will not be given to the judges. The contestant may explain the lack of judging materials during her interview, if she so chooses. 1. Go to the word processing program of your computer. 2. Start a new document 3. Set margins for 1" on all four sides. The font style may not be any smaller than 10 and no larger than 12 point type, using the Times New Roman font style. Please refer to the attached sample to verify you are following the requested format. 4. With the justification set for left, type Name: in bold. Following the colon (:), hit the space bar twice. Then, type your name as you wish the judges to know it. (If your name is LaCricia Deborah Smith and you want to be known as Deborah Smith, please type Deborah Smith). 5. Then, move to the next line and type Title: in bold. Following the colon (:), hit the space bar twice. Then, type your state title. 6. Then, move to the next line and type, Hometown: in bold. Following the colon (:), hit the space bar once. Then, type your hometown including the city and the state. 7. Move to the next line. Now set your justification to the right. Type Date of Birth: in bold. Hit the space bar two (2) times, and type the month, day, and year of your birth. (Ex. October 10, 1979) 8. Move Justification to the left. Double space down. Education: in bold. Hit the tab bar three times and then type your most recent school first. If it is grad school indicate it as such. List degree seeking (all on the same line as the name of the school), move to the line underneath that to list your undergraduate school and degree sought/achieved, and below that list your high school. 9. Double space down. Hit the tab bar once. Type Platform Issue: in bold. Hit the tab bar three times. Type the TITLE of your platform, MAKING SURE IT LINES UP WITH THE INFORMATION ABOVE IT. DO NOT TYPE ANYTHING OTHER THAN THE TITLE. 10. Double space down. Hit the tab bar once. Type Scholastic/Career Ambition: in bold. Hit the Tab bar once, MAKING SURE IT LINES UP WITH THE OTHERS ABOVE IT. Then type the type of degree/education you would ultimately like to achieve and beneath that, list your career ambition. 11. Double space down. Hit the tab bar once. Type Talent: in bold. Hit the tab bar three times. Type the type of talent and specific selection. MAKE SURE IT LINES UP WITH THE INFORMATION ABOVE IT. (i.e. Pop Vocal - Crying, Tap Dance - Staying Alive, etc.)

Instructions for Completing the Miss America Contestants Resume

12. Double space down. Type Scholastic Honors: in bold. Hit the space bar twice. Each item should be separated by a semi-colon (;). 13. Double space down. Type Leadership Roles: in bold. Hit the space bar twice. Each item should be separated by a semi-colon (;). 14. Double space down. Type Accomplishments: in bold. Hit the space bar twice. Each item should be separated by a semi-colon (;). 15. Double space down. Type Interesting Facts: in bold. Hit the space bar twice. Each item should be separated by a semi-colon (;). 16. Double space down. Type Employment: in bold. Hit the space bar twice. Each item should be separated by a semi-colon (;). 17. Double space down. Type Marketing Plan: in bold. Hit the space bar twice. In sentence form, explain how you would market the Miss America Brand. Please include any relevant experience you have had which may uniquely qualify you to serve in this position. Please be aware that a portion of the Miss America job description will include marketing the Miss America Organization to corporate sponsors, commercial sponsors, and other national organizations. (Both For-Profit and Non-Profit) 18. Double space down. Type Legacy: in bold. Hit the space bar twice. This should be typed in sentence form. Please write what your legacy, as Miss America will be. This statement should answer the question, A year after giving up your title as Miss America, what will we remember about your year of service? 19. Double Space down. Type Why I should be Miss America this year: in bold. Hit the space bar twice. Explain to the judging panel why you should be selected Miss America and, more importantly, why you should be selected Miss America this year. Why is it critical for you to be Miss America right now? Please remember that the entire form MUST FIT ON ONE PAGE using the Times New Roman font style. You must leave a 1" margin on all four sides of the page. Use your best judgment on what is most important for the judges to know about you. Use your space wisely. Attached you will see an example of what it should look like. Any variations from this form will be returned to you and will not be accepted. Your materials will not be retyped. The judges will receive your original work. This form will be given to the judges along with your platform statement. You will notice there is a required signature line at the bottom of the platform statement. When these two pages are put together, they will create your entire application. Your signature will cover the materials listed ON BOTH PAGES. Your signature verifies that everything on your forms is true and accurate. If it is proven that any information on these forms is not true, correct, and factual, you risk losing your local/state title. Some spacing issues may arise. Simply follow the example provided (i.e. in some cases you may need to hit the tab bar four times instead of three times). Do not attempt to change margins, font size options, or deviate from the requested criteria as set forth in this document.

Name: Jane Doe Title: Miss State Hometown: Anytown, America Date of Birth: December 29, 1981 Education: University of State sophomore Bachelor of Science, Liberal Arts Frederick Douglass High School Celebrating Cultural Diversity and Inclusiveness Obtain a Masters of Business Administration Pop Vocal/Fallen

Platform Issue: Scholastic/Career Ambition: Talent:

Scholastic Honors: Recipient of National Coca-Cola Scholarship; Recipient of the Metropolitan Urban League National Scholarship; Deans List; Member of the Presidents Leadership Council at the UCF Leadership Roles: Created and implemented a comprehensive Cultural Diversity Education Curriculum for grades K-12 in twelve Public Schools; University Student Body Senator; H.S. Sr. Class Pres.; College Sorority President. Accomplishments: Recipient of the J.C. Penney Golden Rule Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service to Community; Recipient of the National Conference for Community and Justice Humanitarian Award; Performer, Grand Ole Opry in Nashville; Have completed two (2) marathons; Piano Performance scholarship at State University. Interesting Facts: First person on either side of my family to attend college; Youngest of five children with a 13 year gap between me and my next oldest sister and an almost 20 year gap between the oldest and myself. Employment: Internship with a Law Firm; Internship with local ABC television affiliate; Student Assistant at State University . Marketing Plan: I would combine my experience as an intern with a major national marketing firm with my strong belief in the Miss America Organization to establish a three-step plan to market this national program. I would work at educating these corporate and commercial sponsors on the truth of our organization. Through meetings with key decision makers within these organizations, I would change their attitudes toward the benefits of partnering with our organization. Finally, I would then ask for the sale and demonstrate to them how a joint partnership will further the goals of both organizations. Legacy: My hope is that in the year of my service as Miss America, I would leave a marked, concrete, and measurable difference in this nation regarding the way we respect each others cultural heritage. I hope that through my continued involvement on the national level with the National Conference for Community and Justice that we will hold events at the grassroots level which not only discuss that topic, but bring about local and state-wide policy changes in which we address cultural diversity in the workplace. Why I should be Miss America this year: It is critical that this national face and embrace its cultural diversity issues and it must be done now. The traditional ethnic make-up of our country is rapidly changing and unless we confront and inoculate the potential conflicts which might arise, we are headed to potential racial conflicts we have not seen since the 1960s. These conflicts are generally caused by fear and ignorance. Through a nation-wide spokesperson who can give this issue a face and a voice, we can begin the educational process which needs to take place. The reality is that Miss America can have her greatest sphere of influence among our nations youth. By placing Miss America in the midst of our nations young people and we start the process of changing mindsets and, ultimately, changing the way in which they will treat one another in the future. The issues related to Celebrating Cultural Diversity and Inclusiveness are not just related to race, but also to religion, cultural differences, and sexism. There is no greater role for Miss America than to educate, empower, and embrace the issue of cultural diversity at this point in our nations history.

Instructions for Typing the Platform Essay

Please remember. This is your opportunity to explain to the judges what your chosen platform is and why it is important for the Miss America Organization to embrace this platform. In addition, it should explain how your platform will further the Miss America Organization brand to the public. This ONE (1) page, single-spaced document combined with the Contestants Resume, will comprise your entire application for this job. The judges will receive exactly what is submitted. Any items submitted that do not fit the established criteria will be returned for correction only once. Any items, which do not meet the criteria or are submitted after the deadline will not be given to the judges. If your Platform Essay arrives on the day of the deadline, but does not meet the criteria, there will not be time to return it to you; therefore, it will not be given to the judges. The contestant may explain the lack of judging materials during her interview, if she so chooses. 1. Go to the word processing program of your computer. 2. Start a new document 3. Set margins for 1" on all four sides. The font style may not be any smaller than 10 and no larger than 12 point type using the Times New Roman font style. 4. With the justification set for left, type Name: in bold. Following the colon (:), hit the space bar twice. Then, type your name. 5. Then, move to the next line and type Title: in bold. Following the colon (:), hit the space bar twice. Then, type Your state title. 6. Double space down. Set your justification to center. They type in Bold and underline the title of your Platform. 7. Double space down. Write what you feel is critical for the judges to know about your platform and why it is necessary for you to have the job of Miss America to promote this issue. What you write will be what the judges know about your platform, your role in successfully dealing with this issue, and the role the Miss America Organization may play in your plan. 8. This essay may include some of the following items (this is not to be meant as an exhaustive list): A clear definition of the platform and the specific issues you wish to address A plan on how you have or will create awareness of the platform The way in which you have or will change attitudes regarding the issue The way in which you have or will change behaviors related to this issue The way in which your platform issue will move the Miss America Organization forward Your media plans Your marketing strategy How you propose to fund your ideas/plans Any significant accomplishments you have made in regard to your issue. 9. At the bottom of the page, you MUST set the justification to the right. Type a line of 26 spaces. Below that line, you must type Signature/Date. Once you have printed the document, you must sign and date this document.