2008 Local Preliminary
Miss Memphis, Nicole Jordan
Preliminary Talent Winner, 2007 Miss Tennessee Pageant
Non-Finalist Award, 2007 Miss Tennessee Pageant
Could YOU be the next Miss Memphis?
On behalf of the Memphis Jaycees, we would like to thank you for your interest in participating in the 2008 Miss Memphis Scholarship Pageant. You are about to embark on a very exciting experience filled with new friendships and new opportunities. Throughout your pageant experiences you will sharpen qualities of character and talent that you can use the rest of your life.
Within this packet you will find the official information from the Miss Memphis Scholarship Pageant regarding your wardrobe, competitions, and scholarships. Please read all of this information carefully as the rules may change at any time.
Beginning with our 2008 local preliminaries, several changes have been made to our contestant packet. If you have participated in the past, it is still beneficial for you to reread the contents in its entirety.
It may seem like quite a lot but most people find it very helpful. You may want to keep all correspondence from the Miss Memphis Scholarship Pageant in a three-ring binder. If additional mailings are sent to you, just add them to the binder.
Please note that deadlines exist for certain pageant information. If you have forms that are ready to send prior to the deadline date, please send them in. You do not have to wait until the deadline. It would be best to call or email several days after you have mailed the information to ensure we have received it.
If there is anything I can do or if there is any information that you do not understand, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am here to help you in any way that I can.
I want to wish each of you the best of luck in your preparations for the 2008 Miss Memphis Scholarship Pageant.
Sincerely,
Shay Bader-Wallace
Executive Director, Miss Memphis Scholarship Organization
901.603.6150
Miss Memphis Scholarship Pageant
2008 Contestant Information
Being Miss Memphis is a great honor, a great responsibility, and a great experience. We are happy to extend to you this information, which will answer your questions regarding the Miss Memphis Scholarship Pageant.
The Miss Memphis Pageant is more than a beauty pageant. It is part of the Miss America Organization, which provides millions of dollars in scholarship money to contestants throughout the United States. In addition to the scholarships, the Miss Memphis Pageant offers you the opportunity to sharpen qualities of character and talent that you can use the rest of your life.
The Miss Memphis Pageant is also a legacy. Proud of its 61 years of producing talented and intelligent representatives for our state, we have produced:
- (1) Miss America
- (8) Miss Tennessee
- (3) 1st Runner-ups
- (6) 2nd Runner-ups
- (4) 3rd Runner-ups
- (3) 4th Runner-ups
- (8) Top Ten Finalists
- (8) Non-Finalist Winners
- (11) Preliminary Talent Winners
- (7) Preliminary Swimsuit Winners
- (2) Miss Congeniality Winners
Many Miss Memphis titleholders have gone on to pursue successful careers as television and broadcasters, fashion designers, doctors, and lawyers thanks to the scholarship monies provided by our organization.
Who is Miss Memphis? She is a role model who cares about her role and other women’s roles in society. She is an attractive and poised woman with a confident and commanding presence. She is talented and intelligent, and she is an independent and eloquent communicator. Miss Memphis is a leader by virtue of her experiences and takes pride in her health and physical fitness.
As Miss Memphis, you will represent Memphis and ShelbyCounty as an unofficial ambassador for our area. You will gain through the rich personal experience of meeting and associating with many exciting people from Memphis and across Tennessee.
Because the Miss Memphis Scholarship Pageant is part of the Miss Tennessee and Miss America program, you will represent our city at the Miss Tennessee Scholarship Pageant held in Jackson during June 2008. The winner of the Miss Tennessee Pageant travels to Atlantic City to compete in the Miss America Pageant. At each level, winners and alternates receive hundreds of dollars in scholarship money which will help you further your education.
As you consider this opportunity today, remember that you could be the next Miss Memphis, Miss Tennessee, and Miss America. It’s all up to you.
The Miss Memphis Scholarship Pageant is sponsored by the Memphis Jaycees.
QUALIFICATIONS
To enter the Miss Memphis Scholarship Pageant, or any other Miss America local preliminary, contestants must meet certain basic requirements and agree to abide by all the rules of the local, state, and national Miss America Pageants now in effect or as announced hereafter. To be a contestant in the Miss Memphis Scholarship Pageant you must:
- Be a female.
- High school graduate or equivalent by June 30th, 2008.
- Resident of Tennessee six months prior to the local pageant.
- No younger than 17 on the date of the local competition.
- No older than 24 by September 30th, 2008.
- Be a citizen of the United States of America.
- Be of good moral character.
- Not be married, never have been married, never have had a marriage annulled, never cohabitated or have had a child.
- Be available for public appearances during the 2008 pageant year as Miss Memphis.
- Be able to fundraise as required during the 2008 pageant year as Miss Memphis.
- Must complete the CMN requirements listed within this packet. More information can be found at
- Be a resident of the listed counties; or attend a college or university in the listed counties; or be a full-time employee in the listed counties.
- Chester
- Crockett
- Dyer
- Fayette
- Hardeman
- Haywood
- Lauderdale
- Madison
- McNairy
- Shelby
- Tipton
COMPETITION
The Miss Memphis Scholarship Pageant will be held February 10, 2008 at The Buckman Performing Arts Center at St Mary's Episcopal School.
The Miss Memphis Scholarship Pageant is divided into six phases of Competition, including private interview, casual wear, swimsuit, talent, evening wear, and onstage questions. Each contestant is scored individually from one to ten in each category. The contestant receiving the highest number of total points is crowned Miss Memphis.
SCHOLARSHIP & AWARDS
Scholarship
The Miss Memphis Scholarship Pageant will award educational scholarships to the winner and alternates. These scholarships include tuition waivers from Memphis-area and statewide colleges and universities and a general cash scholarship applied to unpaid college debts.
Additional cash awards include:
A Community Service Scholarship will be awarded to the contestant who a panel of judges feels has best supported Memphis/Shelby County through community service and volunteer activities. A separate application is required for this scholarship. ($200)
Miss Memphis Congeniality will be awarded to the contestant that her fellow contestants vote as best exemplifying the spirit of the Miss Memphis Scholarship Pageant. ($100)
Miss Memphis Non-Finalist Talent will be awarded to the non-finalist (contestant that does not make the top five) with the highest talent score. ($100)
Miss Memphis Non-Finalist Interview will be awarded to the non-finalist (contestant that does not make the top five) with the highest interview score. ($50)
A Fan Favorite Scholarship will be awarded to the contestant who raises the most money in her “Contestant Jar” during intermission. This is voted on by the audience. ($25)
Awards, Prizes, & Gifts
As Miss Memphis, you receive the official Miss America preliminary crown and flowers. Flowers will also be awarded to the alternates.
The new Miss Memphis and her alternates will also receive in-kind tuition waivers for many surrounding colleges and universities to utilize.
The new Miss Memphis will receive prizes and gift packages including assistance with competition wardrobe, numerous gifts from Memphis-area businesses, and gift certificates.
All scholarships, awards, prizes, and gifts are subject to final confirmation and will be officially announced during the pageant.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Orientation Meeting
The Orientation Meeting is your first official function as a contestant in the Miss Memphis Pageant. At the Orientation you will meet the Miss Memphis Committee and other contestants. You will receive a complete orientation to all pageant events and activities. Your parents are also invited to this event. Dress is nice casual. (Please do not wear sweatpants and t-shirts!)
Rehearsals
Group production and private talent rehearsals will be held the day of the pageant. Attendance at all rehearsals is required.
Rehearsals are closed to the public (including parents and other guests)!
YOUR YEAR AS MISS MEMPHIS
As the winner of the Miss Memphis Scholarship Pageant, you will continue to meet new and interesting people and your subsequent civic activities will add to your self-confidence and poise. You will serve as an ambassador for the city at social, civic, and community events. A chaperone will be designated and accompany you to personal appearances as needed.
You will also be required contractually to coordinate at least (2) two fundraising endeavors during your reign.
Selected members of the Miss Memphis Committee will coordinate your preparation for the Miss Tennessee Pageant, which will be held in June of 2008 in Jackson. You and your parents will work directly with the Memphis committee to prepare you in all aspects for the upcoming state pageant.
MISCELLANEOUS
Photography
You will need to provide a good quality, black/white (preferably) professional photograph (Size 5x7 or larger) to the Miss Memphis Pageant to be used in the program book and for the judges. This photograph will be returned after the pageant so please have your name and address printed on the back.
Digital files are preferred and must be more than 400 dpi in order to be used in the program book. Files can be emailed directly to .
If you are looking for photography assistance, we recommend our official photographer, Alex Ginsburg PHOTOgraphics.
Platform
As with the Miss America Pageant, each contestant is to have a platform or issue that she feels strongly about. It is best to choose a platform in which the contestant has a strong personal commitment, involvement, and conviction.
Contestants must submit a one-page, double-spaced, typewritten essay on the platform of their choice. You will be provided three questions, which you will have to answer in your essay, including the reason you chose this platform and your involvement with the platform. Call for more information.
Wardrobe
We are looking forward to working with you during the Miss Memphis Scholarship Pageant. The following is an outline of the contestant competitions and wardrobe needs for the pageant and events surrounding the pageant. These are the competition and wardrobe regulations provided by the Miss Tennessee and Miss America Pageants. We urge you to be reasonable in expenditures for your wardrobe by borrowing and renting your wardrobe.
Please feel free to let your clothing, hairstyle, talent and overall image reflect your true personality and the image of today’s young women.
You are responsible for your own competition wardrobe as a contestant in the Miss Memphis Pageant.
Additional wardrobe needs will be announced at Orientation.
Orientation Tea/Meeting
Nice casual outfit. This will be your first opportunity to meet the other contestants, their parents and the Miss Memphis Committee. Do not wear sweat pants or look like you just left the gym. Nice jeans, however, are suitable.
Rehearsals
A Miss Memphis t-shirt will be available for Saturday production rehearsal. Cost will be announced at Orientation. You will need to wear neat, comfortable jeans with the t-shirt. Remember Memphis’ changing weather so please layer appropriately. You may want to bring your competition shoes to rehearse in.
Production Wardrobe
TO BE ANNOUNCED!
Competition Wardrobe
You will need (1) interview outfit, (1) one-piece or two-piece swimsuit (no shawls or props), (1) talent outfit, and (1) evening gown. If you have any questions about any of these, do not hesitate to contact your Executive Director.
On Stage Interview
On-stage interviews will be completed in either your production wardrobe or your evening gown. We will notify you at Orientation.
Finale
You will wear the same outfit as you will wear for the Evening Wear Competition.
Salute Page(s)
Each contestant will be provided with one salute page that will feature your headshot and a brief descriptive bio. As a contestant, you are asked to seek sponsorship for your salute page that will be placed in the official program book. The bottom of your salute page will be available for a 1/2 page of advertising. The cost to cover your salute page is only $125.
Additional full page ads are available for $200 each and will be placed in the program book featuring your name and any additional information, ads, photos, and text that your sponsor would like to include.
ALL PAYMENTS SHOULD BE MADE OUT TO THE MEMPHIS JAYCEES
A full page is 8x10 in size and should be no less than 400dpi. Digital files are preferred.
The advertising can be divided amongst several businesses or individuals who would like to ‘salute’ the contestant. Only one salute page per contestant is available.
Salute page artwork and money is due no later than January 20, 2008. Due to print deadlines, there are no exceptions.
Community Service Entries
The community service award should be presented in the form of a scrapbook. Photos, letters, news clippings – you make it your own (or you may even submit one that you already have). These will be returned after the pageant. Be creative but remember that jewels, glitter, and fur do not make someone have more community service than someone else.
The scrapbook will be judges by the members of the Memphis Jaycees.
CMN Fundraising Requirements
Raising funds will be as easy as ….one, two, three!
1. Before participating in local, state and the national, Miss America pageants, each contestant will log onto to create her personal fund raising web page and to set a fund raising goal (minimum: $100 local, $250 state, $500 national).
2. Once registered, contestants will e-mail friends and relatives to ask for donations to support Children’s Miracle Network and the Miss America Scholarship Fund using a simple pre-formatted e-mail system.
3. Friends and relatives will then log on to their contestant’s personal fund raising web page to make secure online donations using a credit card or check.
Additional information can be found at
FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THE MISS MEMPHIS COMPETITION
If you have any questions concerning the Miss Memphis Scholarship Pageant or need an application, please call or email the Executive Director, Shay Bader-Wallace, 901.603.6150, . She will be happy to provide you with any information you may need.
This information is being provided to assist interested contestants with the answers to the most commonly asked questions. This is not a finalized list of rules, regulations, and guidelines for the Miss Memphis Scholarship Pageant.
APPLICATION PROCESS
If you would like to enter the Miss Memphis Pageant, please follow the steps below. If this is your first time in entering any Miss America preliminary, don’t worry. We will be glad to assist you step-by-step. Many of our contestants are first time entrants. There is no entry fee charged for entering the Miss Memphis Scholarship Pageant.
To Enter the Miss Memphis Pageant:
1. Call or email the Executive Directors and express your interest in entering the program.
Shay Bader-Wallace
901.603.6150
.
2. Complete/Compile the following
MM1Application
MM2Platform Essay
MM3Photograph
MM4Talent Request Form
MM5Copy of Current Transcript
MM6A-HCopy of Required Documents for Contestant Contract*
MM7Broadcast Release
MM8ASalute Page Ad Information
MM8BSalute Page Sponsor Money*
MM9Talent Introduction
MM10Talent Tape (2 copies)*
MM11Community Service Entry (Optional)
MM12Contestant Contract*
MM13Scholarship Rules and Regulations*
MM14CMN Qualification Report*
*These must be mailed. Emailed electronic files are not acceptable.
3. Mail to:
Shay Bader-Wallace
Miss Memphis Scholarship Pageant
9835 Devon Ridge Dr.
Olive Branch, MS 38654
Email files may be sent to:
4. You will be notified by telephone or email that your application was received.
5. Included in this packet are also additional contestant information and a detailed schedule of events.
DEADLINES
Information may be mailed, emailed, or given to the Co-Executive Director during any pageant event prior to the deadline.
DO NOT HAND DELIVER ANY PAPERWORK UNLESS YOU HAVE MADE ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.
We are not responsible for any unsolicited materials left at this address. Money should not be mailed or left outside the building.
If you experience difficulty in arranging for normal mail delivery, call Shay Bader-Wallace at 901.603.6150 for information.
January 3, 2008:
MM1Application
MM2Platform Essay
MM3Photograph
MM4Talent Request Form
January 10, 2008:
MM6A-HCopy of Contestant Contract Attachments*
MM7Broadcast Release
January 20, 2008:
MM8ASalute Page Ad Information
MM8BSalute Page Money*
MM9Talent Introduction
MM10Talent CD (2 copies)*
MM11Community Service Entry (Optional)
MM12Contestant Contract*
MM13Scholarship Rules and Regulations*
MM14CMN Qualification Report*
*May be emailed to .
For extensions, please contact your Executive Director immediately!