miss perham & miss heart of the lakes

The Miss America Scholarship Organization provides an opportunity for young women ages 17-24 (and at high school senior status and up) to showcase and improve on their public speaking skills, health and fitness, poise, and favorite on-stage talent.

There is no entry fee required to compete in a local MAO pageant, however each contestant must raise at least $100 for the Children's Miracle Network, a national partner and primary non-profit associated with the Miss America Organization. www.missamerica4kids.com (2013 cycle).

Many newcomers to pageants choose to borrow wardrobe items from previous contestants. If you are interested in competing but would like help with preparing your wardrobe, we can help you track down available items to borrow, rent, or purchase.

Please feel free to call us if you'd like to learn more about the competition, gain advice on preparing for the pageant, or simply have questions about whether or not this opportunity is right for you.

Areas of competition

Interview: A private interview will take place the morning of this 1 day pageant. 5-7 judges with backgrounds in music, theater, public service and speaking, etc. will interview you for 10 minutes on your platform, a social issue that is important to you, current events, and personal info. you will provide on a fact sheet, (aspirations, accomplishments, hobbies, etc.).

Swimsuit/Fitness: First on-stage competition. Modeling in a swimsuit of your choice.

Talent: A two minute on-stage performance of your choice. Examples- Instrument or vocal solo done in any style, (minimal props, background music, and/or costumes allowed), monologue, dance or gymnastics routine, baton twirling, etc. Really anything entertaining will work!

Evening Gown: On-stage modeling in a floor-length evening gown of your choice.

On-Stage Question(s): Contestants will be required to answer 2 on stage questions.

Eligibility Requirements

Miss Perham is a closed pageant meaning that only girls that have graduated from Perham are eligible to run for this pageant. Miss Heart of the Lakes is an open pageant meaning that you can be a resident of Minnesota, be a full time student in Minnesota or work in Minnesota. Age is 17-24.