Miss Iris Music City Teen & Miss Iris Capital City Teen Pageant 2019

A Preliminary Title for the Miss Iris Tennessee Teen Pageant

August 18th, 2018

YOU could be the next Miss Iris Music City Teen or Miss Iris Capital City Teen!

Thank you for your interest in the Miss Iris Music City Teen & Miss Iris Capital City Teen titles. We are looking forward to
an exciting year where we will crown two young women as the next Miss Iris Music City Teen & Miss Iris Capital City
Teen. They will start their journey toward preparing for the Miss Tennessee’s Outstanding Teen Pageant in Jackson,
Tennessee, next March.

Within this packet you will find the official information from the Miss Music City/Capital City Pageants regarding
wardrobe, competitions, and awards. Please read all of this information carefully as the rules may change at any time. It
may seem like quite a lot, but most people find it very helpful.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PRINCESS CONTESTANTS:

In order to compete in the local preliminary, you must meet the eligibility requirements:
 This title is not affiliated with the Miss America Organization
 Ages 13 to 18
 A resident or student in the state of Tennessee for at least six months
 May not turn nineteen (19) years of age by March 1st the year of state pageant.
 Is and has always been a female.
 Has never been married.
 Is not pregnant and has never been pregnant nor the adoptive parent of any child.
 Of good moral character and not been involved in any act of moral turpitude.
 Other than minor or petty offenses, never been convicted of any criminal offense and there are no criminal
charges presently pending.
 Never performed any act or engaged in any activity or employment that is or could reasonably be characterized
as dishonest, immoral, or indecent.
 In good health and can participate fully in any Program activities.
 Not under any contract or other obligations that other may control my image, name, photograph or picture.
 Do not use or consume any illegal controlled dangerous substances or abuse the use of alcohol or other
dangerous substances.
 Be enrolled in an accredited public, private or home schooling program with passing scores (passing score as
determined by state accreditation score) in academic and citizenship grades.
 At the state level, each contestant must register with CMN and is recommended to raise $50.

FOR ALL CONTESTANTS:

There are three areas of competition for which you will be competing:

Private Interview: The private interview section of the competition will consist of an interview with a panel of judges.
The interview will last 5 minutes and will not have a closing statement. The interview will consist of random questions
ranging from platform issues to current events, to personal questions. In other words, be ready for any question.
Interview dresses are best worn for this portion of the competition. Don’t be afraid to bring out your own style while still
looking professional.

Opening Number: The opening number is not part of the judging criteria, but it gives the audience a fun kick-off to the
pageant. Cocktail dresses and fun outfits are best for this portion, and the theme is fun and bright colors that show off
your personality.

Fitness: Judges will be looking for your confidence level and your commitment to stay fit. Miss Iris Teenessee Teen will
be making lots of appearances during her reign. She must be fit to continue a grueling schedule. Fitness outfit will be a
sports tank top along with a sports short, capri or pant. NO BLING OR METALLIC FABRICS will be allowed this year. It can
be any color or colors. Teen contestants will learn and perform a walking pattern.

Evening Wear: This is the elegant competition of the pageant. Each girl will wear a gown of her choosing. Judges will be
looking for confidence, poise, and presentation. Personality and confidence will be taken into consideration when
scoring.

The Iris Teen contestants are scored in these categories:

30% Interview
20% Evening Gown
10% Fitness Wear
40% Composite
There will be no talent or onstage question competition in this category.

FOR ALL CONTESTANTS:

You will need to complete a fact sheet and a platform form and return to MissMCOT@gmail.com . This information will
be shared with the judges for the private interviews. Both forms are included with this packet including a sample of what
it should look like.

Each contestant will choose and represent a platform issue. This is any issue, program, or topic that the contestant has
been involved with, volunteered with, or has valuable insight to. You will find your platform will be stronger if you are
involved with or have experienced. Deadline for all paperwork will be Saturday, August 10th, 2018.

The entry fee to enter the Miss Iris Music City Teen & Miss Iris Capital City Teen Pageant is $100.00. Please make out
your check to the Miss Music City Scholarship Program. All checks must be received with the paperwork on the deadline
of August 10, 2018. We look forward to you participating in our program. There is a huge commitment of the ladies who
win these titles and represent our local at the Miss Iris Tennessee Teen Pageant; however, the benefits are worth the
time and effort.

The following pages will give you more information about the pageant, the paperwork, you need to compete and some
frequently asked questions. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me any time. My email address is
MissMCOT@gmail.com and my cell phone number is (334)-233-4992.

Regards,

Elisabeth Reef
Director, Miss Music City/Capital City Outstanding Teen & Iris Teen
Wardrobe Load In: Contestants will have their opportunity to load in at 8:30am the day of the pageant. Contestants may
have one (1) FEMALE assistant to help with load in. No assistants, friends, nor family members are allowed to remain
in the dressing rooms after load in has been completed.

Keep in mind a new rule from Miss Tennessee. Makeup

Artists and Hairdressers are NOT ALLOWED in the dressing
room to assist you. You must get this done before reporting
back to the auditorium.

PAPERWORK AND CHECKLIST FOR COMPETITION

The following pages will be the paperwork and other items you will need to compete in the pageant. Here is a checklist
to remind you of the items that you will need.
Item Completed
Registration and Qualification form
Platform and Resume
Headshot
Copy of most recent school transcript
Registration on CMN Website

E-Mail all files to: MissMCOT@gmail.com

This information must be completed and returned by the deadline of Saturday, August 10th, 2018. This deadline is
very important and will not be extended unless approval from the director.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you have any questions concerning the Miss Music City/Capital City Outstanding Teen Pageant, please call (334) 233-
4992 or email the MissMCOT@gmail.com. This information is being provided to assist interested contestants with the
answers to the most commonly asked questions.
 Miss Iris Music City Teen & Miss Iris Capital City Teen Pageant
Official Preliminaries to the Miss Iris Tennessee Teen Pageant

Registration & Qualification Form

Outstanding Teen Contestant Iris Teen Contestant

Date:

Name:

Address:

City:

State: Zip Code:

How long have you lived at this address?

Parents Name(s):

Home Telephone Number: (with area code)

Cell Phone number: (with area code)

Email address:

Date of Birth: Age:

School attending:

Classification as of fall of 2017:

Platform:

Are you a current titleholder? Yes No Title?

If yes, have you been released to compete by your current director? Since the Iris Teen title isn’t
contracted, you are still allowed to compete while holding another title. Make sure your director to be
released to compete in our program.

This form must be returned immediately. Return the completed Registration form to
MissMCOT@gmail.com. For more information, go to www.misstennessee.org for eligibility and
requirements.

Each contestant must provide a copy of their most current school transcript before the pageant.

Miss Music City/Capital City Outstanding Teen & Iris Teen

Elisabeth Reef – Director
Visit Miss Capital City/Music City Facebook page
 Miss
Tennessee
an Official Preliminary to the Miss America Pageant www.misstennessee.org

Instructions for Completing the Contestant’s Resume

Please remember this is your opportunity to demonstrate to the judges why they should
consider you for the job of Miss Tennessee. 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 your 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. 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 Jamie Ruth Marie Watkins and you want to be known as “Jamie Watkins”, please type
“Jamie Watkins”).

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 and type “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.)

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 “How has the world you come from shaped your dreams and
aspirations?” in bold. Hit the space bar twice. Please answer the question in sentence
form.

18. Double space down. Type “Of all the ways you could succeed in your life, why have you
chosen to succeed in the Miss Tennessee Pageant?” in bold. Hit the space bar twice.
Please answer the question in sentence form.

19. Double Space down. Type “What social issue, other than your platform, will have the
greatest impact on your generation and why?” in bold. Hit the space bar twice. Please
answer the question in sentence form.

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. Any variations from
this form will not be returned to you and will not be considered acceptable. The judges will receive your original work.

Some spacing issues may arise. Simply follow the formatting provided.
[SAMPLE]

Name: Jane Smith

Title: Miss State
Hometown: Anytown, America Date of Birth: December 29, 1995

Education: University of State – sophomore – Bachelor of Science, Liberal Arts

Frederick Douglass High School

Platform Issue: Celebrating Cultural Diversity and Inclusiveness

Scholastic/Career Ambition: Obtain a Masters of Business Administration

Talent: Pop Vocal / “Fallen”

Scholastic Honors: Recipient of National Coca-Cola Scholarship; Recipient of the Metropolitan Urban League
National Scholarship; Dean’s List; Member of the President’s 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; 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.

How has the world you come from shaped your dreams and aspirations?
I come from a loving, supportive family that has always taught me to work hard for the things I want to achieve.
Growing up, my parents always encouraged us to get involved with our local community and help those who were
less fortunate than us. They tried to instill good values in us and to always guide us on the right path. I think it is
because of these lessons my parents taught me that I want to make a difference in today’s world. I aspire to be a
woman of great influence, preferably working in the non-profit sector, where I can apply my talents for the greater
good and help to change people’s lives. One person truly can make a difference, and I am on my way to proving that
cliché. I also dream to one day have a loving family of my own, with beautiful children in whom I can instill the
same core values that my parents gave to me.

What social issue, other than your platform, will have the greatest impact on your generation and why?
Although I’m not sure I would consider it a social issue, I think technological advancements will have the greatest
social impact on my generation. Technology is changing everything – the way we communicate, our lifestyles,
access to information – it’s all right at your fingertips! That can be a double-edged sword. I believe we run the risk
of losing both interpersonal and language skills due to the ease and speed of communicating electronically. I believe
our educators should address this issue immediately, or it may, unfortunately, have the greatest impact on my
generation and every generation to follow
 Miss
Tennessee
an Official Preliminary to the Miss America Pageant www.misstennessee.org
INSTRUCTIONS FOR TYPING THE PLATFORM ISSUE STATEMENT

Please remember. This is your opportunity to explain to the judges what your
chosen platform is and why it is important for the Miss Tennessee Organization to
embrace this platform. In addition, it should explain how your platform will
further the Miss Tennessee Organization “brand” to the public. This ONE (1) page,
single-spaced document combined with the Contestant’s 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.
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”. Then type in bold and
underline the title of your Platform.

7. Double space down. Write what you feel is critical for the judge’s to know about your
platform and why it is necessary for you to have the job of Miss Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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
[SAMPLE]

Name: Jane Doe

Title: Miss Local

Celebrating Cultural Diversity and Inclusiveness

It is imperative that this nation face and embrace its cultural diversity. While many people have talked about
this issue, I believe that most of them have only paid lip service to the true necessity of what needs to be
addressed related to this issue. There is a false truth in merely accepting and tolerating cultural diversity. I
intend to prove that in order to accept and understand people of other cultures; one must be willing to step out of
a personal cultural comfort zone and identify the origin of their prejudice. I will specifically focus on three
areas: Children, Communities, and Businesses.

The title of Miss America, combined with the national media already looking at the surface of this issue, will
allow me to create the national awareness that must exist. Currently, the term “Cultural Diversity” is well
known in the halls of institutions of higher learner and, perhaps, even in the public school classroom because of
the need for some to be politically correct. But, in order for us to make a true change in attitudes and behaviors
of Americans, we must move beyond talk and into action and policy changes.

My plan is to motivate the media and to partner with the National Conference for Community and Justice. This
organization has chapters in every major city in the nation and, in many cases, those chapters have community
leaders involved who can, with encouragement and challenging, bring this issue out of hiding and into the public
light in each of those communities.

Obviously the media and the NCCJ already exist. However, what is lacking is a lightning rod to draw attention
to this issue. This is where the Miss America Organization steps into the lead. What better role is there for Miss
America than to be an agent of change in organizing our nation to accept our differences and to create an
environment that values each person on individual characteristics rather than on stereotypes or assumptions?

For years, Miss America was seen as a young woman who cut ribbons and appeared in parades. It is time for
“Miss America” to step out of the convertible and lead the parade. Our country’s ethnic make-up is changing
rapidly and our citizen’s fear of terrorism can explode already existing, but deeply hidden prejudices. I want to
be the leader that this nation needs.

This nation needs this issue addressed now and through the already existing NCCJ and its local and state
organizations combined with the power of Miss America, we can make a concrete difference now, which will
change the direction and the future of our nation.

__________________________
Signature/Date
 Frequently Asked Questions regarding
Miss Iris Music City Teen & Miss Iris Capital City Teen Pageant

1. What is the Miss Iris Music City & Miss Iris Capital City Teen Pageant? Our pageant is a preliminary local
for the Miss Iris Tennessee Teen Pageant. The winners of our local will compete at the state level in March of
2019.

2. When is the pageant? The pageant will be held on Saturday, August 18, 2018. The pageant is slated to
start at 6:00 p.m. CST.

3. Where is the pageant and when do I have to be there? The pageant location is currently TBD. Orientation
will start at 9:00 in the morning and you will spend the rest of the day in rehearsals and competition. There
will be a short break to give you time to get some food. The exact schedule of the day will be announced
closer to the date of the competition depending on the number of contestants.

4. Is there an entry fee to entry the pageant? Yes. The entry fee to compete is $100.00. Please make checks
payable to Music City Scholarship Program. All checks must be turned in with your paperwork, which is due
on August 10th.

5. What are the areas of competition? Each contestant will compete in four areas of competition. Each teen
contestant will participate in an 5 minute private interview in front of a panel of judges. She will also compete
in fitness, a talent of her choice, evening gown and poise with an on-stage question.

6. What are the requirements of a contestant? A young woman may compete at the local and state level
more than once. For teen requirements, please reference the first 2 pages of this document, or visit
www.misstennessee.org.

7. What is a platform? The platform is a program, social issue, organization or community service that you
have strong emotional ties to or support. It can be a national or local program that you have participated,
volunteered or have worked. This is something that you would talk about if you were crowned one of the
titleholders. Each title holder will work to support her platform by raising awareness, funds and encouraging
others to participate. Examples include Special Olympics, Autism Awareness, etc.

9. What wardrobe items will I need? You will need to provide an appropriate outfit for interview. This can be
dress or pant suit. For the fitness portion, you may wear a one or two piece outfit. All outfits must be
tastefully appropriate. The Miss America organization tends to be a little conservative in this area. In evening
gown, you will wear a gown that you feel demonstrates your beauty, grace and poise. The only other outfit
you will need will be an outfit for the opening number. That outfit will be a cocktail dress or outfit of any
color that displays your personality.

11. Are tickets sold prior to the competition? No. Each person can purchase a ticket at the door. Tickets are
$15 per person. Invite as many friends and family members as you like. Contestants tend to do better when
they have big crowds cheering them during the competition.

12. Do I have to sell ads for the program book? No. However, if you are crowned as one of the titleholders,
you will sell ads for the Miss Iris Tennessee Teen Program book.

13. Do I get to choose my contestant number? Yes and No. The first 3 contestants to turn in their paperwork
will get to choose where they land in lineup. All other contestant’s names will be drawn in random prior to the
pageant for the contestant order.
14. Is this an open pageant and what does that mean? In the Miss America program, there are open
pageants and closed pageants. A closed pageant is a local that is only open to a geographical area or a school.
For example, in order to win a Miss University title, you would have to be a student of that University. An
open pageant is open to any contestant in the state of Tennessee as long as the meet the residential and age
requirements. This local is an open pageant.

15. What do I need to bring with me to the dressing room? Since the location is not a theatre, your dressing
room will most likely resemble a classroom. You will have a table to use to get ready; however, space is
limited. You will need to bring a makeup mirror and/or dressing mirror, portable clothing rack, steamers and
extension cord. Please label everything you bring with you.

16. Can I have a makeup and hair person in the dressing room to help me get ready? No. No one is allowed
in the dressing rooms except the contestants and the hostess. No men are allowed. Parents and/or friends
can help you load your things before the pageant and after the pageant but cannot be in the dressing room
once the director asks everyone to leave.

On behalf of our committee, I would like to thank you for your interest in the Iris Music City Teen & Iris
Capital City Teen Pageant, and I look forward to meeting you.
Our committee is very loyal and supportive of our titleholders and those who enter our pageant. We
want you to have a fantastic experience no matter the outcome.

If you should have any questions, please feel free to call or e-mail me at any time. I have voicemail on
my phone and will gladly return your calls and emails as soon as I possibly can.
Thank you for choosing to compete in our pageant. We appreciate you wanting to be part of the Iris
Music City Teen & Iris Capital City Teen Program.
See you soon!

Elisabeth Reef
Director
Miss Music City/Capital City Outstanding Teen & Miss Iris Teen Pageant