Frequently Asked Questions

 

Who can compete in the pageant?

  • You must be a citizen of the United States

  • You must live, work, or attend school in the state of Indiana

  • You must meet the age requirements

  • You must meet the character criteria and all other eligibility requirements as set forth by the Miss America Organization

  • You must be in reasonably good health to meet the job requirements

  • You must be able to meet the time commitment and job responsibilities

  • Specific to Miss Spirit of Indiana - A potential contestant is only eligible for if she has never competed at the state level in the Miss America Organization. This includes the Indiana competition AND any other state competition. A previous teen contestant who has competed at Miss Indiana's Outstanding Teen (and any other state's teen program) IS eligible to compete as long as she meets all other requirements

Can my friends and family come to the pageant?

YES! We highly encourage you to invite your friends and family to come and support you. Ticket and show information can be found on our website and on our Facebook page.

How do I apply to compete in the pageant?

When our paperwork becomes available we provide you with the instructions to complete the following:

  • Local resume

  • Local platform statement

  • Local contract

  • $100 donation

How can I raise the $100 donation?

You can share your fundraising page with family and friends on social media, which is one of the best ways to raise your $100 donation. You can also ask local businesses or others to sponsor you.

Do I have to buy a whole new wardrobe?

NO! In fact, we discourage it. Wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable and confident. Past contestants have borrowed talent costumes, interview dresses, and even prom gowns from friends. If you have a specific wardrobe question, please ask and we’ll be happy to help.

I don’t have a talent, but I want to compete. What should I do?

Everyone has some kind of talent! In the past, we have had dancers, singers, instrumentalists, gymnasts, speed hair stylists, monologues, and more. This is your chance to showcase your unique talent. Remember, talent presentations are only 90 seconds! If you have a specific talent question, please ask and we’ll be happy to help.

What scholarships and prizes are awarded?

We depend exclusively on private donations to fund our program, prepare our titleholder for the Miss Indiana competition, and provide scholarships for young women. All scholarships and prizes are subject to change based on the competition year. Note that we do not break ties when it comes to preliminary awards; therefore if two women have tied, we will recognize each woman.

What kind of time commitment goes into being Miss Spirit of Indiana or Miss Heart of the Midwest?

We tell every woman who wins our program that they will get out what they put in.

Our directors and board will go above and beyond to prepare you to be your best self during your year of service and for the Miss Indiana competition.

We want our titleholders to succeed in all that they do; therefore, we set the expectation of a flexible, yet reasonable, time commitment. For example, most of our winners have had at least one to two appearances per month after they win.

We expect our winners to make their year of service and preparations for the Miss Indiana Scholarship Pageant a priority along with school, work, and other activities.