Competition and Judging for 2008

The Teen Division

Interview: 35%

Based on an overall first impression; exceptional communication skills with a commanding presence; personality; personal appearance and beauty; validated opinions and responses; ability to fulfill job responsibilities; sense of accomplishment; and knowledge and understanding of her platform issue.

Contestants should wear interview-appropriate attire. Considering each contestant's style and taste, it may include a skirt and sweater, a pants suit, or a skirt suit. Although they should appear ready for an interview, it should still be age-appropriate.

Talent: 35%

Based on an overall first impression; technical skill level; entertainment value; stage presence; and will audiences be entertained when she performs her talent, if she is selected as the titleholder?

Costumes and music (if applicable) should be appropriate to the talent selected.

Evening Wear: 15%

Based on an overall first impression; beauty; sense of confidence; personality and stage presence; walk, carriage, and grace; sense of style and appropriateness of the evening wear; and does she take command of the stage by simply walking onto it?

Contestants should wear a formal evening gown that reflects her personality and style. It should be a minimum length of mid-calf (although floor-length is suggested) and age-appropriate.

Lifestyle & Fitness in Sportswear: 10%

Based on an overall first impression; physical fitness; physical beauty; sense of confidence and composure; display of drive, energy, and charisma; and does she meet the public expectation of a titleholder?

Contestants should wear an outfit that represents an activity that they enjoy participating in. If they enjoy tennis, they might wear a tennis outfit and carry a tennis racquet; if they enjoy golfing, they might wear golf attire and carry a golf club; etc. Although they may wear the same style of outfit used for their talent, it is encouraged (but not required) to try to think of another activity that they enjoy doing.

On-stage Question(s): 5%

Based on an overall first impression; charisma and stage presence to be a spokeswoman for the organization; special attention given to whether or not the contestant answered the question in context and in the time allotted; did she answer the question; did she have the commanding presence to make the audience want to listen to her?

The question will be based on a topic covered during the contestant's private interview, general knowledge, and/or current events. It could also include drawing a question from a "fishbowl" at random.

*Please note that these are the general percentages used for judging at the local, state, and national levels, and they are subject to changes at the discretion of the local, state, and national programs.