- Must be at least thirteen (13) years of age on January 7, 2023.

- Must be no older than eighteen (18) years of age as of December 31, 2023.

- For the avoidance of doubt, candidate cannot turn nineteen (19) years of age at any time between January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023.

- Must reside or attend school on a full-time basis for at least six months in one of the following counties in the state of Illinois: Adams, Brown, Pike, Schuyler, Hancock, McDonough or Scott.

- Relatives must not be a sponsor, volunteer, judge or official with the Miss Quincy Scholarship Program, or any other local or state Miss America Organization preliminary.

- Must be available to attend Miss Illinois Spring Kick-off in Marion in spring 2023 and compete at Miss Illinois' Outstanding Teen in Marion in June 2023.

- $150 entry fee.

Private Interview 30%
Each candidate will compete in a private, standing 8-minute interview the day of the competition. There will be at least five judges. Candidates are questioned on their background as presented on their resume, their social impact initiative, their educational and career goals, their interests, hobbies and extracurricular activities. Scoring is based on communication skills, personal appearance and overall impression. Examples of acceptable interview attire include a business dress, skirt and blouse or pants and a nice top.

Lifestyle & Wellness 10%
This phase of competition is designed to see how well the candidate maintains a lifestyle of good physical health; whether she meets the public expectation of a titleholder and whether or not she has the confidence needed to be a titleholder. The candidate's drive, energy and presence are also to be considered. Candidates will be taught a short, simple routine to be performed on stage. Candidates may wear fitness wear and tennis shoes of their choice. Stud earrings are permitted. It is recommended candidates wear hair out of their face.

Talent 40%
Candidates must perform a 90-second (or less) routine of their own choosing. Some possible talents include all types of singing, dancing, instrumental music, gymnastics, baton twirling, dramatic or comedic monologues, etc. Scoring is based on the candidate’s skill and personality, interpretive ability, technical skill level, stage presence, and the totality of all elements, including costumes, voice, use of body and choreography. Tap dancers may not have music with pre-recorded taps or tap sounds. Vocalists may not have any vocals on their accompaniment music. Only the candidate is permitted on stage during talent competition. Any prop brought on stage must actually be NEEDED, as non-functional props distract from the live performance. Live animals are not permitted. Props involving safety hazards, such as any form of fire, swords, knives, bow and arrows, etc. are not permitted. The projector/projection screen cannot be used. Candidates will compete in an outfit/costume of their own choosing which reflects the talent presented.

Evening Wear/On-Stage Question 20%
The evening wear phase of competition is designed for the judge to assess the candidate's charm, poise, grace and commanding stage presence. Candidates will compete in evening wear of their choice. The on-stage question phase of competition is designed for the candidate to show her ability to think on her feet. Scoring is based on overall first impression, candidate’s ability to answer the question presented, and if young people see her as a role model who is reflective of today’s generation. Each candidate will be asked a question formulated by the judges after the private interview and as such, is an extension of the private interview. The question will be asked during the evening wear portion of competition.

Candidates will perform a fun, simple dance number to open the competition. The production number will be taught at rehearsals and is not judged. Attire: Brightly colored outfit of choice and heels. Please see photo for examples. The theme is Havana Nights.

Each candidate chooses an issue in which she cares deeply and that is of relevance to our society. Once chosen, Miss Quincy's Outstanding Teen will use her stature to address community-service organizations, businesses and civic leaders, the media and others about her social impact initiative.

Candidates must do their own hair and make-up and dress themselves when backstage. Parents, make-up artists, hair stylists, etc. are not allowed backstage or in the interview waiting rooms. Hostesses will be available to assist the candidates.

Each candidate has the option of purchasing special advertising pages in our Official Program Book. This is a great way for you to gain added recognition and exposure by “spotlighting” your photo more than once in our book. As a candidate, your photo is automatically included in our regular competition lineup. The spotlight pages are something extra. Many times, your family members, friends, and other supporters want to give you added visibility. Spotlight advertising is not required, but it’s highly encouraged you sell at least one. Candidates may also approach businesses to purchase ads. The money raised supports our program and scholarship fund, and it also helps you! It empowers people and businesses to buy into YOU and YOUR message. It gives you an opportunity to advertise yourself and tell the judges more about you. Feel free to share your accomplishments, life experiences, information on your social impact initiative, etc. in words or pictures in your spotlight ads. Going into the community and selling ads helps you build a network of support. That's always helpful to have, especially if you become Miss Quincy's Outstanding Teen! The number one reason people give to any cause is because they were asked. Set a goal and practice your pitch. For example, "I'm asking you to believe in me because I want to be a (doctor, teacher, nurse, etc.) and scholarships through the Miss America Organization will help me accomplish that goal." The Miss Quincy's Outstanding Teen candidate who sells the highest dollar amount in ads will have the opportunity to choose her candidate number, have special reserved seating for her friends and family during the competition (up to ten people), and receive a trophy on stage. 

Each candidate is required to provide a high resolution head shot photograph. The photo will be used for the judges’ books, program book, newspaper, social media and People’s Choice Award. 

Parents, family and friends will need to purchase tickets to attend the competition. The cost is $15 per person in advance or $20 at the door. Tickets will be available for purchase after Thanksgiving at EFB Coffee Co. located at 625 Maine Street.

Saturday, November 26 - Candidate Party 

4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Electric Fountain Brewing Coffee Bar & Roastery (625 Maine St.)

At 6:00 p.m., we'll walk to Washington Park for the "Light the Park" event. 

Attire: Casual 

 

Sunday, November 27 - Women's Empowerment Luncheon

12:00 p.m.

Holiday Inn Lake Room (Tony's Too)

This event will feature several successful young women who will share their thoughts on a variety of topics including leadership, goal setting, and health.

Attire: An outfit suitable for an appearance (dress, skirt, jumpsuit, pants, etc.). Please no jeans. 

You are encouraged to invite all the special women in your life to join you, such as your mom, grandmas, aunts, friends, etc.! They may reserve their spot here for $50 per person which includes lunch. There is no charge for candidates. 

 

Sunday, December 11 - Practice

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Quincy Town Center (formerly Quincy Mall) in the previous CJ Banks store next to Kirlin's. 

Attire: A shirt from your school, college or dream college, workout bottoms, tennis shoes. 

Things to bring: $150 entry fee, payment for any program book ads sold (checks made payable to Miss Quincy), heels (to practice opening number and evening gown walk), and water bottle. 

 

Sunday, December 18 - Practice

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Quincy Town Center in the previous CJ Banks store next to Kirlin's. 

Attire: A shirt that represents an organization, activity, club, sorority, hobby, etc. that you're involved in, workout bottoms, tennis shoes. 

Things to bring: Heels (to practice opening number and evening gown walk) and water bottle.

 

Wednesday, December 28 - Practice

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Quincy Town Center in the previous CJ Banks store next to Kirlin's. 

Attire: A shirt that represents your personal style, workout bottoms, tennis shoes. 

Things to bring: Heels (to practice opening number and evening gown walk) and water bottle.

 

Friday, January 6 - Full Rehearsal

6:00 p.m.

Quincy Community Theatre

Attire: Miss Quincy t-shirt (will receive at practice), bottoms of choice (leggings, jeans, etc.), shoes of choice.

Things to bring: Opening number shoes, tennis shoes, talent costume, evening gown shoes, water bottle, and snacks. It will be a long evening so you may want to bring something to do (interview study materials, laptop/iPad, book, etc.) for when you're not on stage. 

 

Saturday, January 7 - Competition Day!

Interview, Oakley-Lindsay Center (individual times to be assigned)

Be in dressing room by 5:00pm

Miss America Program Registration

Please note: there is a $35 fee to register.

After you register for the 2023 competition season in Step 1, you will be asked to sign up for a local competition. Select Miss Quincy on January 7. DON'T FORGET TO USE THE COUPON CODE!

Spotfund Registration

Choose The Miss America Foundation as the nonprofit.

All candidates must register, but fundraising is not required. 

Application

Contract

 

Program Book Form and Head Shot Photo

 

Spotlight Advertising Form (Please submit one form per ad. You may submit the form as many times as needed.)

Your resume is limited to one page and should resemble a work resume. Feel free to be creative and showcase your personality within your resume. 

Some possible items to include:

• Social Impact Initiative
• Talent
• Education
• Scholastic Achievements
• Career Ambition
• Leadership Roles
• Accomplishments
• Employment/Experience
• Interesting Facts

You may use this template (or use it as a guide). Another example can be found here.

Please submit your completed resume here.

Your social impact initiative essay is limited to one page. Please follow these instructions. An example is available here.

Please submit your completed essay here.

Talent Form/Music