New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
New Bedford is rich in history – whaling, fishing, manufacturing…. and one more thing, pageantry. Founded in 1954, the Miss New Bedford program began its legacy, awarding lifetime opportunities, and most importantly, scholarships! Yes, that’s right – SCHOLARSHIPS! The Miss New Bedford pageant is truly unique and focuses on finding young women who have a desire for success. It seeks contestants who are passionate and committed. Since 1954, the program has built a foundation upon which young women can acquire skills and enhance their lives, both personally and professionally. They build confidence, gain interview experience, strengthen public speaking skills, and develop outstanding leadership abilities.
The annual pageant is now looking to crown its 59th Miss New Bedford! Do YOU have what it takes to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? Here is your chance to take part in a program with 58 years of life-changing experiences that has equipped young women with tools for success. Act now – and sign up for an information session on Sunday, August 14th. Call 508-525-9972 with your questions and to reserve your space today!
What is the Miss New Bedford Scholarship Pageant? We are a scholarship pageant, sponsored by the Greater New Bedford Scholarship Foundation. We are part of Miss America, which is the largest scholarship program for young women in the world. So… if you become Miss New Bedford, you will compete to be Miss Massachusetts. If you win the state pageant, you will compete for the title of Miss America!
What makes me qualified to compete? You must be between the ages of 17 and 24, and you must be graduating from high school by June of 2012. You must be a female, never married and have no children. There are other requirements that are written out in a contract you must sign. If you are under 18, your parents must also sign. There is no official application process and no fee to compete in the pageant. You do, however, need to commit to raising at least $100 for the Children’s Miracle Network, which is a Miss America requirement.
What do I have to compete in? The phases of competition are Interview (worth 25%), Lifestyle and Physical Fitness in Swimsuit (worth 15%), Talent (worth 35%) Evening wear (worth 20%), and an on-stage question (5%).
What do I win? This year’s winner will receive a $2,500.00 scholarship as well as a prize package of preparation allowances, clothing from area stores, unique gifts from our sponsors, and more. Last year, Miss New Bedford’s totals came to almost $5,000.00 in scholarships and special gifts. There are also scholarships and awards available for the runner-ups, and other special award recipients.
What happens after I win? Right after you win, a business managers and the committee will help you begin to prepare for the Miss Massachusetts Pageant, which is held in the summer. Also, you will fill your calendar with numerous public appearances and will have the opportunity to speak about and work with your chosen “platform issue”.
What is a “platform issue”? Every woman in the Miss America Program must have an issue that they care about and would like to work on during the year. (Examples are fighting drunk driving, stopping youth smoking, getting people to register to vote, and so on). This year’s Miss New Bedford focused on promoting volunteerism. During your interview you’ll have the opportunity to speak about yourself and your platform issue. During the year, you will make appearances at local facilities and organizations, which have to do with your chosen issues.
How do I sign up? Simply e-mail contestants@missnewbedford.org or call 508-525-9972. For more information, visit www.missnewbedford.org. You will need to attend the Orientation Meeting on August 14th for all potential contestants. The 2011 pageant will be held on September 25th. It will be our 59th anniversary and I hope you will join us!
