The Reign: Official Competition Guide

Letter from Executive Director Welcome to the Miss Southlake Organization I am a beneficiary of the outstanding legacy of the Miss Texas and Miss America Organizations. As a local titleholder, I competed four times with four different organizations before I was selected to serve as Miss Texas 2012. Each of my local directors and boards gave countless time, energy, talents, and resources to help shape me into who I am today.

Although several years have passed since I served as Miss Texas, my heart has never left this organization. The life skills that you learn through competing and serving as a titleholder aid you in every area of your life. That is ultimately why I decided to come back as a local director. I am excited to hit the ground running with innovative ideas to enrich the legacy of this program.

Preparing Women for the Stage and Beyond A major component of Miss Texas and Miss America is the competition. I have spent a majority of my life in different types of competitions. I began my competitive years in twirling, transitioned to the Miss America local, state, and national stage, and now compete in the courtroom. I know about the persistence and drive that it takes to train like a champion. We have assembled an exciting team of talented people who also know what it takes to reach the next level.

Preparing Great Women for the World As the largest scholarship provider for women, Miss America funds the academic dreams of its participants. Thanks in part to my scholarships from local competitions, Miss Texas, and Miss America, I graduated debt-free. As Malala Yousafzai said, “One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” We are striving to increase the amount of scholarship assistance we can provide to our representatives and all of our candidates.

Preparing the World for Great Women Women’s voices are being heard like never before. We want to build on that movement by developing our representative’s advocacy skills and providing opportunities for her to advocate for her causes.

By partnering with the Southlake local government and other local organizations, we can show our community the power of our program and our women.

We are so excited that you have chosen to participate in our organization! We are going to have a phenomenal year.

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DaNae Couch Lowe, Miss Texas 2012

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COMPETITION INFORMATION

A New Season Begins, and The Legacy Continues.

The Miss Southlake, Miss Westlake, Miss Southlake’s Teen, and Miss Westlake’s Teen Competition will take place at the Coppell Arts Center in Coppell, TX, on Sunday, September 8, 2024. A day-of schedule will be circulated closer to the competition.

We are incredibly excited to welcome you to this state-of-the-art facility. and we are proud to advance the mission of the Miss America Organization and Miss Texas Organization following the 102nd and 87th Anniversaries, respectively.

More than anything, this Competition Guide is a resource. The rest of the Guide will provide a high-level overview of the Phases of Competition, the Score Distribution, Applicable State & Local Paperwork, and Ad Page information. It will also flag relevant deadlines so that you are ready to compete on September 8.

The Phases of Competition include: Private Interview, On-Stage Conversation, Health & Fitness, Evening Gown, and Talent or HERStory.

We look forward to having you join us on September 8, and we look forward to the opportunity to welcome you into The Lakers Family.

If you have any questions about how to get involved in The Lakers Organization, please contact Executive Director DaNae Couch Lowe at DaNae@MissSouthlake.org. We would be happy to answer any questions that you may have and connect you with applicable resources.

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WHY SHOULD I BE A CANDIDATE

Each year, thousands of young women participate at the local, state, and national levels, culminating in the selection of 52 national finalists who compete for Miss America or Miss America’s Teen. One of them could be you—all you have to do is take the leap!

People always ask: Why Should I Be a Candidate? Well, Because You Can: • Gain valuable experience and Develop life skills (e.g. interview skills, public speaking, interpersonal communication, social interaction, etc.); • Earn quality scholarship funds for college and graduate school, regardless of whether a title is won; • Find new interests and Discover new opportunities; • Make lifelong friendships and relationships; • Learn to set goals, follow them through, and exceed your expectations; • Develop a sense of responsibility for helping others and Engage in community service; • Foster a positive, self-motivated mindset to achieve your goals; • Receive recognition for your efforts in bettering yourself and your community; • And More!

To compete for the national title, you must first register for membership in the Miss America Program. Membership gives you access to exclusive member benefits as well as the ability to compete in local competitions. If you win a local competition, you can then compete in your state competition for a chance to compete at the national Miss America or MATeen Competition —a process requiring hard work, talent and personal commitment. Along the way, you will learn valuable life and career skills and earn thousands of dollars in scholarships to help pay for your education. In doing so, you will make memories that last a lifetime!

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ELIGIBILITY MISS TEXAS

Age: Must be between 18-27 as of June 21, 2025 School, Residency, Employment: Requirement satisfied by one of the following: • Reside in the State of Texas (may use parent’s address for residency); • Enrolled in and physically attending classes at an accredited college; OR • Employed on a full-time basis in the State of Texas Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen

MISS TEXAS' TEEN Age: Must be between 14-18 as of June 21, 2025 School, Residency, Employment: • Reside in the State of Texas (may use parent’s address for residency); • Must be successfully enrolled and attending classes on a full-time basis at an accredited public or private school, or home schooled in Texas Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen 6 | THE LAKERS ORG

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2023-2024

YEAR IN

REVIEW 8 | THE LAKERS ORG

The Miss Southlake Scholarship Organization has been incredibly active since the 2024 Competition. Annette Addo-Yobo, Sophia Haddad, Austin Douglas and Sunya Ajani represented Southlake at 150 in-person and virtual events. We are so thankful for their incredible service to their community!

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the reign Stye. Service. Success. Scholarship. Southlake.

Miss Southlake, Miss Westlake, Miss Southlake’s Teen, and Miss Westlake’s Teen (The Lakers) are the celebrity representatives of the Miss Southlake Scholarship Organization (MSSO) to the public.

As a member of the MSSO team, she is responsible for positively advancing the goals and objectives of MSSO as well as her own Community Service Initiative (CSI). The Lakers will work with the MSSO team to develop goals to advance her chosen CSI while serving as a role model in the SouthlakeWestlake communities.

In addition, the Lakers will serve as advocates for the Miss America Scholarship Foundation and the MSSO, raising funds to create educational opportunities for young women a reality. Locally, the titleholders support the Lone Star Scholarship Foundation and Texas Cares for Children.

As such, public speaking and performance are essential skills for our representatives. She will speak to and perform for audiences of all sizes. She is a representative of MSSO with sponsors, students, and the communities of Southlake and Westlake.

A first step to continuing her education and career, joining the Lakers is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that carries with it service above self. We look forward to welcoming you to the Sisterhood!

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community September 2024 Celebrate Southlake | Sept. 7 Miss Southlake & Miss Westlake | Sept. 8 State Fair of Texas | Sept. 27 - Oct. 20 Somos Southlake | Date TBA

October 2024 State Fair of Texas | Sept. 27 - Oct. 20 Southlake Oktoberfest | Oct. 11 - 13 Westlake Classic Car Show | Date TBA

November 2024 Southlake Diwali Fest | Date TBA Southlake Home for the Holidays | Nov. 23

December 2024 Westlake Christmas Tree Lighting | Date TBA Dallas Holiday Parade | Date TBA Grapevine Parade of Lights | Dec. 7

Opportunities in 2025 Miss America & Miss America's Teen | Jan. 2025 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo | Jan. 17 - Feb. 8 Rodeo Houston | Mar. 4 - Mar. 23 Art in the Square | April 2025 Southlake Stars & Stripes | July 3 More opportunities are forthcoming!

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PHASES OF COMPETITION

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PRIVATE INTERVIEW Comprising 30% of a delegate's score, the ten-minute interview provides insight into the delegate's ability to fulfill the responsibilities of a local titleholder. You will submit a one-page Fact Sheet and Community Service Essay that will guide the interview. It gives the judges the opportunity to learn about your unique qualities, commitment to advance your community service initiative, accomplishments beyond your fact sheet, and your personal beliefs.

ON-STAGE CONVERSATION Comprising 10% of a delegate's score, the On-Stage Conversation question is a single question asked on stage regarding the delegate's community service initiative. A delegate will have thirty seconds to respond to the question.

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EVENING GOWN Comprising 20% of a delegates score, each delegate will compete in Eveing Gown in the evening wear of her selection. This phase of competition highlights each delegate's unique sense of style while wearing an evening gown in a fashion suitable for an appearance as Miss Texas/Miss Texas' Teen.

Part of a titleholder's role is to attend galas, fundraisers, awards shows, and other formal events. This often involves walking a red carpet, posing for press photographers, modeling in fashion shows, and promoting various national fashion designers who partner with the Miss America/Miss America's Teen programs.

Note: Neither the attire itself nor the estimated cost of the wardrobe will be considered in scoring.

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TALENT OR HERSTORY Comprising 20% of a delegate's score, the 90-second talent or HERstory competition allows insight into the candidate’s preparatory and performance skills. Talent may be either (1) a performance talent or (2) a HERStory presentation. Performance talents include vocal, dance, instrumental, gymnastics, twirling, speed-painting, monologues or spoken words, etc. HERstory presentations are an opportunity for a delegate to share a 90-second story that provides insight into the delegate's background.

The talent presentation, overall performance, and technical ability and skill are taken into consideration. For information regarding approved performance talents or HERstory parameters, please reach out to DaNae Couch Lowe at DaNae@MissSouthlake.Org.

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HEALTH & FITNESS The Miss America and Miss America's Teen Organizations are partnered with the American Heart Association to promote the importance of women's heart health. Comprising 20% of a delegate's score, the Health & Fitness Competition is where the delegate showcases her commitment to these health and fitness initiatives.

Here, a delegate will model aerobic or active-wear clothing, NOT a swimsuit on stage for 20-30 seconds. Judges will consider the first impression of a dynamic presence, high energy, engaging vitality and a sense of confidence.

The Miss America Organization launched a collection with Rebel Athletic for Health & Fitness wardrobe, with a percentage benefiting the scholarship organization. Scan the QR Code to show your support!

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Set-Up Your American Heart Association Fundraiser All Miss and Teen candidates are required to fundraise $30 for the AHA in support of Miss America and Miss America's Teen. Set up your fundraiser via Spotfund using the following links: Miss: http://spot.fund/missamerica2026 Teen: http://spot.fund/missamericasteen2026

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Share Your Story and Promote Go Red for Women Share why the Miss America x AHA Go Red for Women partnership is meaningful to you, and share the campaign with friends and family!

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Fundraise $30 Fundraising Prior to Submit proof of fundraising to Executive Director DaNae Couch Lowe at DaNae@MissSouthlake.org by Friday, September 6.

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ENTRANCE PACKAGES EARLY BIRD

STANDARD

DELUXE

Entrance Fee

Entrance Fee

Entrance Fee Full Page Ad

$100

$150

$200

Register by August 23

All Candidates Must Raise $30 for American Heart Association

WARDROBE REHEARSALS

Comfortable, Active Wear

OPENING NUMBER & ON-STAGE CONVERSATION

Black Cocktail Attire - Candidate’s Choice

Interview Attire - Candidate’s Choice

PRIVATE INTERVIEW

Costume - Candidate’s Choice

TALENT OR HERSTORY

Evening Wear - Candidate’s Choice

EVENING GOWN

Active Wear - Go Red with Rebel Athletic

HEALTH & FITNESS

AD PAGES & SUBMISSION PRICING INFORMATION

SUBMISSION DETAILS Submit to danae@misssouthlake.org

1/4 Page Ad

$25

1/2 Page Ad

$50

Attach Ad as JPG or PDF

Full Page Ad

$100

Make design requests in email body

All Digital Ads in Color

Subject: AD PAGE - Candidate Name

Deadline: September 1, 2023

Questions about Ad Pages?

Contact Bryce Couch at bcouch2019@gmail.com 20 | THE LAKERS ORG

REGISTER

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The Laker Girl Program The Princess Program is designed to promote early involvement in the Miss America program. It is a mentoring program and gives young girls a chance to learn more about what being a local or state titleholder involves. Young ladies must be 6–12 years and cannot be older than 12 years by the date of the Miss Texas Competition in June 2024.

Why Should I Join the Southlake Laker Girl Program?

The Miss Southlake Scholarship Organization is committed to investing in the Laker Girl Program. Our goal goes beyond simply creating a memorable experience for the girls involved. We hope to create lasting mentorship relationships that exist beyond the stage. To that end, opportunities for Laker Girls are year-round rather than confined to the Competition date.

On April 3, 2020, the Miss Southlake Scholarship Organization hosted a Virtual Princess Party. Twenty-five members of the Miss Texas and Miss Texas’ Outstanding Teen Classes of 2020/2021 contributed to the talent showcase.

We welcomed Payton May, the reigning Miss America’s Outstanding Teen, as well as our fabulous state queens Miss Texas Chandler Foreman and Miss Texas’ Outstanding Teen Allie Graves. The event welcomed 151 unique, participant computers, many of which were shared by multiple viewers.

We also coordinate holiday events. This includes an in-person Christmas party, virtual Easter Egg Decorating hosted via Zoom, a virtual Christmas Celebration Concert, and a Virtual Tea Time. We are also honored to welcome Laker Girls at the Miss Texas Competition if you choose to participate as a Texas Lone Star.

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Southlake Laker Girl Experience The standard fee to be a Southlake Laker Girl is $75. Additional participation packages are available and outlined below.

At the Miss Southlake Competition, Southlake Laker Girls will participate in planned programming with Miss Texas Annette Addo-Yobo, Miss Westlake Austin Douglas, Miss Southlake's Teen Sophia Haddad, and Miss Westlake’s Teen Sunya Ajani.

They will also have the opportunity to be featured at the Miss Southlake Competition, and we are thrilled about getting to welcome them.

Once you have chosen your Laker Girl, please notify us and provide us with their contact information. We will send them registration paperwork that they will need to send with their payment, and we will coordinate the competition details with them. If you need help finding a princess, please let us know. It really does make the experience fun, though, if you choose a princess with which you have a personal relationship.

Southlake Laker Girl Registration Paperwork and Payments are due by no later than Friday, August 30, 2024. For additional information, contact danae@misssouthlake.org.

All Southlake Laker Girls will have the option of being your Texas Lone Star for the year and participating at the Miss Texas and Miss Texas’ Teen Competitions in June 2025. If a Laker Girl chooses to become a Texas Lone Star, she should visit the Miss Texas website for additional information. For more information on the Texas Lone Star Program, please visit https://www. misstexas.org/lone-stars.html.

PARTICIPATION PACKAGES STANDARD

PREMIERE

Participation Fee 1 Laker Girl Ticket

Laker Girl Party Participation Fee 1 Laker Girl Ticket 1/2 Page Ad

$75

$125

Note: Parents must purchase tickets for the show.

The Laker Girl fee covers the entry of the Laker Girl at the Competition.

ABOVE: Texas Lone Stars perform on stage during the during Miss Texas and Miss Texas' Teen Competition in June 2023 at the Eisemann in Richardson, TX.

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