System Spotlight

A crown, is a crown, is a crown right???   Okay, maybe not.  But with so many systems out there and so many types of pageants to choose from, how does one decide where to compete?

As we've mentioned before, some systems "choose" for you.  Come on, I know I can't color you shocked with this statement - every system has parameters - no matter how you slice it.  Whether is an age-out, talent vs. no talent , swimsuit vs. fitness vs. none of the above, must be in school vs. education doesn't matter - every system has certain criteria that you dissect to determine if you want to give that state/local or national director your money. 

With all that said, I figured this was a good as time as any to start our "System Spotlight" section!   Every now and again, we'll choose a system - at random - to spotlight and give you, our dear readers, a chance to learn a little more about it.................. and compete, if you so choose!

It's been so hot lately, I decided to look to HOT-lanta to profile the U.S. United System and their 10 year anniversary!!! The system, under the direction of Marcia Mickens, is dedicated to recognizing outstanding women for outstanding achievements

This July 25 - 28, girls and women ages 3 and up will travel to the southern city to compete in the following divisions:

Tiny Miss (3-5 years old)
Little Miss (6-9)
Junior Miss (10-12 years old)
Teen Miss (13-16 years old)
Elegant Teen Miss (13-16  size 12 plus and above)
Miss - (17-27 years old)
Ms. - (28-39 years old)
Mrs. - (21 and older) "must be living with husband"
Ms. Woman (40-54 years old)
Elite Ms. (55 and older)

Competition in this pageant falls into four categories: 

1) Personal Interview - (35%) Each contestant will be interviewed by a panel of judges for 5 minutes. Judges will ask questions from your personal questionnaire.

2) Outfit of Choice (25%) - This is an outfit that expresses your personality. 

3) Personal Introduction (15%) In this portion, you will introduce yourself to the judges in approximately 20 seconds.

4) Evening Wear - (25%) - This outfit must be a floor-length formal gown

This is an extremely diverse and engaging pageant. So much so that there are also optional categories of competition.  These optional categories have no bearing on the overall pageant scores and do require an additional fee, above and beyond your pageant entry fee.  If you are so inclined you may also compete in: Photogenic, Performance Talent, Community Service, U.S. United Scholar, Peoples' Choice, Cover Girl & even Portfolio for all you photographers out there!

Now for the important part - PRIZES !!  All U.S. United Pageant division winners receive numerous prizes and awards including: Official Rhinestone Crown, Official Embroidered Banner, Banner Pin
Floral Presentation, Rhinestone Jewelry, Fashion Watch, Business Cards, an Engraved Commemorative Award and more!   Some prizes are given upon crowning while others are awarded at the end of your reign.  An important fact to note is that division winners MUST make at least 9 appearances !!! 

 

 Introducing the 2012 U.S. United Royalty - click on their names to visit their Facebook pages!

U.S. United Queen of Queens - Melissa Brown (Georgia)​​

Teen Miss U.S. United - ​Whitney Serauskas (North Carolina​)

Miss U.S. United - Amber Miller (Ohio)​​

Mrs. U.S. United - Ashley Horsely (Ohio)​​  

Ms. U.S. United - Janet Bierer (Montana)​​

 

Elegant Ms. U.S. United - Kia Smith (California)

Elegant Elite Ms. U.S. United - Karen Hauck (Pennsylvania​​​)

Not traditional, but certainly something for everyone.  So, keep this system in mind when you're thinking about competing in a pageant!