EMPIRE STARS

Miss America isn’t just a role model for young women, she inspires us all.

Empire Stars may not be eligible to compete in the Miss New York or Miss New York’s Teen Program, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have their own Miss New York experience. Participants between the ages of 3 and 12 will have an opportunity to work with, and be mentored by, both our Teen and Miss delegates and could be selected for the once-in-a-lifetime role of Miss New York’s Official Empire Star for the next year. If your son, daughter, niece, nephew, grandchild, student or neighbor is interested in an opportunity to learn more about community service and the sisterhood of Miss New York, then this is the opportunity you have been waiting for.

Join us in Peekskill NY form July 4 to July 6, 2024!

Who can participate?

  • Boys and Girls*
  • Born in or between 2020 and 2009 (will be at least 3 but no older than 12 in 2024)
  • Must be able to attend the rehearsal (same weekend as the show) and walk across the stage without a parent or guardian assisting them

What is included in the Empire Star Package?

2-Day Experience

  • Empire Star t-shirt, sash, and crown*
  • Headshot in the Miss New York Competition Magazine and website
  • Social media feature leading up to State Week
  • Autographs from Miss New York 2023 Amelia Collins and Miss New York’s Teen 2023 Sadie Perry
  • Complimentary photo package of all Empire Star stage time (by request)
  • Breakfast and crowning ceremony with the current state titleholders and Miss Delegates
  • Pizza Party lunch!
  • Participation in our day-2 field trip (activity TBA)
  • Free admission to the Summer Soiree
  • Free admission to the Miss Preliminary Night 2
  • Introduction and Performance on stage during the Miss New York’s Teen and Miss New York Final Competitions.

3-Day Experience

Everything from the Saturday experience, plus:

  • Participation in the Peekskill 4th of July parade
  • Participation in our day-1 field trip (activity TBA)
  • Free admission to Miss Preliminary Night 1

You can download a preliminary schedule here

What are the time commitments?

Empire Stars who register for the 3-day experience will arrive on Thursday morning. Stars who are joining us for the 2-day experience will arrive Friday afternoon. Both options end at the conclusion of the Miss New York Final competition on Saturday evening.

What does my Empire Star wear?

  • Parade – Red white and blue outfit of choice
  • Preliminary competition – semi-formal wardrobe of choice
  • Breakfast, Crowning Ceremony – cute but casual
  • Rehearsal – comfortable clothes
  • Production Number – Empire Star t-shirt, black leggings / pants and sneakers
  • Evening Wear Walk – Formals (suit/dress), their empire star sash and crown.

What are the financial commitments?

The registration fee is $450 for the 2-Day experience and $650 for the 3-day Experience.  This includes all items listed above, as well as food, drinks, and snacks during Empire Star activities and rehearsals. Lodging and additional meals are not included and parents/guardians are responsible for transportation. If you have any questions, reach out to the administrator at ashley@miss-newyork.org. We have flexible/adjusted registration fees for the following:

  • Empire Stars who’s families qualify for public assistance (SNAP, foster care, etc.). Email Sloane (sloane@miss-newyork.org) for eligibility information
  • -$50 for sibling registrations after the first full price registration.

This year’s Empire Star registration will open on January 14, 2024. Once your registration fee is processed, you will receive an email with a link to the “Empire Star Fact Sheet,” which should be returned within 7 days (this includes you empire stars website information and headshot!)

* Because the Empire Stars are a local chapter of the Miss America’s Little Sister Program, boys do not receive the Miss America little sister sash and crown. Boys will receive a boys crown and sash.

** Free entry to the shows and Summer Soiree are for the empire star only. A parent/guardian attending will need a ticket. During the shows, Empire Stars will sit in the balcony with our Star Coordinator and volunteers. You can purchase a seat in this section if you would like to attend with your star, select a seat on the main floor, or collect your star from the lobby at the conclusion of the show. at least on parent/guardian must attend the Soiree with each star unless guardianship with another attendee (not a state contestant) has been arranged.