The Miss New York Experience

What is a Titleholder?
Miss America, Miss America’s Teen, Miss New York, Miss New York’s Teen – These are perhaps the most recognizable names to the general public. However, local Titleholders – Miss Manhattan, Miss Hudson Valley’s Teen, and so on – have a thrilling and diverse roll to play. Our delegates (also called titleholders) are the public face of this organization and a representative for all of those who did not earn a title this year. They are expected to take an active role in their communities and to be a role model for younger generations and their peers. Delegates set an example for those around them by advocating for the importance of education and philanthropy. During her year of service a titleholder will have opportunities to earn scholarships, develop public speaking skills, engage in community activism, and network with professionals from around the state and the nation. Delegates are expected to maintain a clean and active presence in person and on social media and to conduct themselves with the integrity worthy of a leader in this iconic organization.

What is the Community Service Initiative?
This is a service organization. Delegates are required to choose a Community Service Initiative (CSI) which will be the basis of their community involvement during their year as titleholders. Initiatives vary widely and can be an organization, and idea or a movement. Past examples include: “Financial Literacy in Youth”, “The Boys and Girls Club of America”, “Breast Cancer Awareness”, “Putting an End to Bullying”, and “Achieving Success Through Positive Body Image”. It is open-ended and should be chosen based on the delegates passions and experience.

The Competition
The categories and percentage below are used at the local level (ie. Miss Manhattan) and the state level (Miss New York) for both the Miss and Teen age divisions. The phases and percentages are subject to change at the National level. Importantly, the value of a delegates wardrobe and her physical shape and size are not considered at any time during the competition – This competition is designed to find the most qualified representative for her community based on service initiative, dedication to her craft and skills, intelligence, and ability to relate to members of the public from any walk of life.

Private Interview  |  30%

Delegates begin with a 30 second opening statement, introducing their Community Service Initiative to the judges. This is followed by a nine minute Q&A and an optional 30 second closing statement. The discussion with the judges ranges in topic from the Community Service Initiative, to education goals, to current events.

What is judged:

  • Ability to fulfill the qualifications, responsibilities, duties, and term of the titleholder
  • Commitment to her community service initiative
  • Ability to express beliefs in an authentic and relatable manner
  • Sense of accomplishments and goals
  • Spontaneity, intelligence, sense of humor, charm and charisma.
  • Authenticity and ability to answer questions in a conversational and unrehearsed manner
  • Ability to serve as a representative of her generation

Stage Interview  |  10%

This is a single question asked to each delegate pertaining to the Community Service Initiative. It is an opportunity to underscore the importance of, and passion for, their chosen service platform.

What is judged:

  • Commitment to the ‘Service’ point of the crown
  • Unique perspective on community service and it’s local impact
  • Desire to create interest in your community service initiative
  • Intelligence, personality, charisma, and aptitude for the titleholder’s opportunity
  • Sense of composure in presenting ideas on stage
  • Interactivity with the panelists and the audience.

Health & Fitness  |  20%

Delegates showcase their commitment to health and fitness initiatives. A delegate’s discipline and commitment to being physically healthy is a key to success in all areas of life. The routines are of equal length and choreographed to highlight their personal fitness.

What is judged:

  • Comfort and confidence level on stage
  • Overall impression of health and fitness commitment
  • Spontaneity and flow of presentation
  • Preparedness to serve as a health and fitness ambassador

Talent Presentation  |  20%

Delegates’ presentations may include singing, dancing, baton twirling, acting, instrumental performance and more. Additionally, delegates who may not have a traditional stage talent are encouraged to present a “HERstory” piece – a personal story which can move, inspire, or entertain.

What is judged:

  • Performance or storytelling skills
  • Ability to capture the attention of an audience while performing on stage.
  • Interpretive ability and entertainment value
  • Stage presence, on-stage personality and personal connection to her story.

Evening Wear  |  20%

This is an opportunity for the delegate to showcase the sense of style they would bring to the role while attending galas, fundraisers, award shows, and other formal events. Scoring is not based on the actual or perceived cost of the delegates’ wardrobe.

What is judged:

  • Ability to capture attention on stage
  • Comfort, confidence, and composure