2011 Miss Georgia Cotton and

Miss Georgia Cotton Outstanding Teen Scholarship Pageant

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Miss Georgia Cotton Scholarship Pageant Program offers intelligent and talented young women
the opportunity to earn scholarship money for college. The next Miss Georgia Cotton will have the
opportunity to compete for the title of Miss Georgia title and possibly the Miss America title for
even more scholarships. The next Miss Georgia Cotton Outstanding Teen will have the opportunity
to compete for the title of Miss Georgia’s Outstanding Teen title and possibly the Miss America’s
Outstanding Teen title which will, also, offer more scholarships.

The Miss Georgia Cotton and Miss Georgia Cotton Outstanding Teen Pageant is an Open Pageant. An
Open Pageant includes all females who reside, work or attend school in Georgia. As of February 12,
2011 Miss Georgia Cotton contestants can be no younger than 17 years old and no older than 24,
unmarried, have never been married or have children. Miss Contestants who are 17 years old must
receive a high school diploma by July 2011. Outstanding Teen contestants must be between the
ages of 13 year old 8th graders-17 year old high school juniors, unmarried, never been married, have
no children and must be attending school.

Rules to compete in the 2011 Miss Georgia Cotton Scholarship Pageant are the same rules as set
forth by the Miss Georgia Scholarship Pageant and by the Miss America Organization. For a list of
these rules, you may go to the Miss Georgia website: www.missga.org

The scoring categories in the Miss Georgia Cotton Scholarship Pageant are exactly the same as the
Miss Georgia and Miss America scoring categories. Miss Georgia Cotton Contestants compete in
Interview (25%), Talent (35%), Swimsuit (15%), On-Stage Question (5%), and Eveningwear (20%)
competitions.

The Miss Georgia Cotton Outstanding Teen division of the Miss Georgia Cotton Scholarship Pageant
is a preliminary to the Miss Georgia’s Outstanding Teen Pageant Program and Miss America’s
Outstanding Teen Pageant Program. Miss Georgia Cotton Outstanding Teen contestants compete in
Interview (35%), Talent (35%), Lifestyles and Fitness in Sportswear (10%), On-Stage Question
(5%), and Eveningwear (15%) competitions.

Miss Georgia Cotton will receive a $500.00 cash scholarship and Georgia Cotton Outstanding Teen
will receive a $200 scholarship.

For additional information, please contact Mary Walker 1411 Rutland Road, Tifton, Georgia 31793
(Home) 229-386-5567, (Cell) 229-402-2506 or Email: mary@chickashaofgeorgia.com or
missgacotton@bellsouth.net Please check out the Miss Georgia Cotton website at
www.missgacotton.org
 2011 Miss Georgia Cotton and
Miss Georgia Cotton Outstanding Teen Scholarship Pageant
A Preliminary for the Miss Georgia and Miss Georgia’s Outstanding Teen Pageant

Dear Possible Contestant:

We are excited that you are considering becoming a contestant in the 2011 Miss Georgia Cotton and
Miss Georgia Cotton Outstanding Teen Pageant, which will be held on Saturday, February 12,
2011. This is a great way to earn some scholarship money and possibly go on to compete for Miss
Georgia or for Miss Georgia’s Outstanding Teen which will be held in June, 2011 in Columbus, Ga.

Because the Miss America rules do not permit the charging of entry fees for the Miss contestants,
only Teen Miss Contestants are required to pay an entry fee of $150.00 which may be secured by a
sponsor or sponsors. We encourage you to get sponsors. A sponsor can be an individual, business,
organization or club. Sponsors will be listed in our program book and will be recognized at the
pageant.

The National Platform of the Miss American Organization is the Children’s Miracle Network. In
conjunction with the Miss America Organization, the Miss Georgia Cotton contestants will be
asked to raise $100.00 each in donations for the Children’s Miracle Network. Information about
this will be attached to this letter. All monies donated for this cause are tax deductible and will be
sent to the Miss America Organization.

Another award that will be given at the pageant is for the Miss Georgia Cotton Congeniality and the
Miss Georgia Cotton Outstanding Teen Congeniality. You and your peers will have the honor of
voting (during the pageant) for a girl in the Miss division and a girl in the Outstanding Teen division
who has been the friendliest, kindest, and most sportsman like throughout the pageant.

The pageant will begin with an opening number and each contestant (Miss & OT) will introduce
themselves at this time. Opening number is casual attire and the colors are black & white.
Example: White top and black bottom or black top and white bottom. Choose your own casual
attire as long as it is tasteful (example: slacks, skirt or dress).

Enclosed is a talent request form that needs to be turned in with your application. No two
contestants can have the same music, so the first one to submit the talent request will be the
one that will be permitted to perform the selection in question. The postmark date on your
envelope or delivery date to me will determine when the form was submitted. You may mail
your talent CD-R to me or bring your CD-R (No CD-RW-these will not work) to Mary Walker
1411 Rutland Road, Tifton, Georgia 31793.
No exceptions! Please be sure to have two copies made, one for us and one for you to practice with
for the pageant. Please note: Talent time is limited to a total of 90 seconds which is the
same as the Miss Georgia Pageant.

All contestants need a black & white or color head and shoulders photo for the program book. It
doesn’t matter since our program is printed in black and white. Photo may be mail to Mary Walker
1411 Rutland Road, Tifton, Georgia 31793 or email to mary@chickashaofgeorgia.com by Monday,
January 31, 2011.

No Orientation will be held.

Deadline for entry to participate in the Miss Georgia Cotton and Miss Georgia Cotton
Outstanding Teen Pageant is Monday, January 31, 2011. We look forward to hearing from you
by that date. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me Mary Walker 1411 Rutland
Road, Tifton, Georgia (Home) 229-386-5567, (Work) 229-388-8008 or Email
mary@chickashaofgeorgia.com or missgacotton@bellsouth.net

Sincerely

Mary Walker
 Miss Georgia Cotton Outstanding Teen
Scholarship Pageant, 1411 Rutland Road, Tifton, Georgia 31793
Work 229-388-8008 Home-229-386-5567
Email: mary@chickashaofgeorgia.com or missgacotton@bellsouth.net

ENTRY FORM/Deadline for Entry - Monday, January 31, 2011

PLEASE PRINT ALL INFORMATION

TEEN MISS CONTESTANT

Contestant’s Name______________________________________________________
(List the way you want it in the program book)

Parent’s/Guardian’s Name________________________________________________

Home Mailing Address___________________________________________________

(Please include zip code)
Home Phone Number____________________________________________________

Mother’s/Guardian’s Cell Phone #__________________________________________

Mother’s/Guardian’s Email Address_________________________________________

Your address at college__________________________________________________

(Please include zip code)
Your Cell Phone _______________________________________________________

Your Email Address_____________________________________________________

County in which you reside, work or attend school in___________________________

Age_______________ Date of Birth______________________________________

(Please enclose a copy of your Birth Certificate and Driver’s License. For younger
Contestants: A copy of your Learner’s Permit or Student ID may be substituted for a
Driver’s License.)

Sponsored By: _________________________________________________________

(Teen Miss Contestants, only.)

Talent Type: ( ) Vocal ( ) Dance ( ) Baton ( ) Piano

( ) Other Instrumental ( ) Monologue
( ) Other Talent (Please Specify) ______________________
Talent/Request Form: (Please see attached)

_____I have enclosed my Talent/Request Form along with the CD-R. (Please be sure and
label your CD-R with your name, talent and name of music. Remember to keep one copy to
practice with.)

IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ:

Please submit this application in the enclosed envelope and either mail or deliver to me before
Monday, January 31, 2011 to: Mary Walker 1411 Rutland Road, Tifton, Georgia 31793 (Call
me, if you need directions.)

TEEN MISS CONTESTANTS: Please return your Entry/Sponsor Fee of $150.00. (Must be
turned in with this application.)

Please make your check or money order payable to: Miss Georgia Cotton Scholarship Pageant
 Georgia Cotton Outstanding Teen
Scholarship Pageant
(Please complete and return with Entry Form by, Monday, January 31, 2011.)
Remember: First choice goes to the earliest talent entry.
(Talent Time Limit: 90 seconds)

TALENT REQUEST FORM

Teen Miss Contestant

Contestant’s
Name:__________________________________________________________________

Type of Talent:___________________________________________________________
(Such as: Jazz Dance, Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Piano, Country Vocal, Pop Vocal, Monologue, play
an instrument, baton, etc.)

Title of Performance:_________________________________________________________

Composer:___________________________________________________________

Publisher:___________________________________________________________

Will you use: Custom CD?______ Commercial CD?______ No CD?______

If your CD will be custom made, please give the name/address/phone number of the studio
and producer:___________________________________________________.

For non-custom CD: If your CD is the original commercial sound track, please give the album
or CD title, album or CD number and the manufacturer’s name. If your CD is a commercial
track (produced by a tracking company, but not the original sound track), please give the
name/address/phone number of the tracking company:

If your talent will be a dramatic reading, comedy monologue, etc. give the name of the book,
play, or writing:__________________________________________________________

Author:______________________________Publisher:________________________

I will bring the following prop which I will use in my talent presentation:

(No live animals, fire or anything hazardous.)

Franchise Director: Mary Walker Date Request Received: ____________________

 Outstanding Teen Talent Introduction

Name ____________________________________________________

Talent Intro: (10 seconds) The introduction that is read for your
talent should be 10 seconds in length. It should include
interesting information about the genre, selection, etc. and must
end with your title and name.

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________

Sample: The tale of Carmen, the flirtatious gypsy with the fiery
temper, has inspired masterpieces in both literature and music.
Bringing to life the fire and passion of this legendary temptress in
an oboe solo, “Carmen Fantasy,” is Miss Cobb County, Emily
Cook.

Other sample talent intros include:

 Pop legend Phil Collins is now taking his career in a new

direction with the Broadway success of his music,
adapted from the Disney animated film “Tarzan.”
Singing Collins’ “You’ll be in My Heart” is Miss
Oklahoma, Lauren Nelson.

 Performing a ballet en pointe to young piano star

William Joseph’s “Within” is Miss Oklahoma, Jennifer
Berry.
 Outstanding Teen Evening Wear Introduction

Name ______________________________________________________

Evening Wear Intro: The introduction that is read for your

evening wear only identifies your parents.(e.g. Mr. & Mrs. John
Smith; Mary & John Smith; Dr. & Mrs. John Smith; Mary Doe & John
Smith; Mr. & Mrs. Tom Doe and Mr. & Mrs. John Smith; etc.)

__________________________ is the daughter _____________________

__________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

Sample: Emily is the daughter of Randy and Annie Cook. Miss

Cobb County, Emily Cook.
 Outstanding Teen Fitness Wear Introduction

Name _____________________________________________________

Fitness Intro: This 10-second intro should be interesting or

unusual information about you that you want to share with the
audience. It should not be about your platform.

Sample: When I was young I was in a plane crash. Nothing can

prepare you for an experience such as that, even though no one
was hurt. As a result I have grown up with a greater appreciation
for life. Miss Atlanta, Rachel Evans.
Name: Jane Smith
Title: Miss Local’s Outstanding Teen

Celebrating Cultural Diversity and Inclusiveness

It is imperative that this nation face and embrace its cultural diversity. While many people have
talked about this issue, I believe that most of them have only paid lip service to the true necessity
of what needs to be addressed related to this issue. There is a false truth in merely accepting and
tolerating cultural diversity. I intend to prove that in order to accept and understand people of
other cultures; one must be willing to step out of a personal cultural comfort zone and identify
the origin of their prejudice. I will specifically focus on three areas: Children, Communities,
and Businesses.

The title of Miss America, combined with the national media already looking at the surface of
this issue, will allow me to create the national awareness that must exist. Currently, the term
“Cultural Diversity” is well known in the halls of institutions of higher learning and, perhaps,
even in the public school classroom because of the need for some to be politically correct. But,
in order for us to make a true change in attitudes and behaviors of Americans, we must move
beyond talk and into action and policy changes.

My plan is to motivate the media and to partner with the National Conference for Community
and Justice. This organization has chapters in every major city in the nation and, in many cases,
those chapters have community leaders involved who can, with encouragement and challenging,
bring this issue out of hiding and into the public light in each of those communities.

Obviously, the media and the NCCJ already exist. However, what is lacking is a lightening rod
to draw attention to this issue. This is where the Miss America Organization steps into the lead.
What better role is there for Miss America than to be an agent of change in organizing our nation
to accept our differences and to create an environment that values each person on individual
characteristics rather than on stereotypes or assumptions?

For years, Miss America was seen as a young woman who cut ribbons and appeared in parades.
It is time for “Miss America” to step out of the convertible and lead the parade. Our country’s
ethnic make-up is changing rapidly and our citizen’s fear of terrorism can explode already
existing, but deeply hidden prejudices. I want to be the leader that this nation needs.

This nation needs this issue addressed now and through the already existing NCCJ and its local
and state organizations combined with the power of Miss America, we can make a concrete
difference now, which will change the direction and the future of our nation.

__________________________
Signature/Date
 Instructions for Typing the Contestant’s Platform Statement
Please remember. This is your opportunity to explain to the judges what your
chosen platform is and why it is important for the Miss America Organization to
embrace this platform. In addition, it should explain how your platform will
further the Miss America Organization “brand” to the public. This ONE (1) page,
single-spaced document combined with the Contestant’s Resume, will comprise your
entire application for this job. The judges will receive exactly what is submitted. Any items
submitted that do not fit the established criteria will be returned for correction only once.
Any items that do not meet the criteria or are submitted after the deadline will not be given
to the judges. If your Platform Statement arrives on the day of the deadline, but does not
meet the criteria, there will not be time to return it to you; therefore, it will not be given to
the judges. The contestant may explain the lack of judging materials during her interview,
if she so chooses.

1. Go to the word processing program of your computer.

2. Start a “new” document.

3. Set margins for 1" on all four sides. The font style may not be any smaller than “10”
and no larger than “12” point type using the Times New Roman font style.

4. With the justification set for left, type “Name:” in bold. Following the colon (:), hit the
space bar twice. Then, type your name.

5. Then, move to the next line and type “Title:” in bold. Following the colon (:), hit the
space bar twice. Then, type your state title.

6. Double space down. Set your justification to “center”. Then type in bold and
underline the title of your Platform.

7. Double space down. Write what you feel is critical for the judge’s to know about your
platform and why it is necessary for you to have the job of Miss America to promote this
issue. What you write will be what the judges know about your platform, your role in
successfully dealing with this issue, and the role the Miss America Organization may play
in your plan.

8. This essay may include some of the following items (this is not to be meant as an
exhaustive list):
• A clear definition of the platform and the specific issues you wish to address
• A plan on how you have or will create awareness of the platform
• The way in which you have or will change attitudes regarding the issue
• The way in which you have or will change behaviors related to this issue
• The way in which your platform issue will move the Miss America Organization
forward
• Your media plans
• Your marketing strategy
• How you propose to fund your ideas/plans
• Any significant accomplishments you have made in regard to your issue

9. At the bottom of the page, you MUST set the justification to the right. Type a line of 26
spaces. Below that line, you must type Signature/Date and after printing sign and
date the document.

Once you have printed the document, it is important that you SIGN and DATE the
document as shown in the attached SAMPLE
Name: Jane Doe
Title: Miss Local’s Outstanding Teen
Hometown: Any town, Georgia

Education: Kenwood High School

Kenwood Middle School
Kenwood Intermediate School
Deerwood Elementary School

Platform Issue: Communication is the Key

Scholastic/Career Ambition: Obtain a Medical Degree

To become a Pediatric Physician

Talent: Gospel Vocal – “Amazing Grace”

Scholastic Honors: Straight A Student; Advanced Math Award; Honor Society

Leadership Roles: Member of Girls Scouts for eight years; Student Body Representative;
Freshman Class President; Middle School Student Body President

Accomplishments: Perfect Attendance K – Present; Recipient of the Kenwood Achievement

Award; Performer, Grand Ole Opry in Nashville

Interesting Facts: The oldest of eight children; Member of Family Vocal Group; members of
our household are from 8 mos. Old to 76 years of age

Marketing Plan: My plan for extending communication in all facets of life can only open more
doors for Miss Georgia Cotton Outstanding Teen. Communication allows us to better
understand not only ourselves, but also those around us. I have a five-step role-playing activity
that can quickly explain

Legacy: My hope at the end of my year of service as Miss Georgia Cotton Outstanding Teen, is
that I have helped teens, their parents and siblings find that they can communicate in all
circumstances (fun times, sad times and in between)

Why I should be Miss Georgia Cotton Outstanding Teen 2010: It is critical that the world
learn to communicate. I believe that problems can be solved or certainly can be less stressful if
those involved would only learn to communicate. My family is a “process in action” of real
communication and I believe that this will enable me to help those around me.
Instructions for Completing the Miss Georgia Cotton Outstanding Teen Contestant’s
Resume

Please remember. This is your opportunity to demonstrate to the judges why they should consider
you for the job of Miss Georgia Cotton Outstanding Teen. You may list as many or as few items
under each category as you desire. This one page, combined with the platform statement, will
comprise your entire application for this job. The judges will receive exactly what is submitted.
Please note: Do not put your age on the Resume!

1. Go to the word processing program of your computer.

2. Start a “new” document

3. Set margins for 1” on all four sides. The font style may not be any smaller than “10” and no larger than
“12” point type, using the Times Roman font style. Please refer to the attached sample to verify you are
following the requested format.

4. With the justification set for left, type “Name:” in bold. Following the colon (:), hit the space bar
twice. Then, type your name as you wish the judges to know it. (If your name is Mary Deborah Smith
and you want to be known as “Deborah Smith”, please type “Deborah Smith”).

5. Then, move to the next line and type “Title:” in bold. Following the colon (:), hit the space bar twice.
Then, type your local title.

6. Then, move to the next line and type “Hometown:” in bold. Following the colon (:), hit the space bar
twice. Then type your hometown including the city and the state.

7. Double space down. Type “Education:” in bold. Hit the tab bar three times and then type your most
recent school first. List in order with the most recent, all schools attended (Pre-K, elementary, middle,
junior high, high school).

8. Double space down. Hit the tab bar once. Type “Platform Issue:” in bold. Hit the tab bar three
times. Type the TITLE of your platform, MAKING SURE IT LINES UP WITH THE INFORMATION
ABOVE IT. DO NOT TYPE ANYTHING OTHER THAN THE TITLE.

9. Double space down. Hit the tab bar once. Type “Scholastic / Career Ambition:” in bold. Hit the Tab
bar once, MAKING SURE IT LINES UP WITH THE OTHERS ABOVE IT. Then type the type of
degree / education you would ultimately like to achieve and beneath that, list your career ambition.

10. Double space down. Hit the Tab bar once. Type “Talent:” in bold. Hit the Tab bar three times.
Type the type of talent and specific selection. MAKE SURE IT LINES UP WITH THE INFORMATION
ABOVE IT. (i.e. Pop Vocal – “Crying”, Tap Dance – “Staying Alive”, etc.)

11. Double space down. Type “Scholastic Honors:” in bold. Hit the space bar twice. Each item should
be separated by a semi-colon (;).

12. Double space down. Type “Leadership Roles:” in bold. Hit the space bar twice. Each item should
be separated by a semi-colon (;).

13. Double space down. Type “Accomplishments:” in bold. Hit the space bar twice. Each item should
be separated by a semi-colon (;).
 Instructions for completing the Miss Georgia Cotton Outstanding Teen
Contestant’s Resume continued

14. Double space down. Type “Interesting Facts:” in bold. Hit the space bar twice. Each item should
be separated by a semi-colon (;).

15. Double space down. Type “Marketing Plan:” in bold. Hit the space bar twice. In sentence form,
explain how you would market the Miss Georgia Cotton Outstanding Teen “brand”. Please include any
relevant experience you have which may uniquely qualify you to serve in this position. Please be aware
that a portion of the Outstanding Teen job description will include marketing the Miss Georgia Cotton
Outstanding Teen program to potential sponsors, educational institutions, and organizations.

16. Double space down. Type “Legacy:” in bold. Hit the space bar twice. This should be typed in
sentence form. Please write what your legacy, as Miss Georgia Cotton Outstanding Teen will be. This
statement should answer the question, “A year after giving up your title as Miss Georgia Cotton
Outstanding Teen, what will we remember about your year of service?”

17. Double space down. Type “Why should I be Miss Georgia Cotton Outstanding Teen 2011?” in bold.
Hit the space bar twice. Explain to the judging panel why you should be selected Miss Georgia Cotton
Outstanding Teen and, more importantly, why you should be selected Miss Georgia Cotton Outstanding
Teen this year.

Please remember that the entire form MUST FIT ON ONE PAGE using the Times Roman font
style. You must leave a 1” margin on all four side of the page. Use your best judgment on what is most
important for the judges to know about you. Use your space wisely. Attached you will see an example of
what this should like. Any variations from this form will be returned to you and will not be accepted.
Your materials will not be retyped. The judges will receive your original work. CHECK SPELLING
AND GRAMMAR!!

This form will be given to the judges along with your platform statement. You will notice there is a
required signature line at the bottom of the platform statement. When these two pages are put together,
they create your entire application. Your signature will cover the materials listed ON BOTH PAGES.
Your signature verifies that everything on your forms (both pages) is true and accurate. If it is proven
that any information on these forms is not true, correct, and factual, you risk losing your local / state title.

Some spacing issues may arise. Simply follow the example provided (i.e. in some cases you may
need to hit the “tab bar” four times instead of three times). Do not attempt to change margins, font,
size options, or deviate from the requested criteria as set forth in this document.
 Outstanding Teen
Program Book Information

Pageant: ______________________________________________________

Name______________________________________ Age: ______________

Parent’s
Names(s)______________________________________________________

Talent: ___________________ Title of Music: ________________________

School: _____________________ Major: ____________________________

Platform:
____________________________________________________________

Please answer all of the following questions as briefly as possible:

What three words would you use to describe yourself?

If you could interview anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

What is your greatest accomplishment?

What is the one thing you can’t live without?

What was your most unexpected moment?

How do you maintain your physical fitness?

What is your secret wish or dream?

What is the best compliment you’ve ever received?

Other than a family member, who would you consider to be your role model?

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Why did you choose your particular platform issue?

How did you first become active in your “talent”?

Please email your photo and this completed form to mary@chickashaofgeorgia.com

The photo must be high resolution of at least 300 dpi saved in jpg format, sized for 8”x10”
and in color.
Please name your photo with your name & division Outstanding Teen or Miss
Head and Shoulders Only!

Deadline: received or postmarked by January 31, 2011

 Outstanding Teen 2011
Application Packet Checklist

Please make sure that every item is turned in by its deadline.

___1. Contestant Application – Complete (will not be presented to judges) Due January 31, 2011.

___2. Resume—there are specific instructions included in this package. You MUST follow these
instructions without ANY alterations…no exceptions! Send 5 copies. Due January 31, 2011.

___3. Platform Statement—each contestant must submit a platform statement discussing the issue she
will promote during her year of service if selected as Miss Georgia Cotton. Send 5 copies. Due January
31, 2011.

___4. Talent, Evening Wear, Fitness Wear Intros—each contestant must submit a completed
Introduction. Due January 31, 2011.

___5. Talent Request Form and Talent Guideline Form. Due January 31, 2011.

___6. Driver’s License (if issued one), and Birth Certificate. Due January 31, 2011.

___7. Compact disc—each contestant must submit a compact disc (CD) of her talent
Accompaniment. It must be the ONLY song on your CD. Any talent that goes overtime may result in the
contestant’s disqualification from the competition. No cassettes will be accepted. Please submit lyrics.
Keep a copy for you to practice! Due January 31, 2011

___8. Photographs—each contestant must submit 1 black & white or color photo for the program book.
Due January 31, 2011.

___9. Opening number, Wardrobe, Fitness Wear and Talent Guidelines Read through. The pageant
will begin with an opening number and each contestant (Miss & OT) will introduce themselves at
this time. Opening number is casual attire and the colors are black & white. Example:
White top and black bottom or black top and white bottom. Choose your own casual attire as
long as it is tasteful (example: slacks, skirt or dress).

NO DRESS REHEARSALS