Description of Judges Activities and Scoring

Two weeks prior to the Finals program, five Judges and an Alternate, will receive a biography and photo of each contestant. Program judges are from outside Payne County and are required to sign a Statement of Impartiality. Judges are screened prior to the Finals program to determine if they know any of the contestants. If they do, they are disqualified. All information provided by contestants in their biography and registration forms are confidential and will not be used outside the realm of Junior Miss. Judge’s decisions are final. All judging documents are destroyed immediately after the Finals program, and Judges are instructed not to discuss contestants and/or their scores outside of the Judges room. Descriptions of the judged categories are included below. Each contestant is scored individually in all categories and NOT compared to the other contestants. THERE IS NO SWIMSUIT COMPETITION. THIS IS NOT A BEAUTY PAGEANT. An Opening Number, Fitness, and Self-Expression practice CD will be provided.

Interview - 10 minutes each contestant - 25% of total score

The first time the contestants meet the Judges face to face is at the individual Interview sessions on Finals day. It is recommended that the contestants dress conservatively, stylish, yet comfortable. The contestant should prepare herself by reading newspapers, getting news from the TV or Internet, be able to answer questions about historical events, and know their elected local, state, and national officials. Most of the questions will come from their BIO’s, but the contestant may also be asked about her values and personal choices. A day has been set aside for Interview practice.

Scholastic - 20% of total score

Three Scholastic Judges, who are a separate panel from the program judges, and who are fully qualified University Admissions officers/Advisors/Academic Counselors, use the Contestant Academic Record Form prepared by the contestant’s school counselor to score Scholastics.

Talent - 90 second time limit - 25% of total score

If Talent exceeds 90 seconds, the contestant will receive no score for her presentation. It is recommended your Talent be at 87-88 seconds. Talent can take many forms: dance, song, monologue, dramatic reading, piano, musical instrument, twirling, etc. In addition to the time limit, the contestant is also judged on appropriateness of costume. The wearing of French cut leotards or similar revealing clothing is NOT ALLOWED. Talent costumes MUST be presented to the Payne County’s Junior Miss staff for evaluation at least two weeks prior to Finals week. Music for vocal performance must not contain lyrics. IMPORTANT - Timing of Talent begins at the first movement or sound from the contestant’s instrument, CD music, or voice, and ends with the last movement or sound from the contestant’s instrument, CD, or voice. Accompaniment is not allowed, but simple contestant provided props are allowed. Please make two copies of your Talent CD, one for you, and one for the sound technician.

Fitness - 8 minute routine - 15% of the total score

All contestants, or groups of contestants, will be on stage at the same time for the eight (8) minute Fitness Routine. The group routine must be the first four (4) minutes, with individual routines taking up the next four (4) minutes. After the group routine, individual contestants will be highlighted for 16 counts, and all contestants must do the exact movements during their individual routine. PCJM staff will work with you on apparel for the Fitness Routine. A practice CD will be provided to you at the first rehearsal.

Self-Expression - 4 to 5 minute routine - 15% of the total score

Your poise and demeanor may be great, but if your gown/dress is deemed inappropriate by the judge’s, points will be deducted. At the end of the Self-Expression Routine, each contestant will answer the same question provided to her by the Emcee. Self-Expression gown/dress MUST be presented to the Payne County’s Junior Miss staff for evaluation at least two weeks prior to Finals week. A practice CD will be provided to you at the first rehearsal.