| Frequently Asked Questions |
| The Miss America Organization today is one of the nation's leading achievement programs and the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women. |
| September 7, 1921 The first Miss America Pageant, called the "Inter-City Beauty Pageant," takes place in Atlantic City. |
| In 1944 Director Lenora Slaughter raises $5000 to launch the Miss America scholarship program. Previously Miss America is offered furs and movie contracts. Now she is offered funds for college. |
| Questions?Contact us today! Click Here |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
FAQ: Miss Gateway St. Louis & Miss Gateway to the West
What is the Miss America Pageant?
In 2011, the Miss America Pageant will celebrate its 90th anniversary. Started as a swimsuit competition in 1921 in Atlantic City,
New Jersey as a tourist event, the Miss America is a not-for-profit organization that has grown in history and social significance. It
has maintained a tradition for empowering young women to achieve their personal and professional goals, while providing a
forum which express their opinions, talent and intelligence.
Scholarship has been a cornerstone of the Miss America program since 1945 when Bess Myerson was the first Miss America to
receive a scholarship. The Miss America Organization is one of the nation's leading achievement programs and the world's
largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women. Last year, the Miss America Organization and its state and local
organizations made available more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance. This assistance is not just for the
handful of young women who become Miss America, but is available to the over 12,000 young women who compete in the state
and local competitions as well.
Participating in the Miss America system not only helps you pay for college and prepare for a career, it also provides an
opportunity to gain additional life experience, working on issues of importance to society, enhancing your personal and
professional skills and developing your performance-related and other talents.
Is the Miss America Program Different than Miss USA?
The Miss America Organization exists to provide personal and professional opportunities for young women to promote their
voices in culture, politics and the community. It is recognized for showcasing talent, as well as the scholastic opportunities it
provides. Catalina Swimsuits founded the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants in 1952 as a production promotion tool. It
involves the three competitions of interview, swimsuit and evening gown. Miss USA and Miss Universe is owned by the Donald
Trump Organization, while Miss America is a not-for-profit organization and everyone at the local and state level are grassroots
volunteers.
What is the Difference Between the Miss Gateway St. Louis and Miss Gateway to the West Titles?
The Miss Gateway St. Louis and Miss Gateway to the West Scholarship Program are two of approximately 30 local preliminary
pageants in the Miss Missouri system. Miss Gateway St. Louis is a "closed" program, meaning only eligible contestants in St.
Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Jefferson County and Franklin Count are eligible to compete. Miss Gateway to
the West is an “open” program, in which any eligible contestant from within the State of Missouri can compete.
What is the Miss Gateway St. Louis / Miss Gateway to the West Outstanding Teen Program?
In 2005, the Miss America Organization held it’s first sister competition, the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Pageant. Based on
the same ideals of promoting education, goals and showcasing talent, the program is open to eligible contestants age 13 – 17
(but no older than a high school junior.)
How old do I have to be to compete for the title of Miss Gateway St. Louis or Miss Gateway to the West?
Contestants in the Miss program must be between the ages of 17 (must be a high school senior) and 24. Contestants in the
Outstanding Teen program must be between the age of 13 and 17 (no older than a high school junior.) NOTE: As of June 12,
2010, there may be a pending announcement from the Miss America Organization about a change in the age limit the could
extend the miss age from 24 to 25. As soon as the announcement is made by Miss America, the Miss Gateway information will
be updated.
Are there any other eligibility requirements?
Contestants must be a U.S. Citizen and must be single and never have been married. If an out-of-state resident, must have been
a resident at least six months prior to the local program; If an out-of-area college student attending a college or university, must
have successfully completed a minimum of one semester (12 hours) and presently be enrolled and attending classes on a full-
time basis. Also, the standard Miss America State & Local Contract lists the following requirements which pertains to personal
characteristics as follows: Must be, and have always been, a female; can not be, or ever have been, married; can not be, or ever
have been, pregnant; can not have been convicted of any criminal offense; can not have performed any act or engaged in any
activity or employment that is or could reasonably be characterized as dishonest, immoral, or indecent.
What are the phases of competition for Miss Gateway St. Louis / Miss Gateway to the West?
Contestants competing in the miss program at the local level compete in: Talent, Private Interview, Lifestyle & Fitness in
Swimsuit, Evening Wear and On-Stage Question. The outstanding teen contestants compete in the same categories, however
swimsuit is substituted for Active Wear.
Does Someone New to Pageants Competing for a Gateway St. Louis Title Have a Chance at Winning?
Yes. Most titleholders have not competed in pageant systems long before being awarded a local title and scholarship money. In
her first year of competition, Miss America 2002 Katie Harman won a local title and went on to become the first runner-up to Miss
Oregon. The following year she won another local, was selected as Miss Oregon and went on to become Miss America 2002
with only 2 years of competition experience. Katie entered the Miss America system solely for the scholarship money and in 2
years has earned more than $75,000 in scholarships to assist in furthering her education.
Is there an entry fee to compete in the Miss Gateway St. Louis Scholarship Program?
At the miss level there is not an entry fee to enter the Miss Gateway St. Louis Scholarship Program or any other Miss America
preliminary scholarship program. In 2007 the Miss America Organization named the Children’s Miracle Network as its national
platform. Service one of the four points of the Miss America crown, has always been important to contestants striving for the
opportunity to be Miss America. To build on this, contestants at the local level in the Miss America system are now expected to
raise a minimum of $100 to support Children’s Miracle Network and the Miss America Scholarship Fund. This is not an entry fee,
but rather a new service requirement to participate in Miss America sponsored pageants. More information on the Miss America /
Children’s Miracle Network partnership can be found at: www.missamerica4kids.org.
There is a $100 entry fee for contestants competing in the Miss Gateway St. Louis Outstanding Teen Program.
What is the Platform?
In 1989, the Miss America Organization founded the platform concept, which requires each contestant to choose an issue about
which she cares deeply and that is of relevance to our country. Once chosen, Miss America and the local and state titleholders
use their stature to address community service organizations, business and civic leaders, the media and others about their
platform issues. Since 1989, Miss America titleholders have appeared at thousands of public speaking engagements and
charitable events to generate awareness for a variety of causes, including homelessness, HIV/AIDS prevention, domestic
violence, diabetes awareness, character education, literacy, etc.
How are scholarships awarded? Are scholarships available for those who are not awarded a title?
Contestants receiving cash scholarship awards must request the funds by sending a current statement/invoice from their college
or university the treasurer of the Miss Gateway St. Louis Scholarship Program. Scholarship is paid directly to the college or
university (based on guidelines from Miss Missouri and Miss America) , referencing the contestant’s I.D. number so her account
is credited. Traditionally, scholarships are also awarded to the first runners-up of the Miss Gateway St. Louis and Miss Gateway
to the West titles. Depending upon successful scholarship fundraising, it is the Board of Director’s wish that additional
scholarship can be presented to other contestants. In 2010, $2,700 was awarded in the Miss Gateway St. Louis Scholarship
Program. At the state level, the Miss Missouri Pageant awards approximately $40,000 in scholarship. There are also additional
scholarships offered by the Miss America Organization that are available to contestants competing at the local level.
What do the Miss Gateway titleholders do after they are selected?
Miss Gateway St. Louis and Miss Gateway to the West and Miss Gateway St. Louis Outstanding Teen and Miss Gateway to the
West Outstanding Teen will have responsibilities to the local program. These may include meeting scholarship contributors,
making special appearances, public speaking and performing, as well as promoting her platform in the St. Louis community.
The titleholders will also begin working with the Miss Gateway St. Louis Board of Directors in preparation to compete for the title
of Miss Missouri. The Miss Missouri Pageant will be held in June, 2011, in Mexico, MO.
How do I request the current Miss Gateway Louis or Miss Gateway to the West for an appearance?
The current Gateway titleholders are available to make appearances to promote their platforms, to emcee or entertain or to speak
at school or civic organizations. Contact one of the either the Miss or Outstanding Teen co-directors to schedule an appearance.
How do I enter the Miss Gateway St. Louis Scholarship Program?
Eligible contestants who are interested in competing should contact one of the co-directors listed below. Interested contestants
may also view entry and competition information on our web site, click here, and can print out the applicable entry paperwork
required by the Miss Gateway St. Louis Scholarship Program as well as paperwork required by the Miss America Organization.
All information must be complete and returned to the directors for confirmation before the applicant is considered a contestant.
The deadline to enter is October 6, 2010.
Miss Co-Directors: Mallory Landry mallory@missgatewaystlouis.com
Caitlin Corry caitlin@missgatewaysstlouis.com
Teen Co-Directors: Mary McIntosh mary@missgatewaystlouis.com
Kerri Kime kerri@missgatewayslouis.com
What is the Miss America Pageant?
In 2011, the Miss America Pageant will celebrate its 90th anniversary. Started as a swimsuit competition in 1921 in Atlantic City,
New Jersey as a tourist event, the Miss America is a not-for-profit organization that has grown in history and social significance. It
has maintained a tradition for empowering young women to achieve their personal and professional goals, while providing a
forum which express their opinions, talent and intelligence.
Scholarship has been a cornerstone of the Miss America program since 1945 when Bess Myerson was the first Miss America to
receive a scholarship. The Miss America Organization is one of the nation's leading achievement programs and the world's
largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women. Last year, the Miss America Organization and its state and local
organizations made available more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance. This assistance is not just for the
handful of young women who become Miss America, but is available to the over 12,000 young women who compete in the state
and local competitions as well.
Participating in the Miss America system not only helps you pay for college and prepare for a career, it also provides an
opportunity to gain additional life experience, working on issues of importance to society, enhancing your personal and
professional skills and developing your performance-related and other talents.
Is the Miss America Program Different than Miss USA?
The Miss America Organization exists to provide personal and professional opportunities for young women to promote their
voices in culture, politics and the community. It is recognized for showcasing talent, as well as the scholastic opportunities it
provides. Catalina Swimsuits founded the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants in 1952 as a production promotion tool. It
involves the three competitions of interview, swimsuit and evening gown. Miss USA and Miss Universe is owned by the Donald
Trump Organization, while Miss America is a not-for-profit organization and everyone at the local and state level are grassroots
volunteers.
What is the Difference Between the Miss Gateway St. Louis and Miss Gateway to the West Titles?
The Miss Gateway St. Louis and Miss Gateway to the West Scholarship Program are two of approximately 30 local preliminary
pageants in the Miss Missouri system. Miss Gateway St. Louis is a "closed" program, meaning only eligible contestants in St.
Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Jefferson County and Franklin Count are eligible to compete. Miss Gateway to
the West is an “open” program, in which any eligible contestant from within the State of Missouri can compete.
What is the Miss Gateway St. Louis / Miss Gateway to the West Outstanding Teen Program?
In 2005, the Miss America Organization held it’s first sister competition, the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Pageant. Based on
the same ideals of promoting education, goals and showcasing talent, the program is open to eligible contestants age 13 – 17
(but no older than a high school junior.)
How old do I have to be to compete for the title of Miss Gateway St. Louis or Miss Gateway to the West?
Contestants in the Miss program must be between the ages of 17 (must be a high school senior) and 24. Contestants in the
Outstanding Teen program must be between the age of 13 and 17 (no older than a high school junior.) NOTE: As of June 12,
2010, there may be a pending announcement from the Miss America Organization about a change in the age limit the could
extend the miss age from 24 to 25. As soon as the announcement is made by Miss America, the Miss Gateway information will
be updated.
Are there any other eligibility requirements?
Contestants must be a U.S. Citizen and must be single and never have been married. If an out-of-state resident, must have been
a resident at least six months prior to the local program; If an out-of-area college student attending a college or university, must
have successfully completed a minimum of one semester (12 hours) and presently be enrolled and attending classes on a full-
time basis. Also, the standard Miss America State & Local Contract lists the following requirements which pertains to personal
characteristics as follows: Must be, and have always been, a female; can not be, or ever have been, married; can not be, or ever
have been, pregnant; can not have been convicted of any criminal offense; can not have performed any act or engaged in any
activity or employment that is or could reasonably be characterized as dishonest, immoral, or indecent.
What are the phases of competition for Miss Gateway St. Louis / Miss Gateway to the West?
Contestants competing in the miss program at the local level compete in: Talent, Private Interview, Lifestyle & Fitness in
Swimsuit, Evening Wear and On-Stage Question. The outstanding teen contestants compete in the same categories, however
swimsuit is substituted for Active Wear.
Does Someone New to Pageants Competing for a Gateway St. Louis Title Have a Chance at Winning?
Yes. Most titleholders have not competed in pageant systems long before being awarded a local title and scholarship money. In
her first year of competition, Miss America 2002 Katie Harman won a local title and went on to become the first runner-up to Miss
Oregon. The following year she won another local, was selected as Miss Oregon and went on to become Miss America 2002
with only 2 years of competition experience. Katie entered the Miss America system solely for the scholarship money and in 2
years has earned more than $75,000 in scholarships to assist in furthering her education.
Is there an entry fee to compete in the Miss Gateway St. Louis Scholarship Program?
At the miss level there is not an entry fee to enter the Miss Gateway St. Louis Scholarship Program or any other Miss America
preliminary scholarship program. In 2007 the Miss America Organization named the Children’s Miracle Network as its national
platform. Service one of the four points of the Miss America crown, has always been important to contestants striving for the
opportunity to be Miss America. To build on this, contestants at the local level in the Miss America system are now expected to
raise a minimum of $100 to support Children’s Miracle Network and the Miss America Scholarship Fund. This is not an entry fee,
but rather a new service requirement to participate in Miss America sponsored pageants. More information on the Miss America /
Children’s Miracle Network partnership can be found at: www.missamerica4kids.org.
There is a $100 entry fee for contestants competing in the Miss Gateway St. Louis Outstanding Teen Program.
What is the Platform?
In 1989, the Miss America Organization founded the platform concept, which requires each contestant to choose an issue about
which she cares deeply and that is of relevance to our country. Once chosen, Miss America and the local and state titleholders
use their stature to address community service organizations, business and civic leaders, the media and others about their
platform issues. Since 1989, Miss America titleholders have appeared at thousands of public speaking engagements and
charitable events to generate awareness for a variety of causes, including homelessness, HIV/AIDS prevention, domestic
violence, diabetes awareness, character education, literacy, etc.
How are scholarships awarded? Are scholarships available for those who are not awarded a title?
Contestants receiving cash scholarship awards must request the funds by sending a current statement/invoice from their college
or university the treasurer of the Miss Gateway St. Louis Scholarship Program. Scholarship is paid directly to the college or
university (based on guidelines from Miss Missouri and Miss America) , referencing the contestant’s I.D. number so her account
is credited. Traditionally, scholarships are also awarded to the first runners-up of the Miss Gateway St. Louis and Miss Gateway
to the West titles. Depending upon successful scholarship fundraising, it is the Board of Director’s wish that additional
scholarship can be presented to other contestants. In 2010, $2,700 was awarded in the Miss Gateway St. Louis Scholarship
Program. At the state level, the Miss Missouri Pageant awards approximately $40,000 in scholarship. There are also additional
scholarships offered by the Miss America Organization that are available to contestants competing at the local level.
What do the Miss Gateway titleholders do after they are selected?
Miss Gateway St. Louis and Miss Gateway to the West and Miss Gateway St. Louis Outstanding Teen and Miss Gateway to the
West Outstanding Teen will have responsibilities to the local program. These may include meeting scholarship contributors,
making special appearances, public speaking and performing, as well as promoting her platform in the St. Louis community.
The titleholders will also begin working with the Miss Gateway St. Louis Board of Directors in preparation to compete for the title
of Miss Missouri. The Miss Missouri Pageant will be held in June, 2011, in Mexico, MO.
How do I request the current Miss Gateway Louis or Miss Gateway to the West for an appearance?
The current Gateway titleholders are available to make appearances to promote their platforms, to emcee or entertain or to speak
at school or civic organizations. Contact one of the either the Miss or Outstanding Teen co-directors to schedule an appearance.
How do I enter the Miss Gateway St. Louis Scholarship Program?
Eligible contestants who are interested in competing should contact one of the co-directors listed below. Interested contestants
may also view entry and competition information on our web site, click here, and can print out the applicable entry paperwork
required by the Miss Gateway St. Louis Scholarship Program as well as paperwork required by the Miss America Organization.
All information must be complete and returned to the directors for confirmation before the applicant is considered a contestant.
The deadline to enter is October 6, 2010.
Miss Co-Directors: Mallory Landry mallory@missgatewaystlouis.com
Caitlin Corry caitlin@missgatewaysstlouis.com
Teen Co-Directors: Mary McIntosh mary@missgatewaystlouis.com
Kerri Kime kerri@missgatewayslouis.com
