How old do I have to be? Girls who are differently abled (of ALL abilities!) between the ages of 5 and 21 (as of Sept 1) can register for the Miss Exceptional pageant. This year we will have 5 divisions: Petite (ages 5-7) Little (ages 8-10), Junior (ages 11-13), Teen (ages 14-17) and Woman (ages 18-21). Do I have to wear makeup? No, you don't! We want you to embrace your natural beauty. Makeup is allowed, however, girls 13 and under are only allowed to wear light makeup and girls 14 and up can wear age-appropriate makeup. Judges may take away points for excessive makeup. Do I have to wear a fancy dress? No, you don't! Sunday best is completely acceptable, so you don't have to get anything new (unless you want to!). Dress of all lengths and style are acceptable! We have partnered with the Princess Project of Washington, free dresses are available by calling 253.584.4336 (Exceptional Families Network). What about high heels? Contestants should think about their safety and comfort first. Extravagant shoes are not necessary. For girls 12 and under, "high" heels are not allowed, but low heels are okay. Is this a Beauty Pageant? No. Miss Exceptional is a personality pageant. We ask our judges to evaluate based on confidence and personality, not attractiveness. How do the judges choose the winners? The judges are made aware of each child's Strengths and Challenges. They choose the winner based upon their ability to expand on the opportunities provided by Miss Exceptional, and their ability to grow with them. The judges score based on a point-system. How much does it cost? Registration for 2017 is $55, due at the time of registration; arrangements can be made by email missexceptionalwa@gmail.com. The fee for the 2018 Miss Exceptional Pageant is yet to be announced. What if my parents can't afford the fee? We encourage contestants to raise money by asking for donations with their parent's assistance and guidance. All proceeds from this event benefit the Exceptional Families Network, a local nonprofit that works to empower exceptional families through support and education programs. If a contestant raises more than the registration fee, they become eligible to win the Supreme Queen title. Participants who are experiencing financial hardship can contact missexceptionalwa@gmail.com for assistance. Do we also have to pay for tickets to get into Victorian Country Christmas for Miss Exceptional Christmas? Each contestant will receive two tickets - one for the contestant and one for their primary caregiver. Tickets can be picked up at the will call window outside the entrance. Additional tickets into A Victorian Country Christmas can be purchased at the window. What can I win? There will be one Miss Exceptional Queen selected by the judges as the winner in each division - Woman, Teen, Junior, Little & Petite. We are also crowing a Miss Exceptional Supreme, this will be the title awarded to the girl with the most donations raised for Exceptional Families Network. The rest of the contestants will each be a part of the Miss Exceptional Princess Court. Everyone will receive a sash, medallion, and tiara. The Exceptional Court will also have opportunities to make appearances in the community at various events throughout the year. The Princesses are encouraged to attend, but the Queens should plan to appear at a minimum of three events during their reign. Every contestant, regardless of placement, will receive a crown, banner, and medaliion. Are there any special awards? Yes! If you raise money in excess of your registration fee, you become eligible to win the Supreme Queen title. All donations will benefit the Exceptional Families Network, a 501c3 nonprofit that works with families who have children with special needs. Contestants should feel proud that any money they raise will go toward a very good cause that is helping hundreds of Puget Sound families. For more information about the organization, visit www.exceptionalfamilies.org. What is the Supreme Queen title and how do I donate? You can win a title by getting the most votes. Each vote is a $1 donation to Exceptional Families Network! This title is eligible to any contestant or current titleholder who raises funds and donates them either through the supreme queen link or by cash, check, or card at the registration table on event day. Please make sure you designate which contestant should get credit for your vote. Supreme Queen winner will get a special Crown and Sash and reign with the Miss Exceptional age division queens until the next Miss Exceptional pageant. Are there T-Shirts this year? We will be PRE-SELLING T-shirts through the Registration link. There you can order your size and be sure to add your quantity of T-shirts ordered and payment through the T-Shirt image link on the REGISTRATION page to pay. All T-shirts need to be ordered and paid for by 11/19/2017. No extra T-shirts will be available for purchase at the event, please plan ahead and pre-order your shirts. What's the schedule? 11:00pm - Doors and dressing rooms open 11:00pm-11:30pm - Check in 11:30pm-11:50pm - Practice 12:00pm - Competition 1:15pm - Crowning for all divisions (pictures to follow) Do I have to speak or perform? If you are verbal, we would like to hear your voice as you introduce yourself, you will be given a microphone at the beginning of your beauty walk. You will also have the opportunity to be interviewed on stage with Miss Sami. However, it is not required. Contestants who are non-verbal will be given the opportunity to submit a video, something to be read by Miss Sami, or a slideshow showing your non-verbal contestants personality. Should a contestant need assistance with their introduction, our Mistress of Ceremonies, Miss Sami, will read what you have prepared. Also, there will not be a talent section in this pageant, so no performance is expected. Why should I sign up? Not only will the pageant be a fun experience, it will be memorable. Miss Exceptional pageant contestants will have the opportunity to gain: self-confidence, poise, on-stage presence, social skills, and friendships. Throughout the year, Miss Exceptional Royalty (all participants) are invited to attend appearances in the community. We hope that you will see the benefit in coming to our activities throughout the year. When should I sign up? Registrations will be open in July 2018. Please enter your contact information in our Email Sign Up link. Once registration is open, signing up as soon as possible lowers the cost of ordering prizes for the organization. In order to assure there is enough prizes for everyone (because everyone is a winner!) we need accurate counts. Please register as soon as you are able to help keep the cost of the pageant to a minimum. Our prices are 1/3 to 1/2 what a standard pageant costs due to wonderful vendors and generous donations from our partners. I still have questions! Feel free to email us at missexceptionalwa@gmail.com or reach out on our Facebook Page!
Miss Exceptional at the 2018 Metro Parks Tacoma Cinderella Ball. Photographed are: Brielle, 2017 Miss Exceptional Royalty Coordinator; Mandy, Miss Exceptional Teen Queen; Jessalyn, Miss Exceptional Supreme Queen; Aurora, 2017 Miss Exceptional Royalty Coordinator; Samantha Schubert, Miss Eastside 2018.
