Miss Requirements
A young woman may compete at the local and state level more than once, but may only compete in the national Miss America competition one time. Eligibility is as follows for the 2009 pageant:
- Be a female by birth.
- A contestant must be a high school graduate or have successfully completed the G.E.D. testing program for high school equivalency by July 30th of the year she competes in the Miss Tennessee Pageant.
- Resident of Tennessee six months prior to the local pageant.
- Be no younger than 17 at the time of the local competition.
- A contestant shall not be less than 17 nor older than 24 years of age on December 31.
- Be a citizen of the United States of America.
- Be of good moral character.
- Be a resident of the listed counties; or attend a college or university in the listed counties;
or be a full-time employee in the listed counties.
Carroll*
Chester
Crockett
Dyer
Fayette
Gibson*
Hardeman
Haywood
Henderson*
Hardin*
Lake*
Lauderdale
Madison
Obion*
McNairy
Shelby
Tipton
*Counties denoted in astericks (*) were added for the 2009 pageant season!
- Not be married, never have been married, never have had a marriage annulled, never cohabitated or have had a child.
- Be available for public appearances during the 2009 pageant year as Miss Memphis.
- Must sign and agree to the terms of the Miss America Contestant's Contract. Complete the Miss Memphis Contestant's local application.
Princess and Teen Requirements
Eligibility is as follows for the 2009 pageant:
- Be a young lady between the ages of 13 and 17 (and no higher than a junior in high school).
- Be a United States citizen.
- Meet character criteria as set forth by the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Organization (www.maoteen.org)
- Be in reasonably good health to meet the job requirements.
- Be able to meet the time committment and responsibilities as set forth by the local program in which you compete.
- Must not be eligible to compete in the Miss America Competition.
- Be a resident of the listed counties; or attend a college or university in the listed counties; or
be a full-time employee in the listed counties.
Carroll*
Chester
Crockett
Dyer
Fayette
Gibson*
Hardeman
Haywood
Henderson*
Hardin*
Lake*
Lauderdale
Madison
Obion*
McNairy
Shelby
Tipton
*Counties denoted in astericks (*) were added for the 2009 pageant season!
- Not be married, never have been married, never have had a marriage annulled, never cohabitated or have had a child.
- Be available for public appearances during the 2009 pageant year as Miss Teen Memphis or Miss Memphis Princess.
- You must compete in Private & On-Stage Interviews, Talent, Athletic Wear and Evening Wear competitions.
- Princess divisions do not compete in Talent.
Teen/Princess Entry fee: $150