Newfoundland & Labrador

Achievement

Soaring to new heights November 7-10

2013

A PREMIER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR YOUNG WOMEN AGES 13-18

Could you be the next?

I am so pleased that you are taking the time to consider applying for this year's Miss Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador Scholarship Program. Receiving this title was a great honor and now I look forward to watching another young woman embark on this amazing journey. Whether its your first pageant, or you have competed before, I strongly encourage you to enter. Believe me, its one of the best personal development decisions you will ever make. Having said this, I am available to help you from the application process to the Crowning Gala. Throughout this past year, I have dedicated my time to many organizations, including the Newfoundland and Labrador Ronald McDonald House, Childrens Wish Foundation, Kids Eat Smart Foundation and the Short Circuit Dream Fund. Through these experiences I have created lasting memories and developed relationships that otherwise would not have been possible. There is nothing more rewarding than giving back to your community and helping to make a positive difference in the lives others. At Miss Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador we are celebrating the accomplishments of outstanding youth. The weekend you spend as a participant will be exciting and action-packed, as you network with some of this provinces best and brightest, while competing for thousands of dollars in scholarships. In my opinion, the only mistake you can make with regards to the Miss Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador Scholarship Program is not applying! Now is the time for you to start working on your application join us as we soar to new heights this November! I look forward to meeting you. Best regards,

Kandice Power
Miss Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador 2012/2013

How can this program benefit you?

The Miss Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador Scholarship Program is a forum for young women ages 13-18 to challenge themselves to be their best. Our organization was founded on the principle that the future of our province is dependent upon the leadership qualities of today's youth. We believe that involvement in volunteer work and community service should be both encouraged and rewarded. We further believe that in order to become a strong leader, a young woman must be a well-rounded individual. She must challenge herself academically, she must be physically fit, poised, and she must be able to exude confidence and self-esteem. Miss Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador is a role model for youth and a shining example in her community and province. This incorporated, not-for-profit organization is operated by a volunteer board, and funds raised through sponsorships are dispersed in the form of educational scholarships, in accordance with the guidelines established for not-for-profit organizations by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Canada Revenue Agency. Entry fees are used to offset the administrative and production costs associated with the program. Not only does this program provide the opportunity to win thousands of dollars in scholarships, participants gain the ability to make wise, healthy choices in consideration of their post-secondary education and future career pursuits. They also gain the ability to analyze their own strengths and weaknesses, set personal goals, develop leadership and public speaking skills, while building confidence and self-esteem. We will help you soar to new heights so you can be the best that you can be! Let your journey begin today!

- Sheena Martin photo

Judging Criteria
The scoring system for the Miss Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador Scholarship Program is outlined below. All scores are confidentially provided by individual judges and tabulated by an independent auditor, with whom the results are kept until the final announcements are made. Interview - 50% Public Speaking - 15% Academics - 15% Fitness/Healthy Living - 10% Vocal Introduction - 5% Evening Wear Presentation - 5%

Participant scores are then totalled to determine the Top 10, who are each asked an impromptu question valued at 10%. The scores from the impromptu question are then added to the accumulated totals to determine the 2nd Runner-up, 1st Runner-up and Miss Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador.

Judging Criteria
Interview/Personality - Participants introduce themselves and field questions posed by the panel of judges. The interview consists of a list of pre-selected questions. All participants answer the same questions. Listen carefully to each question. Respond to the judge who asked you, but maintain eye contact with the entire judging panel. Handle difficult or awkward questions with confidence and skill. Don't be afraid to let your sense of humour and personality shine through. Relax and have a conversation with the judges. Public Speaking - The qualities and attributes of all titleholders is the ability to demonstrate a sense of composure, confidence and intelligence when speaking in public. Speeches should be no longer than 90 seconds and the use of notes is not permitted. (Speeches are timed and points are deducted should you go over the allowed time.) Participants will be assessed on their originality, flair and ideas presented. Their capacity to demonstrate empathy and a realistic understanding of their chosen topic will also form part of the judging criteria. A penalty of 5% of the total marks received shall be imposed to a speech that is in excess of the time limit before the total scores are compiled (5 seconds grace allowed). This penalty will be imposed by the timekeeper and applied by the auditor. Academics - Participants are required to complete an academic test comprised of opinion essay questions. Fitness/Healthy Living Judging is completed in two parts: participants are required to complete a physical fitness evaluation which tests upper and lower body strength, as well as a written multiple-choice exam.

Scholarships

Scholarships

There are numerous scholarships awarded at Miss Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador. Based on sponsorships, continuance of each award is determined annually. Scholarships are awarded once a recipient has provided written documentation of her enrolment at a post-secondary institution. Awards are as follows: Miss Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador 1st Runner-up 2nd Runner-up Community Pride Award Charitable Activity Award Spirit of Youth Award Public Speaking Award Academic Excellence Award Healthy Living Talent Award Environmental Awareness Award Public Speaking Award Participants are assessed on their originality, flair and ideas presented. Their capacity to demonstrate empathy and a realistic understanding of their topic also forms part of the judging criteria. The highest scoring contestant wins the award Academic Excellence Award Participants are required to write two short essays on topics relevant to the youth of Newfoundland and Labrador. The essay topics are pre-determined by the judges. The contestant achieving the highest score is presented with the award. Healthy Living Award Participants are required to complete a physical fitness test as well as a short quiz on healthy living. The contestant achieving the highest combined score is presented with the award. Environmental Awareness Award This award recognizes outstanding contributions made toward the protection, conservation and improvement of the environment. Judges will consider excellence in innovation, leadership and accomplishments that influence positive change in such areas as environmental awareness, promoting stewardship, initiatives for greener neighborhoods, energy conservation and wildlife and habitat preservation.

Spirit of Youth Award Competitive events have always offered an opportunity for personal growth and character development, not usually apparent in the everyday aspects of life. This is an award that is voted on by the participants themselves, and presented to the person whom they believe has, in the spirit of friendship and competition, best exemplified a desire to be a good example for others. Talent Award Participation in this competition is optional and not counted towards a contestant's final score. It is, in fact, a fun time for the participants to compete in the performing arts of dancing, singing, acting, playing a musical instrument, or any combination. VOCM Cares Charitable Activity Award This award recognizes the inspiring contributions made by participants who devote themselves to volunteer work. It is not necessary to have any set number of years service to receive this award. The winner will have many positive characteristics, including the following: Innovation: Someone who has taken initiative to spearhead charitable work which significantly benefited the organization(s) they worked for. Inspiration: Someone who stands as an example of commitment to excellence, perhaps having demonstrated leadership and achievement in a variety of contexts within the charity sector. Influence: Someone who has played a significant role in promoting a charity or charities, and represented a positive image of the work undertaken. This award shines a spotlight on exceptional performance in charitable work. It recognizes that these achievements help to spread best practice throughout the charity sector, drawing attention to the breadth of talent, commitment and expertise that exists within youth volunteers throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. All information pertaining to charity work included on participant applications is reviewed and a short-list of potential award winners is determined by a team of experienced volunteer adjudicators. Due to the need for impartiality, the names of the adjudicators are not disclosed until after the assessment process has been completed. References for the short-listed will be contacted and a winner will be determined.

One or more of these awards could be yours!

Frequently asked Questions

What are the benefits of participating in the Miss Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador Scholarship Program? Build your inner confidence

Enhance your public speaking skills

Develop your leadership skills Meet your educational goals Create lasting friendships Showcase your talents and abilities Strengthen your character Win great prizes and scholarship money!

Is Miss Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador a "beauty pageant"?

No! Miss Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador is a not-for profit scholarship program which provides young Newfoundland and Labrador women with a positive, enriching personal development experience. It is our goal to build self-confidence and reward you for your scholastic and community achievements.

What is a platform Speech? The platform speech concept requires each contestant to choose an issue to speak on which is important to her, and which is of relevance to our province. All participants are given an opportunity to present their platforms during the public speaking portion of the competition. This is a preliminary competition and a scholarship for the top speech is awarded. The winner of the Miss Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador title will where possible, speak on issues relating to her platform, to generate awareness, when addressing youth organizations, community service groups, charitable fundraisers and other events. Is there an entry fee? Yes. The entry fee for the Miss Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador Scholarship Program is $400. You are encouraged to seek at least one sponsor for a portion or all of this fee. Deadline for entries is September 30, 2013. A deposit of $100 must accompany your application, with all remaining fees to be paid in full by October 25, 2013. Sponsorship fundraising packages are available upon request. Do scholarship winners receive immediate cash awards? Miss Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador Incorporated scholarship winners receive their cash awards once they have provided proof of enrolment at a post-secondary institution. Are scholarships available for those who are not awarded the Miss Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador title? Yes. In addition to the winner, scholarships are also awarded to the 1st and 2nd Runners-up, as well as all other individual award categories. Do I need my own musical accompaniment for the Talent Competition? We ask that you supply your own musical accompaniment (eg: cds, mp3 files, instruments, props, accompanists). A piano will be provided. How will my achievements be acknowledged? Please highlight in 30 seconds your achievements, along with your name, age, school, career goal, and anything else of importance that you would like the audience and judges to know. Prepare what you are going to say prior registration day. These bios will be read during the Evening Wear segment. What do sponsors receive for supporting me? Sponsors receive recognition on our website, in the event program book, as well as acknowledgement in your on-stage introduction during the Crowning Gala. If you should win the title, your sponsor(s) will also receive recognition throughout the year on such things as parade signs. If I win the title of Miss Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador, will it interfere with school? No! We make school the number one priority. We will work with you to make it a memorable year and schedule as many appearances as possible, while not affecting your academic commitments.

Should you have any further questions, please email: contact@misstachievement.com or call: 709-895-8588