*Win scholarship money to help you enter, continue, or pay off your college education

*Give a talent performance in a professional auditorium in front of an audience

*Learn or polish your public speaking skills

*Strengthen your interviewing skills

*Improve your poise and strengthen your self-confidence

*Make friends and develop relationships with your mentors

*Ages 18-28. Must be no older than 28 on Sept. 30, 2026 and no younger than 18 on Sept. 1, 2026

Those who turn 18 anytime during 2026 may choose to take part in either the Teen or Miss division. You may want to discuss your options with our Executive Director to review the pros and cons of choosing one over the other.

*A citizen of the United States

*A female, unmarried and never previously married, not currently pregnant, and without any children

*Never been convicted of a criminal offense, other than a minor traffic offense, and no criminal charges pending against her

*Does not use, consume, or distribute any illegal or controlled substances other than those obtained under a valid prescription and taken according to the directions of a licensed healthcare professional

*A full-time resident, student, or employee in Maryland to be eligible for the Miss Central Maryland title

*A full-time resident, student, or employee in Frederick County to be eligible for both the Miss Frederick and Miss Central Maryland titles

*Ages 14-18. Must be no younger than 14 on Sept. 30, 2026 and no older than 18 on Sept. 1, 2026

Those who turn 18 anytime during 2026 may choose to take part in either the Teen or Miss division. You may want to discuss your options with our Executive Director to review the pros and cons of choosing one over the other.

*A citizen of the United States

*A female, unmarried and never previously married, not currently pregnant, and without any children

*Never been convicted of a criminal offense, other than a minor traffic offense, and no criminal charges pending against her

*Does not use, consume, or distribute any illegal or controlled substances other than those obtained under a valid prescription and taken according to the directions of a licensed healthcare professional

*A full-time resident, student, or employee in Maryland to be eligible for the Miss Central Maryland’s Teen title

*A full-time resident, student, or employee in Frederick County to be eligible for both the Miss Frederick’s Teen and Miss Central Maryland’s Teen titles

Private Interview - 30%

This phase of competition is an opportunity to learn as much as possible about the delegate’s qualities and attributes to fulfill the titleholder position; her level of communication skills; her opinions and aspirations; her sense of accomplishment; poise and presence, as well as her ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the job.

Interview will be 10 minutes in length; 30 second opening, 9 minutes of questions & answers, and up to 30 seconds for the delegate to speak about whatever she chooses (called a “closing statement”).

Delegates will prepare a Fact Sheet and Community Service Initiative Statement to be given to the judges prior to the competition so they can learn about her.

Wardrobe: Delegates should wear stylish business attire that is appropriate to her age and for a job interview.

Health & Fitness - 20%

This phase of competition allows delegates to show their commitment to health and fitness. Focus is on discipline, self-care, confidence, and energy - all things needed to represent the Miss America or Miss America’s Teen program at the national level!

Wardrobe: Delegate’s choice of Rebel x Miss America Collab Red Collection fitness wear.

Talent/HERStory - 20%

The Talent phase of competition is an insight into the delegate’s preparatory and performance skills. It acknowledges the quality of the performance, technical skill level, stage presence, and entertainment value. Talent will be up to 90 seconds in length.

Wardrobe: Outfit appropriate for the type of talent.

Evening Gown - 20%

Allows a look into how the candidate exhibits her own personal style, attitude, personality, grace, presence, and confidence in evening wear or whatever a candidate would wear at a formal red-carpet event. Neither the gown itself nor the estimated cost of the gown should be considered in scoring.

Wardrobe: Evening wear

On-Stage Conversation - 10%

On-Stage Conversation is a chance for the delegate to touch on her understanding of the role of Miss America or Miss America’s Teen as a spokesperson and advocate. This phase will highlight intelligence, personality, and charisma.

Wardrobe: Opening number apparel, interview wardrobe, or evening gown - to be determined

Opening Number

The Miss Frederick Program is well known for its well-choreographed opening number production. This part of the show is not scored, but rather a chance to make an impression on the judges and the audience before the on-stage competition begins!

Attire for opening number will be discussed at orientation and rehearsals.

Candidates will get all competition wardrobe approved, rehearse choreographed productions and walking patterns, practice their talent, do mock interviews, meet their hostesses, and get to to know their fellow candidates! Rehearsals are closed to the public, including parents. 2026 rehearsals will be held on the following dates:

Sunday, February 8th, 2026 from 2:00-4:00pm (In Person)

Sunday, March 1st, 2026 from 2:00-4:00pm (In Person)

Friday, March 6th, 2026 from 6:00-9:00pm (Dress Rehearsal at Theater)

*We will also offer virtual practices such as mock interviews and group Zoom calls to do any additional review on an as-needed basis!