The first step is determining which division you will compete in.

Divisions are based on age or grade level during the time of the National Pageant, which is typically held in October of the competition year.

Our system offers divisions for a wide range of ages, including:

• Beautiful Baby Divisions

• Jr. Princess & Princess Divisions

• Jr. Preteen & Preteen Divisions

• Teen Divisions

• Jr. Miss & Miss Scholarship Divisions

• Ms. Divisions

Each division is designed to create a positive, age-appropriate, and confidence-building pageant experience.

Next, locate the official state pageant for your state.

Contestants will typically compete in the state where they live or attend school. State pageants are held throughout the Southern United States and serve as the qualifying events for the National Pageant.

At the state pageant, contestants compete within their division for the opportunity to earn a State Queen title and advance to the national stage.

As the Miss United Southern States Pageant continues to grow, some states may not yet have an official state pageant scheduled. If your state is not currently listed, you may still have the opportunity to compete.

Contestants from states without a scheduled state pageant may request an At-Large Title.

An At-Large title allows a contestant to represent her state at the Miss United Southern States National Pageant, even if a state pageant has not yet been held in that area.

At-Large contestants receive:

• An official title designation

• The opportunity to compete at the National Pageant

• Recognition as a representative from their state

At-Large titles are limited and are awarded at the discretion of the national office.

If you do not see your state listed and would like information about receiving an At-Large invitation, please contact us for availability and details.

Once you have selected your division and state pageant (or requested an At-Large opportunity), the next step is to complete the official entry form.

The entry form will include basic information such as:

• Contestant name

• Age or grade level

• Contact information

• Parent or guardian information (for minors)

• Division selection

Submitting the entry form officially begins the registration process.

After the entry form is submitted, contestants will complete registration by submitting the entry fee for their division.

Entry fees help cover pageant production costs including:

• Venue and stage setup

• Crowns and custom sashes

• Awards and prizes

• Event materials and production

Some divisions may also offer optional competitions. These competitions are not required but allow contestants to compete for additional awards and recognition.

Once registered, contestants can begin preparing for their state pageant.

Preparation may include:

• Selecting a dress or gown for competition

• Practicing stage presence and confidence

• Reviewing division guidelines

• Preparing for optional competitions if desired

One of the things that makes the Miss United Southern States Pageant unique is that there is no required walking pattern. Contestants may walk in a way that feels natural and comfortable, which also makes this a great practice pageant for other national systems.

Most importantly, contestants are encouraged to relax, be themselves, and enjoy the experience.

At the state pageant, contestants will compete within their division on stage.

Depending on the division, competitions may include:

• Beauty Dress

• Formal Wear

• Casual Wear or Fun Fashion (in some divisions)

Winners at the state level receive a crown, sash, and official state title, and they advance to represent their state at the National Pageant.

State titleholders and qualifying contestants will receive an invitation to compete at the Miss United Southern States National Pageant.

The National Pageant brings together contestants from across the Southern United States for an exciting national event where contestants compete for:

• Beautiful national crowns and custom sashes

• National titles and recognition

• Special awards and prizes

• Scholarships in select divisions

Nationals is not only about competition—it is a celebration of confidence, friendship, and unforgettable memories.

Above all, the Miss United Southern States Pageant encourages contestants to be themselves and have fun.

We celebrate confidence, kindness, and individuality, and we proudly stand by our motto:

“Be Kind. Be Yourself. BeYOUtiful.”