Competition Info & Eligibility
WHO WE ARE
We are a proud state preliminary to the iconic Miss Volunteer America Pageant, a trailblazing women’s empowerment program, based in Jackson, Tennessee that celebrates not only the beauty of women from all cultures and backgrounds, but the wonderfully unique talents and gifts that the modern women of our nation possess.
We are a united force, a close-knit community of dynamic individuals and experienced volunteers, committed to amplifying women's voices by creating pathways for success, and empowering young women to embrace their inner strength, beauty, and confidence.
THE COMPETITION
The Miss Maryland Volunteer Pageant is actively seeking dynamic young women from diverse backgrounds and experiences who are driven to succeed, while embodying a deep commitment to volunteerism.
Young women ages 13-26 who possess the potential and aspiration to become Miss Maryland Volunteer and Miss Maryland Teen Volunteer have the chance to serve as role models, champion charitable causes, develop themselves professionally, refine their public speaking abilities, and much more. The opportunities for growth are limitless!
RULES & ELIGIBILITY
Be a United States citizen AND reside, work full-time, or attend school in the state of Maryland
Must not be married at the time of competing, nor ever have been married or had a marriage annulled
Must not currently be a candidate for public office or pursue public office during Tenure
Be in reasonably good health to meet the job requirements
Be identified from birth as a female and continue to identify as such
Be able to meet the time commitment and job responsibilities as set forth by the state and national competition(s)
Must not be nor intend to be pregnant at the time of competing or during the Tenure
Contestant must not be a parent or the adoptive parent of any child at the time of competing or during the Tenure
Must not have been charged with multiple minor offenses in the last 24 months
Must not have been convicted of any criminal offense nor any criminal charges pending at the time of competing
determined by the Miss Volunteer America Pageant
AGE DIVISIONS
determined by the Miss Volunteer America Pageant
For Miss Maryland Volunteer – Must be no younger than 18, and no older than 26 by (07/31/25)
*NOTE: A Miss Contestant must have completed her high school education.
For Miss Maryland Teen Volunteer – Must be no younger than 13, and no older than 18 by (07/31/25)
Each miss and teen contestant will compete in four phases of preliminary competition that will each account for an equal percentage of the overall score: Private Interview, Fitness & Wellness, Talent, and Evening Gown. Please note: Teens will showcase fitness wear and Miss will be able to select a swimwear option of their choice. (Certain parameters may apply)
The results from the preliminary phases of competition will determine the semi-finalists who will advance to the final night of competition, where Miss Maryland Volunteer and Miss Maryland Teen Volunteer will be selected. All phases will be repeated during the final night of competition, with the exception of the Private Interview. Additionally, each contestant will answer a brief Onstage Question that is not scored - but is considered during the Top 5 Ballot.
No previous pageant experience is necessary.
THE SCORING
(MISS & TEEN)
Interview - 25%
Judges spend time with each contestant to learn about her commitment to community service, level of preparedness, and ambitions. Preliminary interviews are conducted individually in front of the judging panel in a private and closed setting. This is your opportunity to show off your unique personality and explain to the judges why YOU are the right person for the job of Miss Maryland Volunteer!
(MISS & TEEN)
Evening Gown - 25%
Each contestant chooses a floor length evening gown of her choice. This area of competition showcases the contestant’s overall self-confidence, the beauty she brings to the gown of her choice, and how she commands the room. Judges are instructed to evaluate the contestant’s performance, not the dress she is wearing.
(TEEN)
Fitness & Wellness - 25%
Attention is focused on an overall “first impression”, sense of confidence, energy, vitality, and charisma as well as the contestant’s commitment to physical fitness. Physical fitness is not a “one size fits all” look. Numerical measurements are not considered in the judging. Teen contestants should also consider the age appropriateness of their wardrobe selection and stage presentation.
(MISS & TEEN)
Talent - 25%
Each contestant has 90 seconds to perform a selection that best represents her skillset. This can be achieved through a standard performing arts talent or any other skill which has been honed over time. Additionally, if public speaking or storytelling is your skill, you may also choose to perform a Monologue selection, where each contestant tells her personal story with the judges and audience.
(MISS)
Fitness & Wellness - 25%
Similar to the Teens, attention is focused on an overall “first impression” and how the swimwear compliments the contestant wearing it! The contestant’s sense of confidence, energy, and charisma are considered, as well as the commitment to physical fitness. Physical fitness is not a “one size fits all” look. Numerical measurements are not considered in the judging.