Miss Victorious open to contestants

The second annual Miss Victorious Pageant is seeking contestants for the 2017 competition, which will be held from 2-5 p.m. March 11 in the Hot Springs Middle School auditorium.

The anti-bullying pageant is open to female students in grades 5-12 in Arkansas. There are four categories: Little Miss Victorious, for girls 9-11 years old; Young Miss Victorious, for girls 12-14 years old; Junior Miss Victorious, for girls 15-16 years old; and Miss Victorious, for girls 17-18 years old.

The stated purpose of the pageant, according to the registration form, is to “find the best candidate who can devise and compose a plan to make their school and their community a better, bully-free living and learning environment, following our motto ‘Bully No More.’”

To be eligible, a candidate must submit a registration form along with an entry essay written to answer the question “How would you promote anti-bullying in your school or your community?” The top five contestant essays will be chosen from each division with the assistance of a panel of judges. Essay winners will be notified on stage and their essays will be read aloud by the Emcee. The top five winners will receive a certificate from the Bully No More organization.

The entry fee is $50 for each division. Mailed entries must be postmarked no later than Feb. 20.

Contestants must submit a head shot with their registration from, which may be in black and white or color, but not in a frame.

One winner will be selected from each division who will receive a crown, sash and gift. All other contestants will receive a crown and gift bag.

Contestants will be scored on written essay, outfit of choice competition and talent award.

The pageant will consist of opening number, outfit of choice and talent. Junior Miss and Miss contestants will also take part in a formal competition.

Each contestant will receive one complimentary chaperone ticket. Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for children. Children younger than 3 years old are admitted at no charge.

Call Wilda Hughley, pageant director, at 282-7061 or email wilda0727@gmail.com for more information or a registration form.

Submitted photo BULLY NO MORE: Wilda Hughley, center, left, director of the Miss Victorious Pageant, takes photos with the 2016 pageant contestants. The 2017 pageant is now open to contestants from grades 5-12 in Arkansas. This year’s pageant will be in the Hot...