Dear Potential Contestant:

Thank you for your interest in the Miss Greater Derry Scholarship Program.  The Miss Greater Derry Scholarship Program will be held on Friday, June 27, 2008.   Once again, our show will take place at the Adams Memorial Opera House in downtown Derry. 

The deadline for completed applications for entrance into the Miss Greater Derry (2008-2009) Scholarship Program is June 6, 2008.   Late applications will not be accepted for any reason.  Applications will be considered incomplete unless accompanied by all required documents.

 Photos:  When submitting your photos, please make sure they are not copied, scanned & printed out, etc.  These photos will not be accepted.  This is in your best interest as a contestant; as your photo is the first impression the judges will have of you, and copied photos do not reproduce well in the program book and newspapers.  Please provide (1) 5x7 head shot.  If you have digital headshots, you may submit a disk, or email the picture to me at DanielleCowan at comcast.net .

In the event we receive more than 18 complete applications, we will be holding a screening.  This screening will require each applicant to perform her talent in full costume, as well as answer a few brief questions from our screening panel.  In the event we do not receive 18 applications, we will hold our first rehearsal in place of the screening on Sunday, June 8^th, 2008 at approximately 5:00pm.  This time will be confirmed once the pageant date nears.  You would instead perform your talent for the pageant committee so that we may time it and use it to help determine our contestant lineup.  You will be informed once the application deadline has passed as to whether the rehearsal will be a screening or a talent viewing.  

In addition, there will be two rehearsals during pageant week.  These rehearsals are planned for Wednesday and Thursday evenings of pageant week.  All rehearsals are mandatory.  If you will not be able to make these rehearsals, you will not be eligible to participate in our show…no exceptions.  A production rehearsal will be held at NH Academie of Dance, on Wednesday, June 25^th from 7:30 to 9:30pm.  On Thursday evening, June 26^th, the Private Interviews will be held at Promises to Keep in Derry.  You may choose to practice your talent or other phases of competition at the Opera House after you’ve completed your interview. 

As a contestant, you will compete in a 10 minute interview, talent presentation (2 minutes max), presence and poise in eveningwear, and physical fitness in swimsuit.  In addition, you will be asked two onstage questions.  Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions.  More information on the competition process is available at the following websites: www.MissDerry.org, www.MissNH.com, www.MissAmerica.org 

The theme for this year’s show will be announced and posted on our website closer to the date of the show, as well as information regarding opening number clothing.

All of us at Miss Greater Derry are excited to be working with you over the coming months in preparation for the 22nd Annual Miss Greater Derry Scholarship Program!  Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns – I am happy to help in any way I can! 

Sincerely,
Danielle Jean-Cowan
Director & Vice-President
Miss Greater Derry Scholarship Program, Inc.

Please mail applications to:
Miss Greater Derry Scholarship Program, Inc.
Attn:  Danielle Jean-Cowan
PO Box 934
Derry, NH 03038