Optional Contests
Our Optional Contests allow our contestants to showcase their various skills and talents while also providing an opportunity to 'warm up' for the overall areas of competition. Optional Contests have no bearing on the selection of our new International Queens. We utilize a separate panel of judges for these Optional Contests to ensure no bias regarding the overall pageant.
IJM's Top Model
Open to all divisions
Introducing our thrilling new 'High Title' optional contest: IJM's Top Model! This prestigious title will be bestowed upon the crème de la crème of our Junior Divisions (Princess, Jr. Pre-Teen, and Pre-Teen) and Senior Divisions (Jr. Teen, Teen, Miss).
In order to clinch this coveted title, contestants must excel in a 'pick 4' of model-based optional contests. That's right; these delegates must showcase their prowess across at least four entries across the following competitions: Fresh Face, Fun Fitness, Print Model Photo Shoot, Runway, Casual Wear, and/or Photogenic. We will automatically pull your Top 4 scores in these events, ensuring the most deserving contender takes home the glory. Click here to check out our modeling optional contests.
Stay tuned for more thrilling updates about this sensational award, including cash prizes, modeling opportunities, and more coming your way in June 2024!
'I Just Might' Public Speaking Contest
Open to all divisions
Dream of being an influencer, news anchor, or debate champion? This exciting contest, designed by journalists, queens, and successful spokesmodels, is for you! You'll receive a hand-held mic backstage and deliver a 1-minute speech on any topic, so long as you include the phrase 'I Just Might.' Stay within the time limit to avoid score deductions.
Media Correspondent
Open to all divisions
Become the face of our event as our Media Correspondent! Winners in each age division will be announced at our Pep Rally Kick-Off and showcased on our social media platforms throughout pageant week. Submit a video reciting a provided script from home, showcasing your telegenic presence and clear communication skills. Don't miss this chance to shine on our IJM Social Media channels!
Academic Achievement
Open to Senior Divisions (Jr. Teen, Teen, and Miss)
Winners in each age division will receive a cash scholarship towards their educational pursuits. Submit your school transcript, letters of recommendation, and and certificates to showcase your achievements. Submit photocopies, not originals. Request letters and transcripts early to ensure timely submission. Your entry is due at check-in.
Volunteer Service
Open to all divisions
Winners in each age division will receive a cash donation to the charity (registered 501c3) of her choice. Use letters of recommendation and certificates to showcase your service, submitting photocopies instead of originals. We consider both number of hours and impact of service. Request letters and proof of hours early to ensure timely submission. Your entry is due at check-in.
Casual Wear Modeling
Open to all divisions | Qualifier for IJM's Top Model Award
Showcase your creativity and personality in this modeling event set to upbeat music. No props, tumbling, gymnastics, acrobatics, fire, or live animals allowed. Custom-designed, overly flashy outfits and swimsuits are prohibited. Follow the same stage pattern as Fun Fashion Preliminary. Each routine should last around 35 seconds. Avoid lingering on-stage after the emcee announces the next contestant to avoid score deductions.
Photogenic
Open to all divisions | Qualifier for IJM's Top Model Award
Enter up to four photos for a chance to win Miss Photogenic for your division! Each photo is a separate entry. Makeup is allowed but must be age-appropriate. Photos will be submitted at Pageant Check-In. Consider asking others to help choose your best photo(s). We prefer color photos that are 8x10 in size. Ensure you are having these printed professionally - it makes a big difference in presentation!
Print Model Photo Shoot
Open to all divisions | Qualifier for IJM's Top Model Award
Participate in a natural light mini shoot on-site. Freestyle modeling allowed; no props. Score is based on following guidance provided by the Official Photographer and generating print-worthy content. Photos will be reviewed by judges and uploaded for you to download with digital rights so you can use them for your modeling portfolio, printing, or social media! Stay tuned to learn who our Official Photographer will be for our 2025 International Finals.
Runway Model Search
Open to all divisions | Qualifier for IJM's Top Model Award
You choose your outfit, aiming for trendy and age-appropriate fashion. Avoid themed looks; accessories like jackets and scarves are fine, but no props. The runway setup is professional, with upbeat music. Strut to center stage, then showcase your outfit with a simple "T" modeling routine. Less is more; focus on your abilities as a model.
Fresh Face
Open to all divisions | Qualifier for IJM's Top Model Award
Wear a solid black or white shirt paired with plain denim blue jeans - this contest is all about your abilities as a model. Showcase your skills during this professional runway-style competition with a T-shaped runway and upbeat music. We are looking for the industry's 'next big thing.'
Fun Fitness
Open to all divisions | Qualifier for IJM's Top Model Award
Join our fast-paced competition showcasing modeling skills and promoting health and fitness. Model an age-appropriate athletic outfit and sneakers; no props allowed. Strut energetically to center stage before showcasing your outfit with a simple modeling routine on a T-shaped runway with upbeat music. Focus on showcasing your abilities as a fitness model; swimsuits are strictly prohibited. Poses such as an arm flex are allowed but, please, no tumbling.
Mini Optionals
Open to all divisions
Best Interview
The 'Best Interview' Award will be presented to the delegate entered into the Mini Optionals with the highest Preliminary Interview score in her division. Bonus: An overall Senior Division Interview Winner and overall Junior Division Interview Winner will also be named from among the Mini Optional Entrants. These girls will each win a cash award.
Best Evening Gown Performance
The 'Best Evening Gown Performance' Award will be presented to the delegate entered into the Mini Optionals with the highest Evening Gown score in her division determined by taking the average of her prelim and finale Evening Gown performances. If an entrant does not advance to the Top 11, just her prelim score will be considered.
Best Fun Fashion Performance
The 'Best Fun Fashion Performance' Award will be presented to the delegate entered into the Mini Optionals with the highest Fun Fashion score in her division determined by taking the average of her prelim and finale Fun Fashion performances. If an entrant does not advance to the Top 11, just her prelim score will be considered.
Most Spirited
The 'Most Spirited' Award will be decided upon by our International Staff. We will recognize the delegate entered into the Mini Optionals who has displayed the best energy, spirit, and attitude in her division during the pageant.