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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

This is our signature 'High Title' optional contest. This prestigious title will be bestowed upon the crème de la crème on-stage models 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 3' of our on-stage modeling optional contests. That's right; these delegates must showcase their prowess across at least three entries in the following competitions: Fresh Face, Fun Fitness, Runway, and/or Casual Wear. We will automatically pull your Top 3 scores in these events, ensuring the most deserving contender takes home the glory. Click here to check out our modeling optional contests.

 

'24-'25 Prize Package Valued at $1500!

Below is our prize package awarded last season. Check back for the final '25-'26 Prize Package... coming soon!

$500 Cash Award

Our IJM Top Model winners will become Brand Ambassadors and Featured Models for both Ashley Rene's Prom & Pageant + Diverse Style by Sydni Dion

Ashley Rene's is providing to both the Junior and Senior Division Winners:

  • Gifted Cocktail Dress selected especially for you

  • Invitation to shoot at Ashley Rene's for content and marketing days

  • Ashley Rene's Swag Back

  • Copies of the promo materials on which the winner is featured for her portfolio

Diverse Style by Sydni Dion is providing to both the Junior and Senior Division Winners:

  • Your choice of Diverse Style shoe

  • Invitation to the Diverse Style Show Room to serve as a model during Market

  • Opportunity to selec the IJM 'Shoe of the Year'

Talent

RETURNING for '25-'26!

Open to all divisions 

Unleash your inner superstar in our Talent Optional Competition! Whether you dance, sing, act, play an instrument – or show off a talent that’s totally one-of-a-kind – you’ll have 2 minutes to captivate the crowd and own the stage! This is your time to shine, dazzle, and make the IJM stage your spotlight moment. Let’s see what makes YOU unforgettable!

IJM Talent Optional Contest
IJM Public Speaking Optional Contest

'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 and take to the stage to 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!

IJM Media Correspondent Optional Contest

Academic Achievement

Open to Senior Divisions (Jr. Teen, Teen, Miss and Ms.)

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.

IJM Print Work Portfolio Optional Contest

Print Work Portfolio

NEW for '25-'26!

Open to all divisions

Do you see yourself featured in magazines or on billboard campaigns? The Print Model contest showcases your abilities as an editorial model.  Photos must be uploaded to The Pageant Portal in advance. You can upload 3-5 images which will be judged as a portfolio. The photos may be color or black and white and should be editorial in nature... think props, full-body length, and curated images. We are NOT looking for traditional headshots (those are for the Photogenic Optional!). 

Photogenic

Open to all divisions

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 in advance via The Pageant Portal. Consider asking others to help choose your best photo(s). 

IJM Photogenic Optional Contest
IJM Print Model Optional Contest

Print Model Photo Shoot

Open to all divisions

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 3 will be 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 '25-'26 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. 

IJM Runway Optional Walking Pattern
IJM Runway Model Search Optional Contest
IJM Casual Wear Modeling Optional Contest

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. Avoid lingering on-stage after the emcee announces the next contestant to avoid score deductions.

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.

IJM Fun Fitness Optional Walking Pattern
IJM Fun Fitness Optional Contest
IJM Fresh Face Optional Contest

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.'

IJM Fresh Face Optional Walking Pattern

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.

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