The Miss Mississippi Organization in conjunction with the Miss America Organization is partnering with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Program. We are currently in the process of developing the Mississippi program and need your help. We must have at least 10 contestants to sign up to participate in our program by October 1, 2011. This is an exciting opportunity to build camaraderie between both miss and teen contestants. Additionally, Mary Margaret Roark, Miss Mississippi 2011, will be recognized on-stage at Miss America for her work with the Duke of Edinburgh Program and each of the upcoming 2012 state representatives will have to be signed up in the program prior to winning the state title to receive recognition at the national pageant.

Founded in 1956 in the United Kingdom by Her Majesty’s husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, this internationally renowned program is a non-competitive, self-development experience for youth and adults, ages 14 to 25. Dedicated to achievement in community service, physical fitness, special skills, and an adventurous journey, the program aims to build self-esteem and promote character development within every participant. Through quality framework, participants enjoy an unparalleled experience that aids in honing their talents and skills and instills a crucial sense of belonging and achievement within each participant.

Mississippi resident and Chairman of the Miss America Board of Directors, Sam Haskell is the President of the Board of Directors for the Duke of Edinburgh Program within the United States. He recognizes not only the great honor and value of the award but also how it directly corresponds with the values of Miss America contestants. Over 25 Miss America state pageants have established programs for contestants to work towards their Bronze, Silver, or Gold Awards. Mississippi is excited to get on board with this growing program and bring a sense of teamwork and community service to our state contestants.

The Award is based around three Levels, each successive one requiring a greater degree of commitment.

• BRONZE is for those 14 and older.  The minimum period of participation to gain this Award is 6 months
• SILVER is for those 15 and older.  The minimum period of participation to gain this Award is 6 months
• GOLD is for those 16 and older.  The minimum period of participation to gain this Award is 12 months

For those who sign between October and January, we will distribute the awards at the state pageant for each contestant completing the requirements for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Program. However, our goal is to start our program as soon as possible by having a minimum of 10 people sign up to participate.

To obtain the Award, participants must complete activities in four Sections – one hour weekly for each activity.  Participants choose their activity for each Section – an Activity Coach needs to verify that the participant has been making persistent and regular effort for the minimum time period required at each Award Level. An activity coach is adult supervisor (not a parent) who has a workable knowledge of the chosen activity. 

1. Community Service – participants engage with their community and discover the impact they can have through service. This is easily completed through your platform work and will help build both Miss and Teen quality of life paperwork.
   
2. Special Skills – participants develop personal interests and learn practical skills.  There are almost limitless possibilities to choose from.  Participants set their own goals and measure their progress. The special skill that we encourage you to develop is your talent.
   
3. Physical Recreation – participants show perseverance and improve their fitness by undertaking some form of organized and regular physical activity.  Most sports team and individual sports satisfy this requirement.
   
4. Adventurous Journey – participants develop an understanding of the environment, and the importance of working together in a team with a common purpose.  It can be on foot, by bicycle, boat or on horseback by learning preparation, self-sufficiency and self-reliance. This will be decided upon and organized by the Miss Mississippi Corporation.

1. Bronze – 2 days+1 night.  6 hours of purposeful activity each day.
2. Silver – 3 days+2 nights.  7 hours of purposeful activity each day.
3. Gold – 4 days+3 nights.  8 hours of purposeful activity each day.

Each participant needs to complete the attached enrollment form, submit a 25 dollar check made payable to the Duke of Edinburgh Award Program, and return the form and check to the Miss Mississippi Pageant Office by October 1, 2011. For any questions or comments, please call the pageant office.