Exemplary Pageants

Inaugural Queens

The 2026 Inaugural Queens’ Court was chosen by Exemplary Pageants Staff. These queens will be crowning their successors at the national pageant in 2027, but during their reign, they will be representing Exemplary Pageants, building the brand, promoting their own pageant platforms, and recruiting the contestants/titleholders for the 2027 national pageant.

MISS TEEN EXEMPLARY: Morgan Simons (West Virginia)

MISS EXEMPLARY: Ryleigh Long (Georgia)

MRS EXEMPLARY: Elizabeth Worsham Burton (Tennessee)

MS EXEMPLARY: Natasha Tackett (Kentucky)

MS ELITE EXEMPLARY: Jennifer Weber (Florida)

MS EXEMPLARY AMBASSADOR: Jennifer Wilde (Arizona)

Exemplary Nanny

Exemplary Nanny: (1) Honorary titleholder appointed by the Exemplary Board of Directors.

Exemplary Nanny 2026: Kay Cowger Simons (West Virginia)

Inaugural Princess

Inaugural Princess: (1) titleholder under age 16, appointed by the Exemplary Board of Directors. This is an honorary title. Titleholder & parent/guardian will be invited to attend 2027 Nationals to assist with crowning.

Exemplary Princess 2026: Paisleigh Stevens (Tennessee)

2026-2027 Exemplary Ambassadors

The 2026-2027 Exemplary Ambassadors were chosen by the Inaugural Queens, and the Exemplary Board of Directors on 9/12/2026. These National Titleholders are also considered virtual titleholders and are not required to attend in-person pageant events. They are, however, required to promote their individual pageant platforms, as well as the Exemplary Pageants Brand. Their reign ends in September 2027 when the new Ambassador Court is determined. The 2026-2027 Exemplary Ambassadors’ Court is as follows:

Supreme Ambassador: Anitra Manning

1st Runner-Up to Supreme: Trinity Daniels

International (Canadian) Ambassador: Jacquoline Martin

Other Ambassadors: Liandra Garcia, Heidi K. Lawrence, Kitty McClintock

State/Regional Titleholders

5 Divisions (based on age and marital status)

• MISS TEEN: ages 15-19 (single/never married)
• MISS: ages 20-29 (single and/or engaged)
• MRS: ages 20-49 (married and/or widowed)
• MS: ages 30-49 (any marital status)
• MS ELITE: ages 50+ (any marital status)

Early Bird Registration

APRIL 17, 2026-JUNE 1, 2026

Early Bird Registration Fee: $600 (this is a discount of $200). Deadline will be strictly enforced.

See below what is included in the entry fee, as well as terms and conditions of the non-refundable deposit.

(Non-Early Bird) Entry Fee: $800 (includes $200 non-refundable deposit)

Entry Fee Includes

State/Regional Title for 2027 Nationals, Embroidered (State/Regional Sash), State/Regional Tiara, Mentorship with Division Inaugural Queen, Official Exemplary Pageants T-shirt and Tote Bag, Other Exemplary Pageants Swag Items, Contestant Swag Bag (at Orientation), (1) Full-Page Ad in the National Pageant Program ($300 value), Competition Sash, Pageant Program, Admission for all Family Members/Friends/Fans to Pageant Finals and Crowning, Photo Gallery from Pageant Weekend.

Also included with entry fee are the following award categories: Congeniality, the Dolly Joyful Spirit Award, the Positive Potato/Kindness Matters Award, Best Interview, Best Costume, Best Formalwear, Directors’ Awards, the Martin Community Impact Award, and any/all applicable awards sponsored by Exemplary Supreme Ambassador, Anitra Manning. Winners will receive on-stage recognition and prizes.

All contestants/titleholders will automatically be eligible to compete for the title of Exemplary Supreme 2027 (see “Awards/Prize Packages” section for more details).

Non-Refundable Deposit

A deposit of $200 reserves a title for (30) calendar days. If additional payment(s) towards the balance is/are not made every (30) calendar days, contestant forfeits the title, and the title will again become available.

This deposit is non-refundable and applies to both the Early Bird Registration as well as the Non-Early Bird entry fee.

Delivery of Goods Upon Full Payment

Entry Fee must be paid in full before state/regional title is officially appointed and any of the items included in the entry fee can be provided to the titleholder. Upon payment of full entry fee, titleholder can expect sash, crown, t-shirt, tote bag, and other swag items within (3) weeks (via mail). Tracking information will be provided to the titleholder for informational purposes. All other items included in entry fee will be delivered and/or made available at Nationals.

Recruitment Bonuses

All Inaugural Queens and State/Regional Titleholders (must have paid deposit) will be eligible for recruitment bonuses of $25 per contestant they recruit. These bonuses will be paid to Queens/Titleholders upon contestant(s) payment(s) of $200 non-refundable deposit. If Queens/Titleholders have not yet paid their entry fee in full, a $25 credit (per recruit) will be applied toward their entry fee balance. Queens/Titleholders are encouraged to recruit contestants for any/all divisions.

Mentorship with Division Inaugural Queen

State/Regional titleholders will be assigned to the Inaugural Queen of their respective divisions for mentorship. Mentorship is not (pageant) coaching, but rather an additional support and/or source of encouragement for state/regional titleholders as they prepare for competition. Mentors will be responsible for hosting at least (1) virtual meeting per month (Facetime is acceptable) with any/all mentees beginning October 2026 and extending through the month of the national pageant. Please be respectful of your mentor’s time.

Attendance of monthly meetings is not mandatory, but meetings must be made available by Queen Mentors. Queen Mentors will also be the Point of Contact at Nationals for the State and Regional Titleholder in their respective divisions.

2027 Exemplary Nationals

The 2027 Exemplary National Pageant will be held April 9-11, 2027. The Venue/Host Hotel is the Holiday Inn Nashville Airport located at 2864 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, Tennessee. An Exemplary Pageants’ room block is available at the rate of $125 plus tax per night. Day parking is free. Overnight parking is $10.00 plus tax per night.

All titleholders are required to contact the hotel themselves to reserve their rooms.

Any titleholder who does not attend mandatory events will automatically forfeit their title. Any titleholder who is late for mandatory events will have points deducted from their overall pageant score.

(5 points per late event/except for Interviews, which will result in a deduction of 10 points).

Exemplary Retreats

Inaugural Queens are invited to attend a weekend retreat with the Exemplary Board of Directors. This retreat will be held September 11-13, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee. Each subsequent Queens’ Court will be invited to attend a retreat. Retreat venues will be chosen by the CEO and COO. Lodging will be paid for by Exemplary Pageants. Travel and food/beverage expenses for these retreats are the responsibility of (each) titleholder.

Mandatory Zoom Calls with CEO & Executive Director

The CEO and COO will schedule Zoom calls at least (2) weeks in advance. These calls will be no more than (30) minutes in duration. The dates/times/zoom links will be announced on the Exemplary Titleholders Facebook Page. All regional/state and inaugural titleholders will be required to attend.

If anyone is unable to attend, they will be required to contact the CEO and COO (via email) PRIOR to the Zoom meeting AND will also be required to follow up with their Queen Mentor after the meeting to ensure they are aware of any/all necessary information.

Optional Competitions

Exemplary Paragon Optional

Inaugural Queens & State/Regional Titleholders interested in participating in this optional must email: rebekah@exemplarypageants.com -AND- david@exemplarypageants.com and advise they wish to compete in this optional. A $50 entry fee is required. Email and Entry Fee due no later than January 1, 2027.

Contestants will be required to complete a runway walk in Fun Fashion or All Black Attire. They will be judged on fashion sense, charisma, and connection. The contestant with the highest score in this optional earns the title of “Exemplary Paragon” and will receive a crown, sash, and an invitation to the Exemplary Queens’ Retreat in Fall 2027. Winner will be determined by judges’ scores.

Exemplary Impact Optional

State/Regional Titleholders interested in participating in this optional must email: rebekah@exemplarypageants.com -AND- david@exemplarypageants.com and advise they wish to compete in this optional. A $25 entry fee is required.

Contestants must submit (via email to the above addresses) a digital portfolio (maximum of 10 pages) highlighting: community service projects, volunteer hours, platform-related initiatives, fundraising efforts, community partnerships, letters of support or testimonials, and photos documenting service activities. These portfolios and the $25 entry fee are due no later than January 1, 2027. The contestant with the highest score in this optional earns the title of “Exemplary Impact Queen” and will receive a crown and sash. Winner will be determined by Exemplary CEO and COO.

Opening Number

All state/regional titleholders will have a runway walk as they are introduced by the Emcee. Attire: Cocktail dress of choice in one of the official pageant colors (Black, Hot Pink, Silver). PLEASE NOTE: Dress may also be a combination of any/all these colors. Following the introduction of all state/regional titleholders, the Inaugural Queens and the Exemplary Princess will have their runway walk as they are introduced by the Emcee.

Mandatory Areas of Competition

Interview

Interviews will be conducted press-conference style in front of a panel of (5) judges. Each contestant/titleholder will have a maximum of (7) minutes with the judges’ panel. A timekeeper will be present and will give a 30-second warning to everyone in the room, at which point titleholders should be sure to conclude the interview on a positive/strong note. Judges will score titleholders on poise, confidence, eye-contact, and most importantly, platform awareness. No high/low scores will be dropped. Scores will range from 1 to 10. The highest possible score, therefore, will be 50.

Introduction

During Opening Number, each contestant/titleholder will be introduced by the Emcee (by name and title) as they walk down the runway to face the judges/audience. Introduction is not scored, but judges will be present and looking for poise. Introduction is also your first opportunity to connect with the audience.

State Costume

Each contestant/titleholder will be required to create and model a costume that represents the state and/or region they represent. Judges will score titleholders on creativity and originality. No high/low scores will be dropped. Scores will range from 1 to 5. The highest possible score, therefore, will be 25, and will be added to the titleholder’s score from Interview.

Formalwear/Evening Gown

Each contestant/titleholder will be required to model the evening gown of her choice. Gowns must be floor-length and age appropriate. Hi-low gowns and 2-piece gowns are not appropriate attire for this portion of the competition. Gowns should fall to the top of the foot (heels should not be visible as titleholders will not be judged on the shoes they are wearing). Judges will score titleholders on elegance and poise. No high/low scores will be dropped. Scores will range from 1-5. The highest possible score, therefore, will be 25. This score will be added to the titleholder’s cumulative score from Interview and State Costume.

Ties / On-Stage Questions

In the event there is a tie in any division, the contestant/titleholder with the highest score in Interview will be crowned the Divisional Queen.

The TOP 5 Contestants (highest scores overall) will compete in On-Stage Question to determine the Exemplary Supreme. Queens will reach into a bowl and pull out (1) question, read it to themselves, then hand it to the Emcee. The Emcee will read the question out loud, then repeat it a second time. After the Emcee has read the question a second time, the titleholder will have (1) minute to answer the question. Judges will score titleholders on whether the question was answered, whether the answer made sense, and whether the titleholder answered with confidence. No high/low scores will be dropped. Scores will range from 1 to 15. The highest possible score, therefore, will be 75. This will then be added to the titleholder’s cumulative competition score.

Exemplary Supreme

The titleholder with the overall highest score in the pageant will win the title of Exemplary Supreme. They will not be double crowned. Meaning, that the 1st Runner-Up in their division will be crowned Divisional Queen.

For example: Miss Teen Georgia wins her division but also has the highest overall score. She will be crowned Exemplary Supreme, and whomever was the 1st Runner-Up in the Miss Teen division will be crowned Miss Teen Exemplary 2027.

The Exemplary Supreme will also be the official Brand Ambassador for Exemplary Pageants during her reign and will be involved in the production and planning of 2028 Exemplary Nationals.

Awards / Prize Packages

Congeniality Winner and Best in Interview, Costume, and Formalwear will each receive an award sash and a $50 cash prize.

Each divisional winner will receive a national crown, embroidered sash, and flower bouquet. They will receive other gifts throughout their year’s reign and will have their lodging paid for at the 2027 Exemplary Retreat where they will also have a professional photo shoot. (Discounted hair and makeup services available through Tabatha Nichole’s Salon). Additionally, they will receive prizes at the 2028 national pageant if/when they return to crown their successors.

The Exemplary Supreme will receive a custom-made crown valued at $200, embroidered sash, scepter, and flower bouquet. She will also receive $500 cash at the time of her crowning, and $500 cash when she returns to 2028 Nationals to crown her successor. In addition, at the 2027 Exemplary Retreat, the Exemplary Supreme will receive a complimentary hair and makeup session from Tabatha Nichole’s Salon, followed by a professional photoshoot.

Directors’ Awards

Exemplary Elegance Award

Honors an Inaugural Queen who embodies grace, poise, and timeless sophistication in every aspect of her presence. This individual carries herself with confidence and composure, demonstrating refined style, genuine kindness, and an effortless ability to uplift those around her. From her appearance to her demeanor, she represents the true essence of elegance, both inside and out, serving as a shining example of class, character, and charm. The winner of this award will be chosen by the Exemplary CEO.

Purpose Over Self Award

Honors an Inaugural Queen who embodies the true spirit of Exemplary Pageants by placing the needs of others above her own. This individual demonstrates unwavering commitment to community service, advocacy, and making a meaningful impact. Through compassion, leadership, and action, she inspires others and represents what it truly means to wear the crown with purpose. The winner of this award will be chosen by the Exemplary COO.

Carbon Footprint Award

Honors a contestant/titleholder who demonstrates exceptional commitment to environmental sustainability and actively working to reduce her environmental impact and inspiring others to do the same. The winner of this award will be chosen by the Exemplary Director of Productions.

Golden Shears Award

Golden Shears are more than a tool-they are a symbol of transformation. Shears never add; they remove. Yet, in the hands of a skilled artist, what is removed is never the focus. Instead, each intentional cut reveals beauty, confidence, authenticity, and purpose, all of which already existed beneath the surface. This award honors a contestant/titleholder who uses creativity and talent to inspire, uplift, and create meaningful change. Gold symbolizes excellence, while the shears represent transformation and courage. The winner of this award will be chosen by the Exemplary Director of Aesthetics.

Martha Ward Massie Award

Exemplary Pageants’ highest honor. Named for our CEO’s maternal grandmother known to all as “Granny”. Born and raised in Tazewell, Virginia, Martha lived a life of joyful service to others. This award honors a contestant/titleholder (in-person or Ambassador) who has gone above and beyond to promote joyful pageantry and stewardship. The winner of this award will be chosen by the Exemplary Pageants’ Board of Directors.

Crowned Influencer Award

This award honors the Inaugural Queen who inspires, connects, and makes an impact by using her social media to promote positivity, champion her platform, engage her community, and spread the joyful spirit of Exemplary Pageants. This award includes a crown, sash, and other prizes. The winner of this award will be chosen by the Exemplary Pageants’ Board of Directors, and the Exemplary Supreme Ambassador.

Other Awards

Martin Community Impact Award

Created and sponsored by 2026-2027 International Exemplary Ambassador Jacquoline Martin/Canada, this award honors an Inaugural Queen or In-Person State or Regional Titleholder who best demonstrates the heart and soul of “community” through compassion, service, leadership, and a genuine commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

This award requires an application (see below).

Applicants must submit a 350 to 500-word essay on how their advocacy work has positively impacted their community, and what that means to them as a titleholder. Applicants are required to submit this essay along with at least (1) photo of themselves actively engaging in service work within their communities. Essays and photos are due by 11:59PST, Sunday, February 28, 2027, and should be emailed to the CEO and Executive Director: rebekah@exemplarypageants.com -AND- david@exemplarypageants.com. The winner of this award will be chosen by the CEO, COO, and Miss Martin.

Dolly Joyful Spirit Award

Created by the Exemplary COO, this award is in memory of the legendary and iconic Dolly Parton, who passed away on August 25, 2026. Dolly’s life was defined not only by her remarkable talent, but also by her kindness, generosity, authenticity, compassion, and unmistakable ability to bring joy to others. Those qualities beautifully reflect the spirit of joyful pageantry that Exemplary Pageants strives to create.

This award will be presented to an Inaugural Queen or State/Regional Titleholder who has demonstrated that same spirit through kindness, encouragement, positivity, inclusion, and genuine care for those around her. The Winner will be voted on by Inaugural Queens, State/Regional Titleholders, the Supreme Ambassador, and the Exemplary Board of Directors. Winner will receive a custom-made crown, custom-made crown box, custom Queen’s Magnet, framed certificate, and other prizes.

Positive Potato/Kindness Matters Award

Created by Jennifer Wilde, Ms Exemplary Ambassador 2026, this award is given to the individual who consistently demonstrates exceptional kindness and goes above and beyond to support their community. This individual embodies unwavering love, support, and compassion for everyone they encounter, showcasing genuine kindness and empathy. All Exemplary Titleholders and Directors are eligible for this award and will be voting on the Winner of this award at Nationals. Award will be presented by Jennifer Wilde during Awards/Crowning at Nationals on Sunday, April 11, 2027.

Crown of Inclusion Award

Created by Kitty McClintock, 2026-2027 Exemplary Ambassador, this award will be presented to the Exemplary Titleholder who represents and embodies the spirit of inclusivity. This special titleholder goes above and beyond to ensure everyone is included. All Exemplary Titleholders are eligible.

Exemplary Stargazer Award

Created by Natasha Tackett, Ms Exemplary 2026-2027, this award recognizes the Exemplary Titleholder who shoots for the stars to achieve her dreams and fulfill her purpose. Not only does this Queen actively pursue her own dreams, but she also encourages and empowers her Sash Sisters to do the same. All Exemplary Titleholders are eligible.

Awards Sponsored by Anitra Manning, Exemplary Supreme Ambassador

Each of these awards includes a crown and a certificate. Anitra has also sponsored (6) separate awards for Inaugural Queens which will not be listed below but have been announced to the Inaugural Queens’ Court. All the Winners of the awards listed below will be voted upon by the Exemplary Board of Directors and Anitra.

Femininity Award

Recognizes the State/Regional Titleholder who is graceful in how she moves, is poised in every space, confident in who she is, and classy in how she presents herself. This titleholder is admirable and valuable, setting the standard for balance and beauty.

Passion Award

Recognizes the State/Regional Titleholder who is most passionate about her pageant platform. This titleholder goes above and beyond to promote their platform within their own community and shows the ability and fortitude to promote it on a national level.

Emerald City Award

Honors the Exemplary “Oz”. This State/Regional Titleholder OR Exemplary Ambassador leads with wisdom, guides with hope, and inspires others in their journeys. She also helps her Sash Sisters find their true gifts and encourages them to shine brightly for both them and others.

Monarca Award

Honors the State/Regional Titleholder OR Exemplary Ambassador who has demonstrated extraordinary personal growth, resilience, and courage. Like the Monarch Butterfly, she embraces change, overcomes adversity, and inspires others through her journey. This award celebrates the woman who has found her wings and uses them to uplift others.

Heart of Gold Award

Honors the State/Regional Titleholder OR Exemplary Ambassador who is a “golden giver”, a queen who is selfless and recognizes the value of others. She helps to heal, support, love, and restore. This queen is a unique and rare treasure as she shows unwavering dedication to serve and inspire happiness.

Dream Digger Award

Honors the State/Regional Titleholder OR Exemplary Ambassador who is living her dreams. She helps others discover their own dreams and helps them become realities. This queen believes in everyone living their best lives. She leads through experience and is also resourceful.

Rainbow Award

Honors the State/Regional Titleholder OR Exemplary Ambassador whose beauty was born from adversity. This queen has a cheerful spirit which inspires others to shine their own lights. She is often seen as a rainbow after the storm.

• Exemplary Pageants does not have non-compete contracts. The Exemplary Supreme, Divisional Queens, and Exemplary Ambassadors may participate and/or compete in other pageant systems if they also represent Exemplary Pageants to the best of their ability.
• Exemplary Pageants is not a “crown-all” system. Titles must be earned.
• State and Regional titleholders/contestants are not allowed to alter their sashes and/or add their names to the back. They are, however, allowed to decorate their sashes with pins, buttons, and/or magnets AS LONG AS they do not cover their titles.
• While AI photos are not prohibited, any/all photos featuring Official Exemplary Regalia (crown, sash, and/or scepter) must maintain the integrity of the original/authentic branding. REGALIA SHOULD NOT BE MODIFIED IN ANY WAY IN PHOTOS.
• ALL Inaugural Queens are required to attend the Inaugural Queen Retreat, September 11-13, 2026, in Nashville, TN. Failure to attend will result in immediate revocation of title and forfeiture of all prizes.
• The Exemplary Supreme will be required to attend the (Fall) 2027 Exemplary Retreat and will also be required to assist the Exemplary Board of Directors in planning the 2028 National Pageant. Failure to attend will result in immediate revocation of title and forfeiture of all prizes. The contestant/titleholder with the next highest overall score will be eligible for the Supreme title and all prizes included in the Supreme’s prize package.
• Divisional Queens are invited to the 2027 Exemplary Retreat, and should make every effort to attend, but their attendance is not required. If they are unable to attend for any reason, they must contact the CEO and COO via email to notify them of the reason(s) for their absence from the event.
• The Exemplary Supreme and Divisional Queens are expected to be present at the 2028 National Pageant to crown their successors. Appearance at Nationals is optional for Exemplary Ambassadors.
• No “pageant-bashing” will be tolerated. This includes defamatory or other negative comments about Exemplary Pageants or any other pageant system. We are trying to be a source of joy in the world of pageantry, not hate and/or discontent.
• No violence or hate speech will be tolerated. Anyone engaging in these behaviors will have their title immediately revoked by the CEO and/or COO.
• ALL Contestants/Titleholders/Directors 21 years of age and older must maintain sobriety at all pageant events. This does not preclude them from drinking alcohol, and/or smoking (nicotine products only). ANY Contestant/Titleholder/Director who appears to be intoxicated and/or under the influence of illicit/illegal substances during official pageant events (including Exemplary Retreats) will have their titles immediately revoked without refund. Further, any awards they may have won or prizes they have received will also be forfeited and immediately returned to Exemplary Pageants.
• ALL Contestants/Titleholders under the age of 21 are strictly prohibited from drinking alcohol and/or smoking/vaping nicotine or any illegal substances. Failure to abide by this rule will result in immediate title revocation without refund. Further, any awards they may have won or prizes that have received will also be forfeited and immediately returned to Exemplary Pageants.
• At/During Nationals, no State/Regional Titleholder is allowed to fraternize with the Pageant Judges. The only contact they are allowed to have with the judges is during interviews or on-stage. If a State/Regional Titleholder is found to be communicating with any judge outside of these parameters, they are subject to immediate disqualification. Additionally, if disqualification is deemed necessary and appropriate by the CEO and/or COO, State/Regional title will be revoked without refund.
• At/During Nationals, State/Regional Titleholders are expected to seek advice and/or bring their concerns FIRST to their assigned Queen Mentor. If the Queen Mentor needs additional assistance in any matter, they are to contact the CEO and/or COO immediately. We strive to foster open and effective communication so that Exemplary Pageants can grow and become a positive force in pageantry, but there is an effective chain of command which must always be followed.
• At/During Nationals, the CEO’s room is off-limits to everyone except the Exemplary Board of Directors. This is subject to change as directed by the CEO.
• The information contained in the Exemplary Handbook is subject to change at any time as determined appropriately by the CEO and/or COO.