Exemplary Pageants 2026–2027 Handbook
Welcome to Exemplary Pageants, a boutique-style pageantry experience designed to be platform-based, mental health-friendly, and drama-free. This page serves as a quick, polished overview of key handbook information for contestants, titleholders, and families.
About Exemplary Pageants
Established in January 2026, Exemplary Pageants is a privately owned national pageant system known for its boutique-style approach and carefully vetted clientele. The system is specifically designed for females ages 16+ and emphasizes purpose, platform work, confidence, and meaningful leadership.
Important Dates
- Early Bird Registration: April 17, 2026 – June 1, 2026
- Ambassador Applications Open: April 19, 2026
- Ambassador Deadline: June 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM Central
- Exemplary Retreat: September 11–13, 2026
- Nationals: April 9–11, 2027
Meet the Staff
Rebekah Slayton — Founder & CEO
Former state, national, and international titleholder, as well as a former International Pageant Director. Rebekah resides in White House, Tennessee and brings extensive leadership experience in Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice.
Email: rebekah@exemplarypageants.com
David Farmer — Executive Director
Former state, national, and international titleholder. David resides in Marietta, Georgia and brings over 19 years of professional experience as a Delta Flight Attendant.
Email: david@exemplarypageants.com
Scott Sealy — Director of Productions
Scott is passionate about photography, cooking, and using creativity to bring people together while advocating for those without a voice.
Tabatha Long — Director of Aesthetics
Owner of Tabatha Nichole’s Salon with 29 years of beauty industry experience and a strong focus on advocacy and empowerment.
Divisions
- Miss Teen: Ages 16–19 (single)
- 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)
Age is determined as of January 1 of the pageant year.
Fees & Deposit
- Early Bird Fee: $600
- Standard Entry Fee: $800
- Non-Refundable Deposit: $200
- Deposit Holds Title For: 30 calendar days
Entry fees include a state/regional title, embroidered sash, tiara, mentorship, official t-shirt, tote bag, orientation swag bag, competition sash, pageant program, admission for guests to finals, and photo gallery access from pageant weekend.
Areas of Competition
Interview
Press-conference style interview in front of a panel of five judges. Contestants are scored on poise, confidence, eye contact, and platform awareness.
Introduction
Each contestant gives a 15–30 second on-stage introduction including greeting, name, title, and platform. This portion is not scored but is an important first impression.
State Costume
Contestants model a costume representing their state or region. Judges evaluate creativity and originality.
Formalwear / Evening Gown
Contestants model the evening gown of their choice. Judges score elegance and poise. Gowns must be floor-length and age appropriate.
On-Stage Question & Exemplary Supreme
The five divisional winners compete in on-stage question for the title of Exemplary Supreme. The overall highest scoring titleholder becomes Exemplary Supreme and serves as the official brand ambassador during her reign.
Awards & Prize Packages
- Congeniality Winner: $50 cash prize
- Best Interview: $50 cash prize
- Best Costume: $50 cash prize
- Best Formalwear: $50 cash prize
- Divisional Winners: Crown, embroidered sash, flower bouquet, retreat lodging, gifts
- Exemplary Supreme: Custom crown, sash, scepter, bouquet, $500 at crowning, $500 upon return in 2028
Directors’ Awards
- Exemplary Elegance Award
- Purpose Over Self Award
- Carbon Footprint Award
- Cutting Edge Award
These honors recognize grace, service, sustainability, and bold creativity within the Exemplary Pageants community.
Exemplary Ambassadors (Virtual Titleholders)
Exemplary Pageants will accept Ambassador applications beginning April 19, 2026. This is a virtual contest open to females and males ages 16 and up who are active followers of the Exemplary Pageants Facebook page.
- Entry Fee: $300
- Non-Refundable Portion: $100
- Application Limit: 15 applicants
- Deadline: June 1, 2026 by 11:59 PM Central
- Winners Selected: 3 Ambassadors
- Announcement Date: September 12, 2026
- Prize Package Value: $700
Key Rules & Expectations
- Exemplary Pageants does not have non-compete contracts.
- The Exemplary Supreme is required to attend the retreat and assist with planning the next national pageant.
- Divisional Queens are invited to the retreat and should make every effort to attend.
- The Supreme and Divisional Queens are expected to return to crown their successors.
- No pageant-bashing, violence, or hate speech will be tolerated.
- Contestants and titleholders are expected to communicate concerns with both the CEO and Executive Director.