The Italian-American Community Center (IACC) is a world-renowned non-profit organization based in Rochester, New York.  The mission of the IACC is to sustain the social vitality and cultural vibrancy of the Italian-American heritage. We believe this is accomplished by strengthening family life, uplifting human services, binding together the diverse historical traditions of Italians, and honoring the legacy of Italian immigration to the United States.

Pageant Requirements:

1)  Female

2)     16-20 years old residing in Monroe County.

3)     The applicant must have Italian heritage. (At least one grandparent or parent).

4)     GPA of 2.5 or better (must submit an unofficial transcript).

5)     Applicant must be able to volunteer and attend Festa Italiana on Thursday July 14 thru Saturday July 16 with other pageant contestants. (Semi-finalists will be required to choose from certain hours and tasks to help promote the pageant and its sponsors).

6)     Semi-finalists must be able to participate in the IACC’s Miss Italian-American of Rochester Pageant on Sunday, July 17, 2005.

7)     Complete and submit all enclosed documents and requested materials.

Entry Requirements:

1)     Enclose a non-refundable $15.00 application fee check/money order:

     (Payable to: Italian American Community Center).

2)     Submit 5x7 head shot (black & white or color).

3)     Complete and submit the Personal Bio Sheet.

4)     Complete and submit Essay Question (typed, 250-300 words, Times New Roman, size 12 font and double spaced).

5)     Complete and submit Release Form. (If under 18, parent must sign as well)

6)     Application and all requested materials must be received by the Italian American Community Center no later than Sunday, May 15, 2005.

IACC’s Miss Italian-American of Rochester Awards:

Miss Italian-American of Rochester:           $750.00 scholarship, travel voucher, jewelry and other gifts and prizes.

First Runner-up:                                        $350.00 scholarship, other gifts and prizes.

Second Runner-up:                                    $150.00 scholarship, other gifts and prizes.

Semi-Finalist:                                             Various gifts and prizes.

Expectations: 

• The IACC’s Miss Italian-American of Rochester, the First Runner-up, and other applicants are the ambassadors of The Festa Italiana and the Italian-American Community Center. 

• The IACC’s Miss Italian-American of Rochester will be expected to continue her personal, community and charitable contributions. 
• The IACC’s Miss Italian-American of Rochester agrees to appear at several functions which will be mutually agreed upon with The IACC’s Miss Italian-American of Rochester Committee for one full year.

• The IACC’s Miss Italian-American of Rochester must be present for the next year’s pageant.

Day of Competition:  July 17, 2005

Round I.  

Sportswear (Casual Summer Attire):  max 30 seconds (25 contestants)

                             Each semi-finalist will give a brief introduction of herself.( ie: first and                                    last name, residency, school/college attending, future goals).

                                    This must include a short description of her Italian descent.

Round II.

Spokes model (Gown): max 60 seconds (25 contestants)

          Each semi-finalist will explain how their Italian-American heritage           has affected their life thus far.  (ie. Discuss values and traditions.)

Round III.

FINAL ROUND (Gown): (Top Five Contestants)

                             Finalists will be asked one last question from a judge.  The response                           to this question will determine the IACC’s 2005 Miss Italian-                                        American of Rochester.

Personal Bio Sheet

A.  Questionnaire

Applicant’s Name:                                                                                                                    

Address:                                                                                                                             

City:                                                   State:                          Zip:          

Telephone:                                                                                                 

E-mail Address:                                                                                       

D.O.B:                                                       Age:                                      

Father’s name & nationalities:                                                                        

Mother’s maiden name & nationalities:                                                

Give a name of at least one parent or grandparent that is/was of Italian decent:

If you have any relatives still living in Italy, where?                                   

Have you visited Italy? When and where?                                                     

Do you play any sports?                                                                                   

What are some of your hobbies?                                                                      

Do you speak, read and/or write in Italian?                                                  

Do you speak, read and/or write in any other languages?                                                                                                                                                          

B.  School & Academic Standing

Name of School currently attending:                                                            

Status in school (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior):                                                       

Major Field of Study (Anticipated Field of Study) :                                                      

GPA (Please Attach Transcript) :                                                                                 Anticipated Graduation Date:                                                                    

C.  Awards/Scholarships & Activities

1.     Please list any awards or scholarships you have received.  Use a separate sheet if needed.

2.     List any extracurricular activities, clubs, community service events or employment, in which you have participated.  Use a separate sheet if needed.  Note any leadership or positions you held.

ie: President of Student Government, children’s volunteer, supervisor…

D.    Essay

Please write an essay in response to one of the following questions.  Limit your essay to 250-300 words, double-space, Times New Roman, size 12 font. 

1.       Explain how your Italian American heritage has enriched your life.  Describe how your family and you value tradition and customs.

2.       If there was one place in Italy you would visit, where would it be and why?

3.       Take one pure American Custom and one truly Italian custom. Combine them. What would you get?

Overview

Please read the following very carefully.  Once you have read and completely understood the following, please sign the Release Form and hand it in with the rest of the Miss Italian-American of Rochester Entry Packet.

You will be judged on the following:

1. Poise
2. Personal Presentation
3. Public Speaking

The IACC Miss Italian-American of Rochester Committee will contact the semi-finalists by phone and will announce their names in the Italian-American Community Center’s Newspaper.  

The Pageant will take place on Sunday, July 17, 2005 at the Italian American Center during Festa Italiana.  Family and friends are encouraged to cheer you on as you walk across the stage and answer questions!

NOTE: By reading and signing below you have agreed to the rules and

regulations of this competition.  If you do not sign the form, the committee

will have the right to disqualify you at anytime.

OFFICIAL IACC MISS ITALIAN-AMERICAN OF ROCHESTER RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. Festa Italiana and the IACC Miss Italian-American of Rochester Pageant are family oriented events and the organizers will not tolerate any vulgar language, nudity, or obscene gestures as part of your application process or representation for the IACC Miss Italian-American of Rochester during your tenure.
2. By participating in these events, all participants and winner(s) grant the Italian-American Community Center the exclusive permission to use your name, character(s), photographs, voice and likeliness in connections with the promotion and other contests and/or special events and do hereby waive any claims on royalty fees, rights and remuneration/compensation for such use.
3. By participating, each participant and winner waives any claims of liability against the Italian-American Community Center, any sponsors of the event, or one associated with the IACC Miss Italian-American of Rochester Pageant.  By participating, each participant will additionally waive any personal injury or loss, which may occur, from the conduct of, or participation in the contest or from the use of any prize.
4. The Italian-American Community Center reserves the right to disqualify any participant or winner and may refuse to award any prize to a person who is ineligible or has violated any rule, gained any unfair advantage in participating in the contest, or obtained winner status using fraudulent means.  The Italian American Community Center will resolve any disputes or ambiguities concerning the rules, without any outside involvement by any party, either from a contestant, viewer, judge etc.  The Italian-American Community Center decisions concerning such disputes are final.
5. Any valuation of the prize(s) stated is based on available information provided to the committee and the value of any prize awarded to a winner may be reported for tax purposes as required by law.  Each winner is solely responsible for reporting and paying any applicable taxes (local, state and federal).  Each winner must provide the committee with valid identification number OR Social Security Number before the prizes are awarded.  Prizes are non-transferable or redeemable for cash.
6. Entrant/Applicant must not have a criminal record or a conviction of any kind.
7. Entrant/Applicant must not have been pregnant in the past or is presently pregnant.
8. Entrant/Applicant cannot be presently married or preparing to be married in the year 2004-2005.
9. Judge's evaluation forms, scores, and notes are property of the Italian-American community Center and are not available for viewing at any time.

RELEASE FORM

Return this completed page ONLY

I have read and completely understood the above rules, regulations, and expectations.  By signing this form, I agree to obey the rules and will adhere to them I understand that at anytime I may be disqualified because of any rule/regulation violation.

Applicant’s Signature:                                                                       Date:                          

Parent/Guardian Signature:                                                  Date:                          

(If participant is under 18 years of age, parent or guardian must sign)

There is a non refundable registration fee of $15.00 payable by cash or check (checks made payable to The Italian American Community Center).

Please mail or drop off completed IACC Miss Italian-American of Rochester entry packet to the below address:                      

The Italian American Community Center

150 Frank DiMino Way

Rochester, New York, 14624

Attn:  Italian-American Pageant Committee

CHECKLIST

¨   $15.00 Non-Refundable Check or Money Order

¨   5 x 7 Head or Body Shot

¨   250 – 300 word Essay

¨   Personal Bio Sheet

¨   Release Form

¨   Transcript