Sweeps 2026

Will be held on Sunday Feb 22nd, 2026 at Mount Vernon High School in Fortville, IN

About the Miss America Opportunity

Miss Indiana Sweeps is a local competition within the Miss America Opportunity, which has 5 phases of competition that include Private Interview, Talent, Fitness, Onstage Interview, and Evening Gown.

Miss America: Delegates must be no older than 28 years of age as of September 30, 2026 and no younger than 18 on September 1, 2026.

Miss America’s Teen: Delegates must be no younger than 14 as of September 1, 2026 OR no older than 18 on September 30, 2026.

Paperwork includes: Fact Sheet (similar to a resume), Community Service Initiative (a platform that you have- something you are passionate about. Could be an existing organization like Feed my Starving Children), and filling out the Local Contestant Contract.

Here is a great document created by wonderful Miss Indiana contestants that has A LOT of information about competing in MAO.

Miss Indiana Resources

Phases of Competition

Private Interview

9 minutes (with 30 second opener)

Each candidate participates in an individual 10 minute interview with a panel of judges. There are typically five judges on a panel. Candidates are asked questions about their background as presented on their fact sheet, their educational career goals, their opinions on current events and social issues, and their interests, hobbies, and extracurricular activities.

Onstage Interview

Each contestant will be asked a question written by the judges about her community service initiative.

Fitness

Contestants will model their athletic apparel to show the judging panel, their commitment to their personal fitness and wellness. The emcee will also read a short blurb about how the contestant stays physically or mentally fit. Miss America has partnered with Rebel Athletics for the fitness portion of the Miss America competitions. You can find pieces on their website or for resale of sites like Poshmark, Mercari, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay.

Talent

Contestants perform a 90 second routine of their own choosing. Some possible talents include all types of singing, dancing, gymnastics, instrumental music, dramatic reading, stand-up comedy, monologues, HerStory, baton twirling, cheerleading routines, science demonstration, and ventriloquism. Please reach out if you are unsure of what to do.

Evening Gown

Each contestant appears on stage in an outfit of her own choosing, representative of what she would wear to a formal, black tie, social event. You do not have to purchase a brand new or expensive gown for this phase of competition, many girls use prom dresses that they already have or borrow a dress from a friend!