PUERTO RICANS UNITED, INC.
Puerto Rican Festival of New Haven
P.O. Box 8043
New Haven CT, 06530
Miss Puerto Rico of Greater New Haven
Cultural Pageant
The Mission and Purpose of the Miss Puerto Rico of Greater New Haven Pageant: To encourage our young ladies to become role models among the Hispanic youth of the Greater New Haven Community by example and character.
Our candidates must make a commitment to:
● Graduate from high school
● Continue with their post-high school education
● Promote Puerto Rican and Latino arts and culture
● Volunteer their services to the community
● Promote the concept of family values
● Promote active citizenship
GUIDELINES AND RULES
Minimum requirements for participation:
Ages:
- Junior Miss - 10-13 years old (middle school student)
- Teen Miss - 14-18 years old (high school student)
*Applicants who are currently 18 must still be a High School student at the time of crowning. (April 2025). Not open to 18 year old applicants who have already graduated High School. Seniors are welcome to apply.
Marital Status:
- Single/Never married
- No children
- Residing with their parent or legal guardian (no live-in situations)
Educational Commitment:
- Actively attending school (non-truant)
- Must not be failing more than one subject (intervention required for failing grades)
- Have intentions of pursuing a post-high school education
Residential Requirement:
- Resident of Greater the New Haven Greater Area (New Haven, North Haven, West Haven, East Haven, Hamden etc.)
Ethnicity:
- Must be of Puerto Rican descent (one or both parents) and represent a specific town or city of Puerto Rico (will be determined on a first come basis, only one representative will be permitted per division)
Other:
● Must have completed a participant agreement with a $50.00 application fee (no refunds!)
● Committed to working as a team with other contestants, and professionally with volunteers, pageant coordinators and staff
● Willing to attend weekly meetings and rehearsals – three or more absences will result in removal of your participation
● Available to attend festival-related activities, such as
- Annual Puerto Rican Festival
- Other cultural and community events
● Behave in a courteous and respectful manner towards all fellow contestants and committee members and all those involved with the pageant ● Refrain from Internet activity considered inappropriate and/or offensive on all platforms including social media (i.e: Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok etc.)
PRIZES AND AWARDS
QUEEN
The overall winner of the Miss Puerto Rico of Greater New Haven Cultural Pageant will be awarded the following:
● Crown
● Embroidered sash
● Scholarship
○ Junior Miss - $1000 Scholarship Award
○ Teen Miss - $2000 Scholarship Award
*The funds will be distributed from the committee directly to the winner's legal guardian and/or parent (unless the winner is 18 years of age), OR unless otherwise instructed to send funds to an educational institution. Should the candidate wish to use funds not specific to a two- or four-year college/university, the candidate must submit a written request to PRU Inc. detailing the request. Requests must be educational such as school supplies, books, training, etc. It is the candidate’s responsibility to provide the requested information to PRU Inc. so as to make the payments directly to the institution within the
specified time of one (1) year.
● Invitation to participate in exclusive events in a formal capacity, throughout the term of the reign
PRINCESS
(First-Runner-Up)
The First Runner-up of the Miss Puerto Rico of Greater New Haven Cultural Pageant will be awarded the following:
- Tiara
- Embroidered sash
- Invitation to participate in select events in a formal capacity, throughout the term of the reign. (participants who decide to compete again consecutively will surrender this title at the time of upcoming registration)
ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION
One contestant of each category will also be awarded recognition in the following areas:
● Congeniality- This award is presented to the candidate who possessed positivity, team work, and phenomenal sportsmanship throughout the pageant’s course; participants will have this opportunity to vote for one another.
● Photogenic- This award is presented to the candidate whose inner beauty, charisma and confidence radiates through a photograph; the winner will be selected by the panel of appointed judges.
● Community- This award is presented to the candidate who sold the most ads for the event’s program book and will be recognized for their ability to network, and promote the cultural value of this pageant. Winner will be selected by the pageant staff and PRU Committee.
● Cultural Talent- This award is presented to the candidate who scored the most points in the cultural talent segment of the pageant. These points are included in each participant's overall score.
● Cultural Presentation (Costume) - This award is presented to the candidate who scored the most points in the cultural presentation segment of the pageant. These points are included in each participant's overall score.
● Elegance- This award is presented to the candidate who scored the most points in the evening gown and final question segment of the pageant. These points are included in each participant's overall score.
*Other prizes will be listed separately and may be subject to change
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
If elected Miss Puerto Rico of Greater New Haven, candidate must be willing to:
- Participate in the Puerto Rican Festival (Second Saturday of August) to be held in New Haven, CT.
- Attend festivals, parades and functions representing Puerto Ricans United, Inc./ Puerto Rican Festival of New Haven.
- Maintain grades of a C+ Average or better
- Commit to conducting a community service project to benefit a local organization and/or cause
- Adhere to proposed contract to be signed upon accepting the official title of Miss/Jr. Miss Puerto Rico of Greater New Haven 2025.
- Willing to surrender crown and prize package to first runner up upon breach of contract. Examples to include but not limited to:
- Incase of chronic truancy, expulsion or unenrollment from school
- In case of pregnancy, motherhood and /or marriage (includes domestic partnership/living arrangements)
- In case of arrests, legal accusations or any other legally related misconduct that the board of directors of the organization may deem inappropriate
- Has engaged in any disrespectful manner towards committee members, pageant staff members or any other contestants during or after the pageant
- If found to be engaging in inappropriate behavior on social platforms or the internet (i.e Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok etc.)
Miss Puerto Rico of Greater New Haven
Cultural Pageant
Participation Agreement
This form must be signed and mailed to: PRU, Inc. P.O Box 8043, New Haven, CT. 06530. Individual interviews may be scheduled and conducted upon receival of application. Contestants will be selected on a first come basis. Application must be received no later than January 7th, 2025 to be considered.
I, _______________________________, have read the information regarding the 2025 Miss Puerto Rico of Greater New Haven Cultural Pageant, and understand them. I will abide by them to the best of my ability.
Signed:________________________________ Date: ______________________
(Contestant)
Birth Date:______________ Age:______
Parent or Legal Guardian’s Name: _________________________________
Home Address:________________________________ Town:__________________
Zip Code: _____________ Primary Phone: ____________________
Email Address: _________________________________________________
School: ______________________________________ Current Grade: __________
Town or City of Puerto Rico chosen to represent: ___________________________
Application Fee: $50.00 (please check one)
Cash _____ Check _____ Money Order _____ Other ______ (cash app / paypal)
Yes_____ No______
Parent Signature____________________________________________________
(Parent signature required if under 18)