Avery Manthe
Miss Wausau Area 2025
State Interview Look

Janae Bond
Miss Wausau Area 2026
State Interview Look

Lauren Hjelsand
Miss Wausau Area 2025
State Interview Look

The interview phase of competition is a powerful and influential part of the Miss America Program, making up 30% of a contestant’s overall score. This phase consists of a private conversation with the judges, allowing contestants to showcase their communication skills, leadership potential, and personal goals.
Designed to promote strong public speaking and thoughtful dialogue, the interview focuses on how confidently and clearly a contestant can express herself. Questions may cover a wide range of topics, including personal experiences, current events, leadership, and future aspirations, and are often based on a contestant’s resume and Community Service Initiative. Above all, this phase emphasizes authenticity—being genuine, prepared, and true to who you are.
- Write out your key talking points. List your goals, Community Service Initiative details, leadership experiences, and fun personal facts so you can speak about them confidently and clearly. What do you want the judges to absolutely know about you by the end of your interview?
- Practice with a real person. Do at least two mock interviews with a friend, former titleholder, or trusted mentor and ask for direct feedback on clarity, pacing, and confidence. Reach out if you would like to do a mock interview; our volunteers and titleholders are happy to help!
- Stay current, but focused. Read the news daily and connect relevant topics back to your values or CSI instead of trying to memorize headlines. Be prepared to speak on current events in the world.
- Train your delivery. Practice standing, making eye contact, smiling naturally, and answering questions out loud—confidence comes from repetition. Try to eliminate “uh”, “um”, and “like” - these filler words can sometimes be distracting!
- Dress like the most polished version of yourself. Choose a tailored outfit that feels true to your personal style while still professional—think clean lines, modern silhouettes, and confident colors that allow you to stand out, not the outfit.
- Keep it elevated, not overdone. Select pieces that are fashion forward but timeless. Styling should help keep the focus on your presence and personality.
- Confidence comes from comfort. Wear clothing and shoes you can move in easily. When you’re comfortable, you’re able to stay present, authentic, and engaged.

The Onstage Question portion of competition is a meaningful moment in the Miss Wausau Area competition, accounting for 10% of a contestant’s overall score. During this phase, contestants respond live on stage to a question, offering a glimpse into their confidence, composure, and ability to think clearly in the spotlight.
Designed to highlight poise under pressure and effective communication, this segment focuses on how a contestant can deliver her response. Answers should be kept to about 20 seconds and may address topics such as current events, personal values, leadership, or community impact. Above all, this phase emphasizes clarity and authenticity—speaking with confidence, staying composed, and letting your genuine voice shine through.
- Practice concise responses.
  Since answers should be about 20 seconds, practice expressing your thoughts clearly and efficiently. Aim for a brief opening statement, one supporting idea, and a strong closing thought.
- Stay informed.
  Review current events, community issues, and topics related to leadership and service. Being knowledgeable helps you respond thoughtfully and with confidence.
- Develop a clear point of view.
  Judges aren’t looking for a “perfect” answer — they want to hear your perspective. Practice forming opinions and supporting them with simple, meaningful reasoning.
- Practice speaking out loud.
  Rehearse with friends and/or family to simulate the live experience. Practicing aloud helps you refine pacing, tone, and clarity.
Typically at Miss Wausau Area, the onstage questions are relating to your community service initiative. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare for any subject!
This one is the easiest - you’ll wear your opening number outfit for this stage of competition at the Miss Wausau Area Scholarship Competition! Wardrobe info for the opening number outfit can be found on the Production page.
LINK: Dani Walker’s Onstage Question Starter Guide - Note that this is more inclined to other pageant systems, but the tips are still applicable!
LINK: Addison Walker - Miss OK Onstage Question example
LINK: Miss Illinois 2023 Jessica Tilton - Miss America OSQ

Onstage question

The Health & Fitness portion of competition is a dynamic and empowering segment of the Miss Wausau Area competition, accounting for 20% of a contestant’s overall score. This phase takes place on stage and highlights a contestant’s vitality, confidence, and overall stage presence while demonstrating a commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
Designed to celebrate strength, energy, and self-assurance, this phase focuses on how confidently a contestant carries herself and connects with the audience. Judges look for poise, posture, and the ability to project confidence and enthusiasm on stage. Above all, this phase emphasizes authenticity—showcasing your natural energy, embracing your individuality, and presenting your healthiest, most confident self.
- Practice stage presence.
  Rehearse your walk, turns, and pauses so your movements feel smooth and intentional. Strong posture and purposeful movement communicate confidence.
- Build confidence through repetition.
  Practice in your competition attire and shoes to become comfortable and natural in your presentation. The more familiar it feels, the more relaxed and confident you’ll appear.
- Engage the audience.
  Keep your chin up, shoulders back, and smile naturally. Make eye contact and project energy outward to create a strong connection with the audience and judges.
- Choose confidence over perfection.
  Judges are looking for vitality and authenticity. Focus on showing your personality, enthusiasm, and comfort on stage rather than striving for flawless movements.
All contestants are required to wear Rebel Athletic red attire for this portion of competition. This is mandated by the Miss America Program.

The Miss Wausau Area has a large selection of Rebel attire for you to borrow for competition. If you are interested in purchasing your own attire, go to the Rebel Athletic x Miss America page to purchase.
Once contestant registration closes, the Miss Wausau Area Scholarship Organization will send out more information on claiming attire for competition.
LINK: Miss America 2025 Health & Fitness Finals Competition
LINK: Madison Marsh, Miss America 2024 Health & Fitness
LINK: Miss Alaska’s Teen 2025, Nationals Health & Fitness

Health & Fitness

The Talent portion of competition is a vibrant and expressive segment of Miss Wausau Area, accounting for 20% of a contestant’s overall score. This phase provides contestants with the opportunity to showcase a unique skill or performance ability, allowing their creativity, discipline, and dedication to shine on stage.
The talent presentation focuses on both technical ability and stage presence. Performances may include vocal or instrumental music, dance, theatrical presentations, or other creative expressions that reflect a contestant’s passions and strengths. Talent’s don’t have to be “traditional” either - we’ve had science demonstrations, archery, and more on the Miss Wausau Area stage! Reach out if you need help identifying a talent.
This is a reminder that talent’s are limited to 90 seconds! Be sure your talent is within that time limit.
- Choose the right talent.
  Select a performance that highlights your strengths and feels authentic to you. Judges respond to sincerity and passion just as much as technical skill.
- Refine stage presence.
  Work on facial expression, posture, and audience connection. Engage the audience and project confidence from the moment you step on stage.
- Prepare your technical elements.
  Test music tracks, sound quality, props, and equipment in advance. Having reliable materials allows you to focus fully on your performance.
- Manage nerves through rehearsal.
  Perform in front of friends, family, or small audiences to build comfort and confidence under pressure.
Wear what works best for your talent! If you need a gown or professional attire for this, the Miss Wausau Area closet is available for you to borrow wardrobe from.
No examples are provided for this portion, as your talent should be individual to you!

talent

Private Interview

During this phase, each contestant appears on stage in a floor-length evening gown that reflects her personal style. Judges evaluate posture, stage presence, and composure, looking for contestants who move with confidence and ease. Smooth walking, strong posture, and a natural smile communicate preparedness and inner confidence. The focus is on how the contestant presents herself rather than the cost or extravagance of the gown.
Aligned with the Miss America mission of empowering women through scholarship, service, and leadership, the evening gown phase demonstrates maturity, self-respect, and professionalism. This phase accounts for 20% of the overall score, emphasizing the importance of confidence and composure while reinforcing the organization’s commitment to developing strong, accomplished young women.
- Choose a gown that reflects you
  Select a gown that complements your body type, feels comfortable, and aligns with your personal style. You should feel confident, not restricted.
- Practice walking in your shoes
  Rehearse in the exact shoes you’ll wear on stage. Focus on smooth, controlled steps and maintaining balance.
- Develop strong posture
  Stand tall with shoulders relaxed and chin level. Good posture communicates confidence and composure.
- Master your stage presence
  Practice entering, pausing, turning, and exiting gracefully. Movements should be intentional and unhurried.
- Keep your facial expression natural
  A relaxed, genuine smile conveys confidence and approachability.
- Practice in front of others
  Rehearse in front of family, friends, or a mirror to refine your walk and receive feedback. Record yourself and watch it back as well!
- Wear an age-appropriate gown.
  Select a gown that reflects sophistication while remaining tasteful and suitable for your age and role as a representative of your community. Styles that are elegant, refined, and not overly revealing help project maturity, professionalism, and good judgment. The goal is to present yourself as a confident young woman who embodies the values of the Miss America Organization.
- Prioritize elegance over excessive embellishment. Clean lines and tasteful detailing keep the focus on you rather than distracting elements.
- Ensure the gown supports confident movement. Straps or structure should provide security so you feel at ease. You will be standing on a stage, so make sure if anybody is looking upwards that you are comfortable too.
- Coordinate shoes and accessories thoughtfully. Neutral or metallic heels are usually good accessories, while simple jewelry should complement, not compete with, your overall look.
The Miss Wausau Area Organization has a wardrobe closet for contestants to borrow wardrobe from. You do not need to spend hundreds of dollars to compete - the wardrobe should be the least of your concerns while preparing!