National Sweetheart Pageant
A scholarship-focused celebration of leadership, service, and poise.
The National Sweetheart Pageant honors young women for purpose-driven achievement—combining on-stage competition with scholarship opportunities and meaningful community impact.
Our Story
Built to recognize excellence—and invest in what comes next.
National Sweetheart Pageant was created to celebrate well-rounded achievement. We provide a professional, supportive stage where contestants are recognized for communication, confidence, and character—while advancing scholarship and service initiatives that strengthen communities.
What we stand for
Our program is designed to be both aspirational and practical: a national platform that encourages personal growth, academic ambition, and responsible leadership.
From orientation through finals, we emphasize integrity, preparation, and respect. Contestants gain experience in goal-setting, interview readiness, and community engagement—skills that extend far beyond the stage.
Our Impact
A pageant with purpose—measured in opportunity.
We are committed to creating a meaningful experience for contestants, families, and partners by prioritizing scholarship support, service, and a well-produced event weekend. Nine contestants from our National Sweetheart Pageant have become Miss America. Pam Eldred, Miss America 1970; Rebecca King, Miss America 1974; Grace E. Ward, Miss America 1982; Debrah L. Turner, Miss America 1990; Carolyn Sapp, Miss America 1992; Leanza Cornett, Miss America 1993; Tara Dawn Holland, Miss America 1997, Katie Marie Harman, Miss America 2002, Caressa Cameron, Miss America 2010.
Scholarships
Scholarship opportunities
We award scholarships to recognize leadership, service, and personal achievement. Below are current scholarship opportunities —final amounts may change.
Preliminary Awards
Preliminary Lifestyle & Fitness in Swimsuit – $100 sponsored by Sculpt Fitness
Preliminary Evening Gown – $100 sponsored by Anderson Funeral Home
Pat Musk Non-Finalist Talent Award
This $100 award is presented to the non-finalist contestant whose talent the judges found the most entertaining. The winner of this award will not only receive a cash award during our awards presentation but will also perform on Sunday night as well.
Miss Congeniality
Miss Congeniality is a $150 award given to the friendliest contestant as determined by a vote among the Sweethearts. Other qualities in Miss Congeniality besides friendliest is helpful, genuine and outgoing contestant in the pageant. Miss Congeniality should pay more attention to others than herself.
People’s Choice Award
The People’s Choice Award is a 50/50 split between the winner and the Hoopeston Jaycees. On-line voting will occur through Sunday 9-6-2026 and collection bags will be set up at the pageant for cash donations for a favorite contestant.
Additional Scholarships
The National Sweetheart Pageant offers many more scholarships. Check out our entire list of scholarships.
Leadership & Operations
Our executive board brings experience in event production, contestant support, and scholarship administration—focused on delivering a respectful, well-organized national program.
Contestant and National
Partnerships Liaison
Michelle Crabtree
Judge’s Coordinator
Denise Scharlach
Housing and Chaperone Coordinator
Angie Totheroh
Production Co-Director
Dana Kuntz
Production Co-Director
Kate Moore
Miss Hoopeston Coordinator
Megan West
National Sweetcorn Festival Chairman
Kayla Goble
National Sponsor Coordinator
Scott Eisenhauer
Hoopeston Jaycees President
Alexis Hardcastle
Hoopeston Jaycees
Chairman of the Board
Lauren Linares
People’s Choice & Lighting Coordinator
Callie Lankford
Administrative and Operational Support
Brad Hardcastle
Ready to Compete?
Apply to the National Sweetheart Pageant.
Review eligibility, submit your entry, and take the next step toward scholarships, leadership development, and a national stage experience.
