Miss Miami Gardens Scholarship Program Relaunches

The Miss Miami Gardens Scholarship Program is back after more than a decade-long hiatus.

Originally launched in 2007, the program, which is a preliminary event to the Miss Florida and Miss America competitions, was canceled in 2011 after the departure of a former Miami Gardens councilman who spearheaded the program. 

However, last October, WSVN 7 morning anchor Tavares Jones, who has been involved with Miss America initiatives since 2009, decided to revive the program.

“How can we make the burden of education less expensive on a college student?” said Jones, the executive director of the program. “Well, here’s another avenue to give [women] another boost to finish college.”

The competition, which will be held on Feb. 10 at the Lou Rawls for the Performing Arts Center, 4470 N.W. 159th St., at Florida Memorial University, has five phases: private interview, on-stage conversation with the judges, health and fitness, a talent/HERStory and evening gown.

The winner will receive $2,000 in scholarship money and the teen division winner will receive between $500 and $1,000. Both will advance to the Miss Florida competition.

Title holders are also awarded year-long academic, networking and community service opportunities. 

Candidates must be unmarried women between the ages 13 to 28, full-time students or working individuals, United States citizens, and Miami Gardens or Opa-locka residents.

Deadline to apply is Jan.10. 

To apply, donate or see additional requirements, visit https://missmiamigardens.org/ or contact MissMiamiGardens@gmail.com.