Little Miss SUNO Pageant 2026
Little Miss SUNO Pageant Information
Overview
Thank you for your interest in participating in the Little Miss Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) Pageant!
The Little Miss SUNO Pageant celebrates young girls who exemplify confidence, kindness, leadership, school spirit, and poise. This experience is designed to build self-esteem while introducing participants to the rich traditions and legacy of Southern University at New Orleans.
The young lady selected as Little Miss SUNO will become an honorary member of the 67th Miss SUNO’s Royal Court and serve as a youth ambassador for the University throughout her reign.
Theme: Little Crowns, Big Dreams: Completing the Reign
Important Dates
- Rehearsal Week: August 24–28, 2026
Attendance at all scheduled rehearsals is expected. A detailed rehearsal schedule will be provided after contestants are officially registered.
- Pageant Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Time: Door Open at 5pm; Show Begins at 6pm (Contestants should arrive at the designated call time in full preparation TBD.)
Pageant Categories
- Opening Number: Each contestant will participate in a choreographed opening production introducing the contestants to the audience.
- Contestants must create a look inspired by a notable African American woman
- Contestants will be judged on:
- Charisma
- Uniqueness
- Stage Presence and Confidence
- Confidence
- SUNO Pride: Contestants will showcase their school pride while modeling attire that represents Southern University at New Orleans.
- Contestants will be judged on:
- Personality
- Creativity
- Overall Presentation
- Talent: Contestants will perform an individual talent that showcases their abilities and creativity. Talents should be 2 minutes max and contestants are responsible for all materials related to their talents (i.e. instruments, music, etc.)
- Dance
- Singing
- Instrumental Performance
- Spoken Word
- Gymnastics
- Cultural Presentation
- Formal and Q&A: Contestants will model formal attire while demonstrating elegance, confidence, and poise.
- Contestants will be judged on the following criteria:
- Poise
- Grace
- Confidence
- Stage Presence
- Overall Appearance
- Question and Answer: Each contestant will be given an age-appropriate question to answer on stage (ex. Who is your role model and why?).
- Contestants will be judged on the following criteria:
- Social Media Component:
- In addition to the judged categories, contestants will compete for the Social Media Award.
- Two days before the pageant, each contestant's official headshot will be posted on the SUNO Royal Court Instagram page.
- The contestant whose photo receives the most "Likes" by the designated deadline will be named the Social Media Award Winner.
- The winner will be announced during the pageant.
- Contestants will be judged on:
Application Submission:
Each contestant must submit a 30–90 second introduction video as part of the application process. Video entries must be submitted by August 14th at 12pm.
Video Should Include:
- Introduction
- Full Name
- Age
- Grade and School
- Special Talent: Show us something you enjoy doing! Include a snippet of your talent.
- Examples include:
- Singing
- Dancing
- Cheerleading
- Poetry or Storytelling
- Playing an Instrument
- Gymnastics
- Baton Twirling
- Any other age-appropriate talent
- Why Do You Want to Be Little Miss SUNO? Tell us why you would like to represent Southern University at New Orleans.
- Fun Questions (choose one)
- What is your favorite color, and why?
- If you could have any superpower, what would it be, and why?
Video Tips
- Maximum length: 30 – 90 seconds
- Record in a quiet, well-lit location.
- Wear neat, age-appropriate attire.
- Speak clearly, smile, and be yourself.
A parent or guardian may assist with recording, but the contestant should answer the questions and perform her talent independently.
Judging Criteria:
Contestants will be evaluated on:
- Personality and Confidence
- Communication Skills
- Special Talent
- Poise and Presentation
- Creativity
- Enthusiasm and Spirit
Audition Video Submission Instructions:
- Videos can be uploaded to a Google Drive Link, Dropbox Link, or to YouTube as an unlisted video.
- Email your audition video link to: royalcourt@suno.edu by the deadline in the format below.
Subject Line: Little Miss SUNO Submission
Include the following in the body of your email:
- Child’s Full Name
- Child’s Age
- Parent/Guardian Name
- Parent/Guardian Phone Number
- Parent/Guardian Email Address
- Link to Video
Acceptance notifications will be emailed to the parent or guardian who submitted the contestant's video no later than August 18, 2026.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out via email at royalcourt@suno.edu.
Responsibilities of Little Miss SUNO
- The young lady selected as Little Miss Southern University at New Orleans will:
- Be officially crowned during the 67th Miss Southern University at New Orleans Coronation alongside the Miss SUNO Royal Court on Wednesday, October 21st, 2026.
- Ride on the Royal Court float in the SUNO 2026 Homecoming parade
- Serve as the official Little Miss SUNO throughout her reign.
- Attend University-sanctioned events and appearances as requested alongside Miss SUNO.
- Demonstrate excellent character, professionalism, and sportsmanship while representing the University.
- Serve as a positive role model for other little girls within the community.
- Little Miss SUNO’s school will be the official partner school for the 67th
- The Royal Court will visit her school to engage with students, promote education, encourage school pride, and inspire young leaders. Parent/Guardian will be needed to help coordinate and facilitate the partnership with the school.
- Little Miss SUNO Escort:
- Little Miss SUNO must be accompanied by an escort during official coronation and homecoming activities.
- The escort is the responsibility of the titleholder's family and must meet all participation requirements established by the Royal Court.
- Financial Responsibility:
- Parents and guardians play an essential role in the success of their contestant.
- Families should understand that participation includes financial responsibilities associated with preparing for their reign. Expenses may include, but are not limited to:
- Coronation Dress
- Escort’s Coronation Attire
- Shoes
- Hair styling
- etc.
Disclaimer: Participation in the pageant acknowledges an understanding of these responsibilities.
This pageant is more than a competition—it's an opportunity to develop confidence, create lasting friendships, and become part of the proud tradition of the Miss Southern University at New Orleans’ Royal Court.
We look forward to celebrating each contestant as she shines on stage and wish every participant the very best of luck!