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Honoring Excellence. Celebrating Freedom. Empowering Youth.
The Mr. & Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant is the premier youth leadership and scholarship program of Say Y.E.S. Foundation, Inc. Created to honor the legacy of Juneteenth, the pageant celebrates young leaders who exemplify academic achievement, leadership, community service, integrity, and cultural pride.
More than a competition, the program is a transformational leadership experience that equips participants with the confidence, knowledge, and life skills needed to thrive in school, their communities, and beyond. Through mentorship, educational workshops, leadership development, public speaking, financial literacy, etiquette training, and cultural enrichment, contestants discover their voices while developing into confident, service-minded leaders.
Each participant represents the future of our communities—young leaders committed to excellence, integrity, leadership, and creating positive change. Together, they carry forward the spirit of Juneteenth by honoring the past while inspiring the future.
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A Vision for the Future
The Mr. & Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant was founded with a simple yet meaningful vision—to celebrate the legacy of Juneteenth while empowering the next generation of leaders through scholarship, service, leadership, and personal growth.
Although each participant competes for a crown, the greatest achievement is the transformation that takes place throughout the journey. From workshops and mentorship to community service and personal development, every experience is designed to build confidence, strengthen character, and inspire young people to recognize the impact they can make in their schools, communities, and beyond.
This commemorative book reflects far more than a single event. It captures moments of growth, perseverance, achievement, and purpose while honoring the history that makes these opportunities possible. My hope is that every contestant leaves this experience knowing they possess the potential to lead with integrity, serve with compassion, and create lasting change.
To our contestants, families, volunteers, judges, sponsors, community partners, and supporters—thank you for believing in this vision. Your encouragement, generosity, and commitment have helped establish a tradition that will continue to inspire and empower young leaders for years to come.
2026 Scholarship Pageant
The inaugural 2026 Mr. & Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant marked the beginning of a new tradition celebrating youth leadership, scholarship, culture, and service.
Over several months, contestants participated in leadership workshops, mentorship, rehearsals, and personal development experiences before taking the stage to compete for scholarships and the opportunity to serve as members of the inaugural Royal Court.
The evening featured distinguished judges, inspiring entertainment, scholarship presentations, and the crowning of six outstanding young leaders who now serve as ambassadors for Say Y.E.S. Foundation, Inc.
Pageant Resources
The Mr. & Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant is more than a competition—it's a leadership development experience that empowers young people through scholarship, service, cultural pride, and personal growth while honoring the enduring legacy of Juneteenth.
Save the Date - 2027 Pageant
Join us as we continue building a tradition of leadership and excellence.
The next Mr. & Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant is scheduled for: Saturday, June 12, 2027
Contestant applications, sponsorship opportunities, volunteer registration, and event details will be announced in the coming months.
Experience the 2026 Inaugural Pageant
Explore a collection of highlights from the inaugural Mr. & Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant, featuring the official event program, Royal Court, special awards, sponsor recognition, photos, and event video.
Official Pageant Showcase
Explore the inaugural 2026 pageant showcase featuring the pageant committee, inaugural Royal Court, special award recipients, sponsor recognition, and community advertisements.
Watch the 2026 Pageant Highlights
Relive the excitement of the inaugural Mr. & Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant through our official highlight video.
Meet the 2026 Royal Court
Following an inspiring evening celebrating scholarship, leadership, and service, six outstanding young leaders were crowned to serve as the inaugural Royal Court.
Throughout their reign, these ambassadors represent Say Y.E.S. Foundation at community events, educational programs, outreach initiatives, and service opportunities while inspiring future generations of young leaders.
👑 Mr. Juneteenth — Timothy Rouse
👑 Miss Juneteenth — Kaleigh Hilliard
👑 Junior Mr. Juneteenth — Bryce Dixon
👑 Junior Miss Juneteenth — Layla Price
👑 Junior Mr. Juneteenth First Runner-Up — Chase Williams
👑 Junior Miss Juneteenth First Runner-Up — Kennedy McLean
Meet the 2026 contestants
Each contestant brought unique talents, aspirations, leadership experiences, and a passion for making a positive impact in their schools and communities. Learn more about each contestant, their achievements, and their journey throughout the inaugural Mr. & Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant.
Meet Our Distinguished Judges
Our judges generously volunteered their expertise and time to encourage, evaluate, and celebrate the remarkable young leaders participating in the inaugural scholarship pageant.
Their professional accomplishments and commitment to youth development helped make this event a meaningful experience for every contestant.
In the News
The inaugural Mr. & Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant received recognition from local media outlets that helped share the inspiring stories of our contestants and the importance of investing in future leaders.
Scholarship & Leadership Impact
The Mr. & Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant is more than an evening of celebration—it's an investment in the next generation. Through scholarships, mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement, participants gain experiences that prepare them for lifelong success while honoring the enduring legacy of Juneteenth.
2026 By the Numbers:
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6 Scholarships Awarded
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6 Contestants
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5 Leadership Workshops
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3 Distinguished Judges
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5 Sponsors
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2 Community Partners
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25+ Hours of Leadership Development
Sponsors & Community Partners
The success of our inaugural pageant was made possible through the generosity of sponsors, partners, volunteers, and supporters who believe in empowering future leaders. Their investment helps provide scholarships, educational experiences, leadership development, and meaningful opportunities for youth to thrive.
Become a Sponsor
Support the next generation of leaders while demonstrating your organization's commitment to education, leadership, and community impact. Sponsors receive year-round recognition through event marketing, the commemorative book, social media, the Say Y.E.S. Foundation website, and event-day materials.
Questions? For additional information or questions, please contact us directly at juneteenthpageant@sayyesfoundationinc.com
Volunteer With Us
Behind every successful pageant is an incredible team of dedicated volunteers.
Whether assisting with contestant hospitality, registration, backstage support, setup, or event logistics, volunteers play a vital role in creating an unforgettable experience for our youth and families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to participate?
The Mr. & Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant is open to eligible youth who meet the age and participation requirements established by Say Y.E.S. Foundation, Inc. Complete eligibility details will be published when contestant applications open.
Is previous pageant experience required?
No. Previous pageant experience is not required. Contestants are selected based on leadership potential, character, and a willingness to learn and grow throughout the program.
What are contestants judged on?
Contestants are evaluated on leadership, communication, personal presentation, stage presence, interview responses, workshop participation, and overall impression.
Are scholarships awarded?
Yes. Scholarships are awarded to members of the Royal Court. During the inaugural 2026 pageant, six scholarships were presented to recognize the outstanding achievements of our contestants.
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