Virginia State Pageant
January 17-18, 2026!
Gaines Theater
Christopher Newport University
Newport news, virginia
Host hotel
Holiday Inn Newport News
980 Omni Boulevard, Newport News, VA, 23606
Special Pageant Rate $129/night +tax
1 University Pl, Newport News, VA 23606
*No pageant events are held at the hotel, it is not required to stay at the hotel*
Local Titles! New for 2026!
New for 2026! All contestants will have a local title they will represent at the State Pageant. On your Registration form you will put down your top 3 choices for your local title. You will be assigned one based on title availability. Local crown and sash is available for purchase but is OPTIONAL. Everybody will have a local title assigned to them. Title example: Miss Shenandoah Junior Elementary
STATE PAGEANT TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
A final schedule will be sent out closer to the pageant.
Saturday January 17, 2026- Registration. Rehearsals. Interviews. Contestant Party
Sunday January 18, 2026 - Rehearsals. Fun Fashion and Evening Gown Competition, Awards & Crowning, Royalty Pictures, Contract Signing.
Let's Party!
Join us for a special Contestant Party Saturday night to unwind and have fun before the stage competition! Party Theme coming soon!
Fun Fashion Runway
evening gown
Walking Patterns
Opening Number
You will wear your fun fashion outfit for the opening number walking sequence and on-stage introduction. This will be at the beginning of sunday's pageant show.
The Opening Number dance will be sent out in advance to learn before pageant weekend. Dance will consist of simple moves and walking sequences. No dance experience is required. We will have designated Opening Number rehearsals during pageant weekend to practice.
MeET THE PAGEANT DIRECTORS
Sydney Spencer and Sharon Ruben
Sydney Spencer has been involved in pageantry for over 12 years, holding numerous local, state, and national titles with many prestigious organizations. She has also worked previously in the industry as a state director, pageant coach, wardrobe embellisher, and spray tan artist. Sydney graduated in 2023 from Christopher Newport University with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre. Currently, she works full-time as a professional actress, and can be seen in numerous commercials, short films, and ad campaigns for companies such as MedStar Health, Giant Grocery Store, and Hair Cuttery, just to name a few. Sydney is so excited to be with the Miss High School America organization as the Virginia state director alongside her mother, Sharon.
Sharon Ruben is a mom to three adult daughters. She is a graduate of Mary Washington College with a B.S. in Biology and obtained her M.S. in Biotechnology Management from the University of Maryland, University College. She is a published author and worked in the Pharmaceutical Industry for many years. She is an advocate for the positive effects of pageantry, supporting and watching her youngest daughter, Sydney, blossom in public speaking, confidence, and interview skills for over 12 years. Sharon is excited to bring young women from around the state into the Miss Virginia High School America Organization so they can experience the benefits of pageantry as well.