what it means to be

H.E.R.O.I.C.

H.E.R.O.I.C. is the official initiative of the International United Miss pageant system. Each letter stands for principles that are important for everyone to possess.

Our 2023-2024 International Junior Teen - Kendall Runyan created a presentation guide for titleholders to use out in their communities to teach young children about our HEROIC values.

  • Honesty is always telling the truth, no matter how hard it may be. Give some examples. Honesty builds trust. Explain how not being honest makes people not trust you.

    Book recommendations

    Honesty is My Superpower by Alicia Ortega

    The Best Me That I Can Be: Honesty by Henrique Rampazzo

    The Berenstain Bears and the Truth by Stan and Jan Berenstain

    It Wasn’t Me: A Kid’s Book About Lying by Sadie Gardner

    Little Lucy and Her White Lies by Leigha Huggins

  • Empathy is feeling the way someone feels even if you aren't in the same situation. Example: feeling sad with a friend just because he or she is sad. Explain how empathy develops compassion and care for other people.

    Book Recommendations

    Empathy is Your Super Power by Cori Bussolari and Zach Greszkowiak

    You, Me and Empathy by Jayneen Sanders and Sofia Cardoso

    Teach Your Dragon Empathy by Steve Herman

    The Power of Empathy by Ruth Maille and Remesh Ram

    In Your Shoes: A Story of Empathy by Kristin Johnson and Mike Byrne

  • Respect means having good manners and being kind to adults and kids. Give examples of being respectful as well as being disrespectful.

    Book Recommendations

    Respectful Ninja by Mary Nihn

    Teach Your Dragon Respect by Steve Herman

    The Best Me That I Can Be: Respect by Rose Angelbrant

    The Berenstain Bears Show Some Respect by Jan and Stan Berenstain

    A Little Respectful SPOT by Diane Amber

    I Choose To Be Respectful by Elizabeth Estrada

  • Optimism is the belief that things will turn out well or that there is always hope for something good to happen. Talk about not focussing on the bad things that could happen, but on the good instead.

    Book Recommendations

    A Kids Book About Optimism by Meir Kay

    A Little SPOT of Optimism by Diane Amber

    You Can Live On The Bright Side by Lucy Bell

    Be Positive: A Book About Optimism by Cherie J. Meiners

    Power of Positivity by Syrene Mackey

  • Integrity means doing the right thing when no one is watching. Give some examples like returning a lost item to its owner rather than keeping it.

    Book Recommendations

    Teach Your Dragon Integrity by Steve Herman

    Stand Tall: A Book About Integrity by Cheri J. Meiners

    The “I” in Integrity by Julia Cook

    Integrity Ninja by Mary Nihn

    What Good is Good if No One’s Watching by Savannah Bloom

  • Community is the idea anything can be accomplished faster and better by working together. Think of some examples to share with the kids.

    Book Recommendations

    Working Together: A Book About Cooperation by Regina Burch

    We’re Better Together: A Book About Community by Eileen Spinelli

    We’re All In The Same Boat by Barney Saltzberg

    Being a Good Citizen: A Kids Guide to Community by Rachelle Kreisman

    A Kid’s Book About Community by Shane Feldman

Example HEROIC Presentation

Introduce yourself.
Thank the classroom for having you.
Explain why you are there.
Explain what each letter of the HEROIC acronym stands for.
Cover each letter of HEROIC one at a time. Tell what each letter stands for, and give examples of what people should and shouldn't do. Explain why each letter is important for building character.
Read one or more books to the classroom.
Take time to sign autograph cards and answer questions about International United Miss.
Thank the students and teacher again for having you in the classroom.

Tips

  • Prepare a colorful tri-fold poster board or slide presentation to help you stay on track and make your presentation more interesting.
    Speak slowly and loudly.

  • Stick to the facts, leave your personal opinion out of the presentation.

  • Bring autograph cards and a pen.

  • If you have personal stories that relate to one or more of the HEROIC principles, share them if age appropriate.

  • Be sure to personally thank the teacher and administration for having you.

  • Ask if it is okay to take pictures. Most of the time children's faces must NOT be in photos, unless a photo release has been signed.

  • Dress nicely (dressy casual). You are representing International United Miss and should look and act in a professional manner.

  • Bring information about competing at International United Miss. Include State and International contacts, information on age divisions, phases of competition, dates and locations if known.