Forum:SH Archive/Mr. and Miss Star Wars age eligibility

Hello, I want to thank the site and those involved for running the Mr. and Miss Star Wars competition again this year and for uploading all previous eligible contestants. I acknowledge your contributions to both this section of the site as well as the site as a whole, maintaining a thorough and useful confluence of Star Wars knowledge.

My question is regarding the reasons for an 18 year old age requirement for the contest. I understand that a contest that awards the title of "Mister" and "Miss" to its winner should be restricted to nominating age appropriate contenders, ie. not Allana Solo or the cute younglings who got cut down by Vader in the temple during Operation Knightfall. But I believe that setting the age requirement at 18 is arbitrary at best and neglectful at worst.

I've prepared several reasons why I believe it should be lowered to at least 16:

-Two of the previous years' winners are below 18: Galen Marek (born 19 BBY, died 2 BBY = 17 years old) and Ben Skywalker (born 26.5 BBY, most recent canonical activity at 43 ABY = 16 years old). -Being able to defeat several Jedi Masters, Vader and the Emperor, as well as start the Rebel Alliance certainly qualifies Marek in my opinion. -Anakin Solo (born 10.5 ABY-27 ABY= 17 years old) was entrusted to lead a strike team by Luke Skywalker. He gave his life to protect the Jedi Order and the galaxy, and deserves to be recognized for his achievements despite his young age. -Vestara Khai (16 years old), a major character in the Fate of Jedi series, is helping to shape the major events of the current state of the galaxy by teaming with the Skywalkers and helping to defeat Abeloth. Having not only lived but quickly advanced in the Sith culture that relies on cunning, talent, and power proves her maturity.

I see only one upside to having an age 18 limit: the knowledge that Ahsoka Tano will never win Miss Star Wars, assuming she doesn't live past the Clone Wars. Though, in all fairness and reality, she is a popular character, one of the stars of the current show, has proven herself against Ventress and Grievous, and is the favorite character of many children. She should be allowed to run in the contest in my opinion.

Thank you for your consideration, Skywalker22 17:30, December 20, 2010 (UTC)