2010 National American Miss North Carolina Staci Alden says farewell.

This year has gone by so fast! It’s hard to believe that just one year ago, I was named the 2010 National American Miss North Carolina. I began competing in pageants when I was 12 years old, and my very first pageant was NAM. I instantly fell in love with the organization and have become a better person because of it. I owe many thanks to National American Miss and all it has done for me. These past 12 months I stayed very busy with my title doing many things. I have volunteered with the American Cancer Society, New Hanover Girl Scouts, B.R.A.Y.S. Love, and a few other charitable organizations. I have been met so many wonderful people whom I will stay friends with forever. Representing North Carolina at the National pageant in California was a blast! Best of all, I have been able to speak out about a topic that is very near and dear to my heart, self esteem and having a healthy body image. It wasn’t until I competed in National American Miss that I began to gain a healthy body image and I wanted to share that message with other young women. Therefore, I chose to give a speech in the Spokesmodel competition at the National pageant about body image and share my story. I am honored to say that I ended up winning the title of National Spokesmodel! As the outgoing North Carolina Miss queen, it is my last year competing in the National American Miss system and I often reflect on everything NAM has taught me. Aside from the obvious skills one gains in National American Miss (interview, public speaking, poise, self esteem, etc.), I have learned more than that. I have learned that a crown does not make you a winner. I have learned how to lose. I have learned that everything happens for a reason. I have learned how to be a leader. I have learned that no matter how distant a dream may seem, it is always within reach. I owe National American Miss everything and I will forever be grateful. To the NAM staff, and especially Matt Leverton, a million thanks for everything! You all are truly the best!! To the 2011 contestants, you are about to have the time of your life! Take in every opportunity to try something new, make friends, and have fun because it goes by too fast! Come pageant weekend, the most important thing is not whether you take home a crown and banner. It is about the intangible that you take home: memories, new skills, friendships, and a newfound self confidence. Good luck to each and every one of you! Smile and have fun! “To love someone is great. To love oneself is even greater.”

Love, Staci Alden
2010 National American Miss North Carolina