My whirlwind year began shortly after winning the Junior Teen crown and title with a fantastic key-note speaker opportunity for the Northern Kentucky New Hope Center’s “A Knight To Remember” Father/Daughter Dance Fundraiser. I spoke to over 75 young ladies and their fathers about how they are beautiful and special just the way God created them! I encouraged them to believe in themselves, to pursue their talents, and to always dream big!
Throughout the year, I had many opportunities to set a positive example as a role model for girls of all ages. I was interviewed on Cincinnati’s Fox 19 Morning News Xtra program, featured in the Northern Kentucky Enquirer, the Kenton County Recorder, and was featured in the cover story of Fort Living Mitchell magazine. I have also had the opportunity to share my platform, “A Heart for the Arts, Using the Creative Arts to build Self-Esteem and Confidence in Today’s Youth” and to performance at local churches and non-profit organization events. I was also emcee and a guest performer at the Miss Northern Kentucky Scholarship Pageant. These were all exciting, rewarding, and fun experiences!
One of the biggest highlights of my year was the trip to Nationals in Anaheim, Calfornia! I loved spending a day at Disneyland and finding all my favorite stars down the streets of Hollywood! Seeing the landmark “Hollywood” sign in person was thrilling! I also loved walking on the Santa Monica beach and stepping foot into the Pacific Ocean for the first time!
The national pageant experience was unforgettable! I met so many wonderful girls from all across the United States, and gained so much confidence through the competitions. I also enjoyed the banquets and learning the fun choreography numbers, it was truly a once in a lifetime experience!
I am so thankful to have made long lasting friendships with my sister queens that I will always cherish. I love you girls and together we make Kentucky proud!
This year would not have been possible if it weren’t for some very special people that I would like to say thank you to: Miss Shelia and Bryce, you are so sweet and so supportive of everything I do! You are like a second family to me, and Miss Shelia…I will always remember “the eyelashes”! Thank you Matt, my awesome State Director, and Michelle and the entire NAM staff! You are all wonderful and I have thoroughly enjoyed spending time and working with you at nationals, call-backs, and workshops throughout the year. I will miss you! To my mom and dad, thanks for everything! If it weren’t for your love and support, I would not be the young woman I am today and I would not have had this amazing opportunity to go after…thanks for letting me follow my dreams! Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! He truly is my everything and I give Him all the glory and honor of this year!
To all of the Junior Teen contestants, take a deep breath and enjoy every moment of this pageant experience! The fact that each of you has made it to this level is phenomenal! You are all beautiful and have much to be proud of. To my successor, enjoy your time as Miss Kentucky Junior Teen 2011! It will go by quickly; Remember that all eyes will be on you everywhere you go! You are a role model, so do your best and you will gain so much from this amazing year of your life! Congratulations and enjoy!
One year has come and gone very quickly, I never imagined myself winning the Kentucky Junior Teen title and it has truly been a dream come true. When I look back over the past year, what I realize is that it is not the crown that is important, it’s what you do with it on your head in efforts to make a difference and make a positive impact in the lives of others.
I will always cherish the memories and be grateful for my year spent as NAM royalty!
Sincerely,
Lydia Blaise Allen
National American Miss Kentucky Junior Teen 2010
