I’ve had amazing time representing NAM this year! It has truly been a remarkable year of service. I have volunteered for several organizations, including The Ronald McDonald House, The Oregon
Humane Society, and my favorite, The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund – where I created my own fundraiser to help mountain gorilla conservation in Africa.
I’ve had so many great opportunities this year, including a live broadcast on “Good Day Oregon”, meeting the top 10 American Idols and interviewing Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina for KUPL radio station, and also meeting all of the American Idols judges during their audition stop in Portland.
In October, I was invited to go to New York to present my check to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. I got to speak one on one with the head primatologists that work for the fund about the gorilla treks and all of their duties. The coolest part was meeting my idol, Sigourney Weaver who played Dian Fossey in the movie “Gorillas In The Mist”. Can you believe of all places, I ran in to my sister queen Madison while there?!
Nationals was amazing! I met some new friends and got to catch up with some old ones too. We toured Hollywood, went to Universal Studios, and of course, Disneyland. I was honored to take home 1st runner up in actress, 2nd runner up in volunteer service (yay!), 1st runner up in the Alumni Association Essay Scholarship, and 1st runner up in the Art Contest with the awesome “Oregon” shirt that my Oma helped me make.
To my sister queens: Kyenna, you have been the best big sister I could ask for and such a great role model for all of us. Ariel, you are so beautiful and I admire your free spirit. Madison, you are so sweet and kind and ALWAYS have a huge smile on your face. Ciara, you are so talented and fun to be around. Deja, where do I start? You are the little sister I always wanted. I love all of our adventures and solving “mysteries” with you. I feel so blessed that our families met. To Kyra, I had alot of fun at the parades with you and our silly stories we made up during the car rides. Isabella, I’m glad I got to know you this year- you are a sweet girl.
Thank you to Matt, Mandy, and the rest of the NAM staff for all you do. Thank you to my family for being so supportive and the BEST cheering section a girl could ask for. To my successor… get ready for the time of your life! The year will go by fast, so remember to make the most of it.
Love,
Miss Oregon 2011 Preteen- Madeline Monlux
