Shivali Patel, 2011 Miss North Carolina Jr. Teen Farewell

Shivali Patel, 2011 National American Miss North Carolina Jr. Teen Queen Farewell

Winning the 2012 Miss North Carolina title from a shocking one hundred and thirty six intelligent, talented, and beautiful ladies was a miracle. First, as your National American Miss North Carolina Junior Teen 2011-2012, I gained innumerable opportunities. I had the chance to touch the lives of many, and make a difference in one way or another. I have made lifelong friends that I will forever treasure and honor. I have been able to promote America’s greatness and encourage its future leaders. I have served as an outlet for young women to gain confidence, experience and communication skills as they reach out to their communities and I have become a role model to many by simply living what I profess: “the greatest thing any one person can do is to give unselfishly to others without expectations of any reward.”

I began my year with an appearance at the Georgia State Pageant with the crowning of my sister queens. From there on, there was not a day off from work! I volunteered at Senior Homes, spoke at Alumni meetings, fundraised for Orphanages, participated in walks, lead the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society walk, helped with fitness awareness, and started three personal projects: Shivali’s K’s for Kids for the Methodist Home for Children, Bonds Between Generations, and My Books and Bears Drive inspired by National American Miss itself; and much, much more! I traveled overseas and donated money, books, bears, chocolates, and clothes to various areas and organizations in India as well. Never in my imagination had I dreamed of having so much fun and being able to interact with the world at the same time! Then, before I knew it, it was time for Nationals! I know Nationals held in sunny Anaheim, California is a week I certainly won’t forget. From Disneyland to the Hollywood Tour to the excitement of National Weeks – it was both rewarding and educational at the same time. I was even honored to bring home a spirit stick, 2nd place Academic Achievement, 2nd Place Volunteer Service and 2nd Place overall! It is truly amazing how an experience like this can be both exhilarating and humbling all at once.

This past year has honestly been the best chapter of my life. I would like to take a moment to thank all of those wonderful people who helped to make it possible by supporting me in my endeavors and sometimes as I put it – “dealing” with my bad habits! Firstly, a huge thank you to Matt Leverton for dealing with my habit of submitting things in after the deadline, for organizing this life changing event to start with, and for turning my life into a Cinderella story! Honestly, thank you Prince Charming! Nothing would have been possible if it were not for you. Thank you to the National American Miss Faculty for helping me from day one by giving me tips, selecting wardrobe, and injecting inspiration into me. Thank you to Brittany and Patricia for being the two best bold, brilliant, and beautiful big sisters from another mother I could ever ask for! A shout out to my sister queens – it has been a privilege to know you and to reign with you. See you in 2013! And finally I would like to thank my family and God for blessing me with a happy fairytale life.

Now, as I prepare to turn the page on this chapter in my life, I look back on this experience as one of personal growth, opportunity and a foundation on which I will build my future. As my year comes to an end, I know my journey has only just begun. Riding in parades, making appearances, and doing community service with my embedded crown and banner is something I will miss doing, but I will not forget that this title has opened many doors. I look forward to the upcoming journey with great anticipation. To the people of North Carolina, thank you so much for a wonderful year. I am truly grateful and blessed to have represented you in every step I have taken.

And to the contestants, no matter who takes home the crown this year, remember there is always next year! To my successor, have a wonderful year, use the title wisely, and welcome. Welcome to the (National American Family!!) NAMily(:

Shivali Patel, 2011 Miss North Carolina Jr. Teen

Author: Matt Leverton

Hello, my name is Matt Leverton. I am the state director for the North Carolina, Georgia, South Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, Kentucky and Oregon pageants for National American Miss.

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