I can’t believe it has been one year since I have been crowned your 2013 Miss North Carolina Pre-Teen Cover Girl. I was so honored to be able to represent my state and help my community. I have had so many opportunities such as traveling to our State Capital and meeting Governor Pat McCrory. Being invited to the Ambassador’s Ball hosted by Mercedes Benz of South Charlotte, where I met The Ambassador of Switzerland, Manual Sager and his wife, former U.S. Representative Sue Myrick and the Mayor. I also had the opportunity to meet Bob Beyer, the Assistant Coach for the Charlotte Bobcats. I volunteered at different organizations such as retirement homes, The Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte, The Allegro Foundation of Charlotte …a Champion for Children with Disabilities, which I hold very near and dear to my heart. I walked with my sister queens in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. I handed out the books and stuffed animals donated by the contestants to WSOC-TV School Tools, Shands School of Matthews, The Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte and Kids-R-Kids. I also had the opportunity of being in parades.
Then it was time for Nationals. Nationals was truly the best week of my life. What an awesome experience! I totally enjoyed hanging out with my NC sister queen, Brandi at Disneyland, sister’s forever! Thank you for showing us around! And also touring Hollywood was so much fun. While I was at Nationals, I won National American Miss National Pre-Teen Cover Girl and got to walk the red carpet.
I have made so many new friends this year and was able to be involved in so many opportunities. I totally enjoyed working at the NC Open Calls and meeting all the new contestants. I also was invited to perform at the Opening Ceremonies of The Special Olympics of NC with The Allegro Foundation.
To my sister queens, Niyah, Skyla, Marindia, Brandi, Alexandra, Shivali, and Megan, I have been so blessed to have shared this journey with all of you. To Alex, Miss South Carolina Pre-Teen, thank you for being so much fun to be around, you are my life-long sister and I love you so much.
To Mom and Dad, thank you so much for supporting my dreams and never giving up no matter how busy this journey was. And to Dad for always making times fun!
To Mr. Matt Leverton, thanks for being the best state director ever and being so supportive of all of us. Thank you and your team for making this organization so much fun.
To my successor, this will be the best year of your life, embrace the moment. Until next time, I am and forever will be your 2013 Miss North Carolina Pre-Teen Cover Girl Kaitlyn Connell.
