Samantha Sayar, 2015 Miss Georgia Pre- Teen, welcomes this years contestants.

Samantha Sayar Samantha Sayar.jpg2 Samantha Sayar.jpg3 Samantha Sayar.jpg4 Samantha Sayar.jpg5 Samantha Sayar.jpg6 Samantha Sayar.jpg7 Samantha Sayar.jpg8 Samantha Sayar.jpg9 Samantha Sayar.jpg10Dear 2016 Georgia NAM State Finalists,

One year ago, I was completely dumbfounded to be named Miss Georgia Pre-teen! It was my first year with NAM, so I am so excited to be an inspiration to contestants who are competing for the first time, in addition to those who have pursued their dream for years. I learned that with hard work, confidence, and a genuine heart, you can do anything!

A few of the highlights throughout my year have been a super fun rainy-day photo shoot with my sister queens, meeting the band 5 Seconds of Summer, volunteering at my church’s local soup kitchen, and making lasting memories with my family at Nationals, where I was blessed to place in the Top Ten.

I could not have achieved everything I did this year without my incredible support system. Huge thanks go out to Mr. Matt Leverton and his fantastic staff, my sister queens, Daddy and April, Momma and Greg, my sweet siblings, all of my wonderful grandparents, uncles, and most importantly God. It clearly takes a village to raise a child!

National American Miss has taught me about the importance of serving one’s community, and it has been an honor to use my title for that purpose. I have enjoyed every moment of this phenomenal experience; it is one that I will always treasure.

Cinderella’s advice is worth quoting: “Have courage and be kind.” With this, you can achieve your dreams.

Always and forever,

Samantha Sayar, Miss Georgia Pre-teen

Gabrielle Buchan, looks back on her amazing year as Miss Georgia Junior Teen.

Gabrielle farewell Gabrielle farewell.jpg2 Gabrielle farewell.jpg3 Gabrielle farewell.jpg4 Gabrielle farewell.jpg5 Gabrielle farewell.jpg6 Gabrielle farewell.jpg7 Gabrielle farewell.jpg8 Gabrielle farewell.jpg9 Gabrielle farewell.jpg10To get something you’ve never had, you must do something you’ve never done.

One year ago, I stole the judge’s hearts, and the crown. My year had just started. I volunteered with many organizations across Georgia. I donated school supplies to DFCS, judged local pageants, worked with my platform KARE, and even partnered with the First Lady of Georgia on her ‘Get Georgia Reading’ program.

The saying is true; time really does fly when you’re having fun. Before I knew it I was on a plane to Anaheim, California. Nationals were nothing short of amazing! I toured the famous streets of Hollywood, spend a day at Disney, and eat dinner with my friends from all across the country. The 50 state Jr. Teen Queens were not just competition, they grew to be my best friends.

Thank you Matt and the NAM staff for turning my dreams into a reality. Gracie, Hannah, Samantha, and Chandler, thank you for showing me what a sisterhood is like. The future holds big things for you all. Mom, thank you for being my coach, hair stylist, and makeup artist. Thank you dad for being my, well, bank account.

To all the Georgia Jr. Teen contestants, you don’t realize how far you can grow in just one weekend. No matter the outcome, you’re doing something remarkable. Hold your head up high and be confidently beautiful.

To my Successor, this year will no doubt be one of the best years of your life. You’ll meet people who will change your life forever, cherish every moment, and take LOTS of pictures!

For the last time, I am your 2015 Miss Georgia Junior Teen, Gabrielle Buchan.

2015 Miss North Carolina Jr. Pre-Teen Faith Anne Yeley says farewell.

As I look back on this amazing journey, I have so many people to thank.  My parents, who have been my support system, my guiding light through every year in life and with NAM, I love you and could not thank you enough.  All my supporters and sponsors through the years who have been there every year, I could not have done it without you.  Everyone who encourages me to keep moving forward toward my dreams, I will continue to make you proud.  Through my foundation in the works “Keeping Faith” I will extend my journey beyond my NAM reign and continue to serve others in need.  From Bullies 2 the rescue a Bulldog rescue organization or help to raise money for Rett Syndrome with the Ella Foard Foundation. And I will always have a special place for the Ronald McDonald house of Charlotte.  I was first introduced to RMH through NAM and have built a wonderful relationship through service.  My family and I have served the RMH several times this year but one very special night was this past Christmas Eve, my parents and two friends cooked and served dinner and dessert to everyone in the RMH. It was a very heartwarming experience. I am thankful for all I am blessed with in life, I will remember this journey forever and all the friends I have made along the way.

“In order to succeed, we must believe that we can.”

With love,

Faith Anne Yeley

Hunter Vaughn says farewell to her year as Miss South Carolina Teen.

United Way Bed Race - A fundraiser sponsored by United Way in which teams from local businesses and organizations redesign a hospital bed into a car.  The beds are pushed by 4 runners and have 1 rider. Beds are judged in 3 categories - Fastest Bed, Costume and Design, and People's Choice.  Beds race in pairs narrowing the field to the 2 fastest beds of the day who then face off for the WIN.
United Way Bed Race – A fundraiser sponsored by United Way in which teams from local businesses and organizations redesign a hospital bed into a car. The beds are pushed by 4 runners and have 1 rider. Beds are judged in 3 categories – Fastest Bed, Costume and Design, and People’s Choice. Beds race in pairs narrowing the field to the 2 fastest beds of the day who then face off for the WIN.
Food Donations to HOPE (Helping other people effectively) of Lancaster, a faith based, non-profit organization that provides short term emergency assistance to those in crisis.
Food Donations to HOPE (Helping other people effectively) of Lancaster, a faith based, non-profit organization that provides short term emergency assistance to those in crisis.
Lancaster Christmas Parade
Lancaster Christmas Parade
 Charleston Christmas Parade with sister queen Saylor Porcaro
Charleston Christmas Parade with sister queen Saylor Porcaro
Cards for Safyre - With the help of students from Erwin Elementary, we were able to send 22 Christmas cards to Safyre Terry for her card tree.  Safyre's family was killed in a fire on May 2, 2013.  She was critically injured in the fire.
Cards for Safyre – With the help of students from Erwin Elementary, we were able to send 22 Christmas cards to Safyre Terry for her card tree. Safyre’s family was killed in a fire on May 2, 2013. She was critically injured in the fire.
NAM Nationals - Won the title of National Most Promising Model, Photogenic 1st runner up, Casual Wear 2nd runner up, and Spokesmodel 4th runner up.
NAM Nationals – Won the title of National Most Promising Model, Photogenic 1st runner up, Casual Wear 2nd runner up, and Spokesmodel 4th runner up.
Story and a Snack at Erwin Elementary School - Reading "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" to Mrs. Nowicki's first grade class and sharing a healthy caterpillar snack made with cherry tomatoes and green grapes.
Story and a Snack at Erwin Elementary School – Reading “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” to Mrs. Nowicki’s first grade class and sharing a healthy caterpillar snack made with cherry tomatoes and green grapes.
Donating items to the Women's Enrichment Center, a ministry that provides a safe and caring environment for women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy.
Donating items to the Women’s Enrichment Center, a ministry that provides a safe and caring environment for women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy.
Salkehatchie Summer Service, a pioneering servant ministry at select sites in SC.  Students upgrade housing, motivate community cooperative efforts by helping people help themselves and provide all participants with opportunities for personal growth and service.
Salkehatchie Summer Service, a pioneering servant ministry at select sites in SC. Students upgrade housing, motivate community cooperative efforts by helping people help themselves and provide all participants with opportunities for personal growth and service.
Book Donations to Livi's Library, A book project in memory of Mary Olivia Pettit. Livi passed away in March of 2009 of viral myocarditis. Her passion was learning through books.
Book Donations to Livi’s Library, A book project in memory of Mary Olivia Pettit. Livi passed away in March of 2009 of viral myocarditis. Her passion was learning through books.

It’s truly hard to believe an entire year has already elapsed. My reign has been remarkable – from the second I was crowned to each and every day since. I have had the opportunity to partner with various charitable organizations and schools such as Livi’s Library, HOPE, United Way, Women’s Enrichment Center, and Erwin Elementary. I have attended many parades and I also participated in Salkehatchie Summer Service. Salkehatchie is a pioneering ministry at selected sites in South Carolina centered on youth as they upgrade houses, motivate community involvement, and personally grow in their faith. The highlight of my reign was Nationals in Anaheim, California. There, I stepped out of my comfort zone and found self-confidence and courage to be bold in all that I do. Being a NAM queen has allowed me to come out of my shell. I now take on all aspects of life with pride and gratification – two qualities I have gained through NAM. To all the contestants, best of luck during pageant weekend! Always remember – BE YOURSELF, let no one shape you into something or someone you aren’t. Radiate with confidence, make memories, and have fun!

Hunter Vaughn

2015  South Carolina Teen

Miss North Carolina Pre-Teen Jessica Johnson looks back on her year of service.

Jessica Johnson Jessica Johnson.jpg3 Jessica Johnson.jpg4 Jessica Johnson.jpg5 Jessica Johnson.jpg6 Jessica Johnson.jpg7 Jessica Johnson.jpg8 Jessica Johnson.jpg9 Jessica Johnson.jpg10 Jessica Johnson.jpg11 Jessica Johnson.jpg12 Jessica Johnson.jpg13 Jessica Johnson.jpg14 Jessica Johnson2My name is Jessica Johnson, the reigning Miss NC Pre-Teen Queen.  I am 11 years old, in the 5th grade at Highland Creek Elementary in Charlotte, preparing to graduate and attend Northwest School of the Arts, majoring in theatre.  Some of my school accomplishments include:

* News crew

* Safety Patrol

* Genius Hour

* Accelerated Reader

* A Honor Role

My hobbies are playing with our dog Miles, swimming, and traveling.

I aspire to be an actress & singer.

During my reigning year I have done many exciting things:

* Volunteered to help at a Benefit to honor those who lost their lives at Mother Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC.

* Gave backpacks out at a back to school drive

* Volunteered at The Ronald McDonald House

* Met Mayor Jennifer Roberts and Congresswoman Alma Adams

* Sister Queens & I participated in the MLK Jr. Parade in Charlotte

* Sister Queen Faith Yeley & I appeared on Good Day Charlotte & WBTV News

* My family & I traveled to Anaheim Ca., for Nationals and had an AWESOME time!

My advice to my successor is to live every moment to the fullest, have fun with this title because the year goes by fast.  Always be yourself, dream big, and work hard because if you do these things I promise you will go far.

I have truly enjoyed my year as your Miss NC Pre-Teen Queen.   I will never forget this time and I thank my Director Matt Leverton for all the experiences & opportunities my title has afforded me.

Julia Rowland, 2014 Miss Florida Jr. Teen has words of blessings for this years contestants!


Julia Rowland Julia Rowland.jpg2 Julia Rowland.jpg3 Julia Rowland.jpg4 Julia Rowland.jpg5 Julia Rowland.jpg6 Julia Rowland.jpg7 salvationarmyFrom the moment being crowned as National American Miss Florida Junior Teen, to writing this letter to you in anticipation of crowning my scuessor, I am beyond blessed and grateful for the moments that have made up this memorable year. Throughout my reign I have experienced countless opportunities that I will never forget. With a passion for helping others, I devoted my time to volunteering in my community with Project Outreach, Volunteer Services for Animals, The Salvation Army, and many other organizations. In an effort to lift the spirits of our Active Duty Military, I have organized my own non-profit organization called Harvest for Heroes. I was beyond shocked to receive a letter of appreciation from our troops as well as a plaque including a photo of them with a flag that was flown in my honor over Bagram, Afghanistan. In addition, I was able to emcee the American Girl Doll Fashion show in support of the Palm Beach Literacy Collation. I was able to travel across my great state of Florida during open calls and training sessions in search of our next state finalists.

I would like to thank National American Miss for shaping me into the woman I am today and for the wonderful friendships I have made. My life would have never been the same without the amazing opportunities I have received.

To the contestants: Congratulations and good luck! This is your moment to shine. Believe in yourself and follow your dreams! You are all winners regardless if you take home the crown or not!!

It has been an honor to represent such a wonderful organization. I will forever be a part of the NAMily.

Blessings,
Your 2014
Miss Florida Junior Teen
Julia Rowland

Miss Georgia Jr. Pre-Teen welcomes this years contestants!

 

Dear amazing contestants:

I have done so much since becoming Miss Georgia Junior Preteen Queen. I volunteered to play the harp at the DeKalb County festival, a back to school news expo and the Ronald McDonald House. It was so much fun meeting several public officials. I served food at Tour de Pink, a race that raises money for breast cancer. It was so much fun volunteering and spending time with elderly. I even let the elderly (including the men) try on my crown.

Being Miss Georgia has meant so much to me. I was proud to represent Georgia and I was so happy that Senator Isakson blogged that meeting me as Miss Georgia made his day. National American Miss has given me so much confidence and many opportunities. I hope it does the same for all of you.

I wish all of you the best of luck while you are competing. I hope you make many new friends, have a lot of fun and enjoy the experience. Always remember that you don’t need a crown on your head to be a queen.

Gabriela Norwood, Georgia Jr. Pre-Teen Queen

Amaris Shipman, 2014 Miss North Carolina Jr. Pre-Teen, welcomes this years contestants!

Amaris.jpg14Amaris Amaris.jpg2 Amaris.jpg3 Amaris.jpg4 Amaris.jpg5 Amaris.jpg6 Amaris.jpg7 Amaris.jpg9 Amaris.jpg10 Amaris.jpg11 Amaris.jpg12 Amaris.jpg13Hello North Carolina Jr. Pre-Teen Queen Contestants,

Your North Carolina Jr. Pre-Teen Queen 2014, has been busy making a difference in her community this year. I’ve donated schools supplies for students of Cumberland County Schools, participated in a walk for ALS, volunteered at a “Kidtopia” event, rang the bell for the Salvation Army, collected “Toys for Tots,” donated books to assist with literacy efforts, and assisted in raising over $35,000 for my local Child Advocacy Center. I’ve also sang the National Anthem during basketball games and a 2015 graduation ceremony, met the Mayor, rode in parades, and made many other appearances this year. I can’t believe it’s all coming to an end shortly…..
Winning the state queen title was one of my personal goals and I will always cherish that moment. Through my efforts I’ve shown that it doesn’t matter how old you are, we can “All” make a positive impact on others if we try. I’ve learned that anything is possible with hard work and determination.
I would like all the contestants to understand that you are your biggest cheerleader and biggest competitor. You have a busy weekend ahead that will be packed with fun! Remember to always stand Tall, bring a big Smile, and let your inner light Shine. You are All STARS!
To the new North Carolina Jr. Pre-Teen Queen, your year is almost here! Be bold, be brave, be positive, and most of all be YOU!
Amaris Shipman
North Carolina Jr. Pre-Teen Queen 2014

2014 Miss North Carolina Teen has some encouraging words for this years contestants!

 

Hello future leaders of America! This letter is to inform you of the amazing year that I have experienced with National American Miss. Throughout my reign, I was able to impact many people in positive ways. A few of my endeavors consisted of donating over 300 stuffed animals to Brenners Children’s Hospital, volunteering at Musick’s Dance Arts Center and teaching over 50 girls and boys to dance, and also I was able to encourage young children about how important it is to be physically fit by volunteering at a local preschool in my area. Being the National American Miss North Carolina Teen was not just about the glitz and glamour that I received, it was about impacting so many people’s lives and inspiring young girls that they can be achieve their hopes and dreams. A highlight of my reign was competing in Nationals in Anaheim, California. This experience was so astounding and extremely rewarding. I was able to meet girls from all over the United States and explore the beautiful state of California. I am wishing good luck to all the wonderful and beautiful contestants this weekend! You all are in for such a treat and the experience of your life. Enjoy this time and I can’t wait for the next Teen Queen to experience the joy that I have experienced with National American Miss!

Sincerely,

Eboni Wiley

Miss North Carolina Teen

Charlotte Reece, Miss North Carolina Princess Cover Girl welcomes the 2015 contestants.

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CharlotteHello! I’m Charlotte Reece, your 2014 Miss Miss North Carolina Princess Cover Girl. The moment the crown was placed upon my head, my journey to help with the fight against cancer started. I organized a team named Charlie’s Crown that raised money for the Relay for Life of Davie County and setup a fundraiser at my school. I also won Top Model in my division and was selected by Toni Busker and Tracy with R. Tracy Photography to attend the MCI event in Nashville, Tennessee. Now I am signed with a model and talent agency. The title Miss North Carolina Princess Cover Girl has opened so many doors for me and I am forever thankful. I want to wish all the contestants in the 2015 National American Miss North Carolina pageant the best of luck and God Bless!