Category: farewell

Jennifer Mullins, 2011 Miss Georgia Farewell

Jennifer Mullins, 2011 National American Miss Georgia Farewell

In 2004, I decided to be in my first pageant ever. I had no idea what I was doing and I told my mom “whatever happens, happens.” That year I was 3rd runner up to Miss Georgia. I competed in the pageant for 6 years. Then in 2011 when I turned 20 I knew it would be my last chance. I put everything I had into it and was overjoyed to hear I would be going to the National Pageant to represent Georgia as the Miss Queen. I had been told that Nationals would be the time of my life but didn’t fully believe it till I was there.  I made friendships I’ll never forget, got to do things I never thought I’d do, and being called in the top ten contestants for the national title was the cherry on top of a perfect Thanksgiving week.

Being Miss Georgia has been such a blessing. From riding in parades in my hometown to walking in a 5K for breast cancer, I was able to donate stuffed animals to the children at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, help the police department with their “shop with a cop” Christmas fundraiser, and attend the UMDF Christmas breakfast for children with mitocondria.

There are so many people I want to thank for this opportunity. To all my friends, family, and sponsors, to Matt and my NAM-ily, to Amanda for being my pageant bestie and believing in me, to Jacob for supporting and never letting me forget im beautiful, to my best friend Megan for always being there chearing me on, to my Nana and and all my grandparents in heaven for giving me confidence, and to my parents Mom and Dad, thank you for everything you do and for loving me completely, I couldn’t have done it without you.

To all the wonderful girls who are contestants today, I want you to know you are unique,  beautiful, and you can do anything you put your mind to. All you need is to be confident. Henry Ford once said, “whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right.” Believe in yourself and remember it’s not the crown makes a princess. It’s who you are that makes you royalty.

2011 North Carolina Jr. Preteen Cailee Calabrese’s Farewell

2011 North Carolina Jr. Preteen Cailee Calabrese’s Farewell

2011 North Carolina Jr. Preteen Cailee Calabrese’s Farewell

Being part of the National American Miss system has truly been an honor. I was so surprised when my name was called as the 2011 NC Jr. Preteen out of so many beautiful girls. I started out my year with taping a commercial for Communities in Schools and then being able to volunteer for such a worthy event was very special. I had so much fun volunteering with the American Red Cross, Give 2 the Troops, Wounded Warriors, March of Dimes, local nursing homes, and many more. I love to help others and that is what inspires me to volunteer. Nothing makes me happier than to be able to put a smile on someone’s face. I have learned that sometimes it is not what you say, but what you can do to make a positive impact on someone else and to always be a good role model. I was so proud when our State Representative came to my school to present me with the Gold Level Volunteer Award. I also got to meet our U.S. Congressman who also serves on the committee in Washington, DC for armed services.

Going to California was so much fun and I enjoyed getting to know other girls from other places. I have made so many good friends. The week was so much fun going to Disneyland, The Hollywood Tour, and the party was a great way to kick off the week. I was proud to have received the Community Achievement Award, Photogenic Award, 1st runner up Most Promising Model and 2nd runner up volunteer out of so many girls. I want to personally thank Matt Leverton and his staff for always being supportive. Matt, being a part of the NAM family has been such a pleasure and I have grown so much just being part of this wonderful organization. I have been blessed with opportunities that would not have been possible without being a part of the National American Miss organization. I truly feel that I have learned things that will only help me in the future. To the new queen, enjoy your year because it will go by so fast.

National American Miss Ashley Thompson Farewell

National American Miss Ashley Thompson Farewell

I could not believe I had won Miss Kentucky 2011-2012 in the Miss division. It was my first pageant and I thought nothing would come of it, but I was wrong!

My name is Ashley Thompson, and I am not an ordinary pageant queen; I am a soldier. I joined the Kentucky National Guard in 2010 and since then, I have loved trying new things. I am a tomboy and have never learned how to use make-up or fix my hair, but I had an amazing journey learning that and more during the national competition in Anaheim, California.

I started my journey with a letter in the mail, open calls, phone interview and a phone call that I had won state queen! I almost thought she was joking! I did not get crowned because of Army training, but I did get to go to nationals and that was amazing! It was my first time going west, my first time going to Disney, and my first pageant! I met some really nice people there. They all helped me, even the other competitors. I originally tried this pageant because it was so different from all the others and anything I have done before. Military training is totally different from the runway, but this pageant has the same values, like integrity. The pageant requires community service, goal setting, and interviewing/speaking skills. These guidelines made for some fierce competition, but great friends! I will never forget going to Disneyland or being on stage, but the best part of it all was that I set a goal and I met it!

One thing that stuck out to me most was during our Thanksgiving banquet, they took the time out to play a slideshow of pictures of the U.S. military and thank them for everything they do. It is amazing to know that there is a beauty pageant that is not all about dresses and swim suits, but caring about the future of its competitors, individually and in the big picture.

I am still meeting new people as I prepare to crown my successor at the state competition and I love every minute of it. Thank you, National American Miss for a wonderful experience and for supporting our troops!

Ashley Thompson, Miss Kentucky, 2011-2012

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

2011 Georgia Jr. Teen Cover Girl Deone Lotter Farewell

2011 Georgia Jr. Teen Cover Girl Deone Lotter Farewell

What a framing moment it was to be chosen as Georgia’s Jr. Teen Cover Girl! It was so unexpected, but it is a moment that is going to help me to walk stronger through life. I made special memories and met so many people that was such a blessing to me. The National pageant was a wonderful experience. It was a big surprise to be crowned in the Hollywood pageant as Jr. Teen National Cover Miss! I came home with a few trophy’s and I was my age group’s winner of the National Scrapbook competition. This and the art project was so much fun! The Advertising Program opened a window to look through at the endless possibilities of today’s business and marketing world, which helped me to gain so much experience in business. NAM helped me to see myself as I can now walk through doors as future business leader. It humbled me to be part of NAM’s program to build a better world for today’s girls and tomorrows leaders. It helped me to make a small contribution to serve my community.
Sincerest thanks to  Mr. Matt Leverton and staff and Ms. Dawn Lee Costa who always helped to answer my “silly” questions! I want to thank my wonderful parents, that has helped me to come as far as I have now, and how thankful I am to them for all the amazing opportunities they have given me to help other through out my life, how they have always been my biggest supporters in whatever I set my heart to; no matter how big or small it was. I also wanted to thank my many friends from the Calvary Children’s Home who helped me to work on the “Kids Give Back” program. With their help we worked on many little projects to serve the community. One of our funest projects was to helping Noah’s Ark. We collected food for this extra unordinary animal habitat and built picnic tables for them. On my 16th birthday all my Calvary friends came together to help cut down hundreds of trees to build a gym. We all worked for months on this project and just laid the last of the grass down. For 40 years the Children’s Home hoped to have a gym – I am so honored to be part of such a project!. During my reigning year I have lost a close friend (that was like a brother to me) in a car wreck. This make me be aware of how precious life is and that we need to go through life with our eyes open for the need of other people and how we must make the most of the time God has given us and live in the moment and not to look back, just keep moving forward. NAM helped me to give back to see the needs of others. Me and my Calvary friends helped with food banks at the American Legion, Elks-club, Youth-clubs, at car shows, parades and worked on the “child trafficking” program. I was honored to be a guest of honor at Food Networks cupcake wars and also at a guest at a new book release.
I want to give all the glory and honor to God, because I know without his love and kindness many of these projects I did wouldn’t have been possible.

Blessings, hugs and Smiles to y’all!

Deonè Lotter
Jr. Teen National Cover Miss (2011-2012)
Jr. Teen Georgia State Cover Girl.

2011 Miss Oregon Pre-Teen Cover Girl – Kyra Walters – Year In Review

It all began with my crowning moment as the Oregon Preteen Cover Girl.  I hugged my new sister queens and a most amazing year began.

I am most proud of all the service projects we did.  I had a total blast handing out balloons at Oaks Park, cooking dinner at the Ronald McDonald house, handing out flowers to cancer survivors, volunteering at the Oregon food bank, cutting my hair for locks of love, and so many other projects.  We volunteered for so many wonderful organizations and events and really made a difference.  I enjoyed it so much, I created a website called caringkid.com that shows kids great places that take younger volunteers.

I also really enjoyed doing parades and appearances  and getting together for dinner.  And raising money for Nationals doing the car wash together was pretty fun too!

One of the biggest highlights of the year was definitely the National Pageant.  It was so wonderful seeing all the Oregon girls there, meeting up with friends I made from other states last year, and making new friends.  Watching Madeline get picked as a car drawing finalist was exciting, and I especially loved being chosen with Hailey as finalists for the dance competition at the Decades Themed Party!  The Hollywood tour was a blast too and I loved hanging out with the other Oregon Preteens at Disneyland.

I want to acknowledge all the people who made this year so much fun. Kyenna: You always have such a positive attitude and your are an inspiration to me. I loved learning about your job in the mall too!  Ariel: I loved being your secret sister and your great big hugs. You are so beautiful inside and out.  Madi: You are such a funny girl and I really love hanging out with you. I wish the MAX went all the way to Medford so I could see you more often!  Ciara: You are so multi-talented and truly a smart and hard-working girl. I know you will go really far.  Deja: You are so adorable and you always know how to make me laugh.  I especially loved going to OMSI with you.  Isabella, my fellow Cover Girl and goofball extraordinaire: I love your enthusiasm for life.  May the orange allypoop always be with you!   Mandy: You are a fantastic coordinator.  I want to thank you for making this year so perfect and fun for all of us.  To the fantabulous Matt Leverton: You are the best state director ever.  You have a way of making everyone feel so special.  Thank you so much for everything you do for us.

Madeline: I could not ask for a better Preteen queen to reign alongside. I loved the moments when we stood together on stage at last year’s pageant to the moments now, giving up our titles, and everything in between.  I loved volunteering and making appearances with you and hanging out together at Nationals was so much fun.  I will really miss being “sisters” with you.

To my brother, Bryce: Thank you for cheering me on, even on my bad days. You’re the greatest brother a girl could hope for.  To my dad, thank you for being so supportive of me and making sure I was able to get to all of my events on time.  And thanks for being my escort!  And to my Mom: There are no words to describe how thankful I am to have such a wonderful mom. You are always so supportive of everything I do, and I could not have done anything without your support, care and love. You are always there for me. I love you.

Even though this story is coming to an end, I know it’s a new beginning to another story. To the new Preteen Cover Girl: enjoy every minute.  It goes by so fast.

Thanks National American Miss. You rock.

For the last time, I am your 2011-2012 National American Miss Oregon Pre-teen Cover Girl, Kyra Walters.

2011 Miss Oregon Pre-Teen Madeline Monlux Farewell

2011 National American Miss Pre-Teen Queen Madeline Monlux Farewell

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

2011 National American Miss Oregon Kyenna Leedom Farewell

2011 National American Miss Oregon Kyenna Leedom Farewell

6 years ago, I began my journey with National American Miss. 6 years ago, I never imagined I would be standing here tonight on my 21st birthday, reflecting on my year as your 2011 Miss Oregon. Without God, none of this would have been possible. Ive had an amazing journey filled with so many wonderful blessings. The best blessings of all? 5 beautiful sister queens.  We held hands along the way to multiple parades, volunteer events, a blazer game, and even some smoothie making at Jamba Juice! At nationals, I had the opportunity to give a speech about Endometriosis, a disease I was diagnosed with 2 and a half years ago. As I reflect back on my year, there are so many to whom I owe gratitude. Dad, there is nobody else I would rather have on this journey with me. You are my best friend and the worlds best parade driver! Thank you for always believing in me. I love you so much! Eleanor, words cannot express what our friendship means to me. We’ve had an amazing journey together and I cant wait to see whats still to come! Mommy Kim, you are the best surrogate mommy ever! Thanks for all your love and support! Deja, Madeline, and Ciara, I will always love you as if you were my own sisters. Madison, I foresee a sleepover in our future! I love you! Ariel, you are beautiful inside and out Kyra and Isabella, you girls are awesome! . Matt, its been a long journey but ive had the best state director to guide me along the way! Mandy, I hope ive made you proud! This year wouldn’t have been possible without you! Mom and bella, thank you for all your love and support. Michelle, Frank, and the Christellas team, you guys are awesome! Auntie, Rachel, Natasja, Trever, Sue, Alex, Janie, Lakisha, Steve and Kathleen Mayes, Breanna, my wonderful sponsors, Alaina, my sister queen moms, and Jeremy, this year would have been impossible without you. thank you! Finally, to my successor, hold on to this blessing and cherish it. Believe in yourself and make it a year you will never forget! force the last time, I am your 2011-2012 National American Miss Oregon, Kyenna Leedom.

2011 Miss Oregon Princess Deja Fitzwater Farewell

2011 National American Miss Oregon Princess Queen Deja Fitzwater Farewell

When I was littler, my Momma used to tell me this story about a little girl who lived in a faraway land and who grew up to be a Princess.  Little did I know that would actually happen to me!

It has been an amazing year as your 2011 Miss Oregon Princess.  I was able to make many appearances with my sister Queens and our Cover Girls.  We rode in many parades, volunteered at Ronald McDonald House, helped at a Car Show, Portland’s “Sand in the City” and I even got to go to a “Spaw Day” event hosted by the Oregon Humane Society.  Another favorite memory was getting to go backstage at the Grand Ole Opry and taking a tour of Mr. Matt’s offices and meeting all the staff!  There are too many to list, but I am forever thankful and so blessed.

Going to Nationals in California was amazing!  I made new friends and was so proud to bring home 9 trophies, including 2nd RU Photogenic, 3rd RU Spokesmodel and my very favorite, winning the Volunteer Service award for my many hours of community service.

This year, I started my own program called “Arts for the Ages” and NAM helped me to bring color and creativity to over 600 children; not just in my community, but around the world.  Thank you National American Miss … you colored my world this year and made it brighter!

A big thank you to my sister Queens for all of our fun times:  Kyenna, Ariel, Madi, Madeline & Ciara and to the Cover Girls Kyra and Bella.  I am so glad that we are “Namily!”

And thank you to Mr. Matt and Miss Mandy for helping to make this year so much fun; but most of all, thank you to my Momma who made all my dreams come true when she brought me to the NAM pageant last year, hugged and kissed me and told me to “Have fun and let your sparkle shine!”  …  I did and it opened a whole new world for me.

My story won’t end here … this Princess plans on living the fairy tale!  God Bless us everyone.

Hugs,

Déja Fitzwater

2011 Miss Oregon Princess

Farewell from our 2010 Kentucky Jr. Pre-Teen Cover Girl, Madison Forsythe.

Hi my name is Madison Forsythe your 2010 National American Miss Kentucky Jr. Pre-Teen Cover Girl. Representing Kentucky has been an amazing experience!

Hi my name is Madison Forsythe your 2010 National American Miss Kentucky Jr. Pre-Teen Cover Girl. Representing Kentucky has been an amazing experience! I was recognized at my school and did a speech to my fellow classmates on goals & dreams…and if you never give up you can reach them!! I am a proud team leader for walk now for Autism Speaks. I also do the MS walk every year. I even got a letter from General Campbell of the 101st airborne division, congratulating me on my accomplishments this year. I want to thank my sponsors and family, without them I would not be here. I want to thank my mom for driving me place to place for ads & sponsors. My dad for supporting me all the way from Afghanistan. You will always be my hero! And my little sister Josie thank you for being my biggest fan. I love you all!!! Matt & staff thank you for making all of us feel like royalty and making NAM the best pageant on earth!!! To all the state finalist this year… I wish you the best of luck, that your dreams come true, and remember you are all beautiful!!!

Thank you for the memories!!!
Madison Forsythe
2010 National American Miss
Kentucky Jr. Pre-Teen Cover Girl