Pageant Stories – Page 2 – Matt Leverton’s National American Miss (NAM) Pageants Blog

Farewell from your 2013 Miss North Carolina Princess, Niyah Marie Smith.

Farewell from your 2013 National American Miss North Carolina Princess, Niyah Marie Smith.

Wow! Being the 2013 Miss North Carolina Princess has been an experience like no other. From the moment I first arrived at the 2013 NAM pageant last year, I knew that I would forever be changed. I met the most amazing girls, had a great time, and met friends that would last a life time.
During this past year, I have been able to give back to my community and volunteer my time reading to young children at the Jordan Center, assist with the book mobile, travel to Charlotte, to work with the Teach Boys and Girls Success program, volunteer at the light the night walk for the leukemia and lymphoma society, meet the governor of North Carolina, march in the MLK parade, attend the North Carolina open calls and training sessions, and get to know my wonderful North Carolina sister queens.
My trip to the National Pageant in Anaheim, California was amazing! I got to meet girls from all over the US, go to Disneyland for the first time, tour Hollywood, and hang out with my new friends. I even made it to the top ten finalists. Not bad for my first nationals ever!
To each and every one of you, I want to say, shoot for the stars, no one can stop you from reaching your full potential, and to my successor, enjoy your year of reign, you will never be the same.

I am your 2013 Miss North Carolina Princess, Niyah Marie Smith.

Jeanae Ganther,2013 Miss Florida Pre-Teen, gives words of encouragement to this years contestants.

Jeanae Ganther,2013 National American Miss Florida Pre-Teen Queen, gives words of encouragement to this years contestants.

Hey Girls, This past year has been unbelievable! I’ve gained so much confidence because of NAM. I’ve met so many talented girls and made some new friends throughout this journey. I’ve volunteered at “Dare to Care” Kitchen, Horizon Assisted Living, donated school supplies to my former elementary school, participated in March of Dimes and Komen’s Breast Walk.I also had the opportunity to travel to Jacmel, Haiti with Hope for Humanity to do mission work and deliver school supplies and personal hygiene items. At state pageant weekend, be yourself, meet as many girls and have fun! At Nationals, you’ll meet more girls and make more friends. We had theme parties each night! We went to Disneyland, Hollywood, and had a Thanksgiving Banquet with the NAM families. Let’s not forget the shopping, dining, mentoring, beauty sleep, and competitions. Enjoy every moment, take lots of pictures. I thank NAM, for the opportunity of a lifetime, especially my State Director, Matt Leverton. Crowned of not, this is a learning experience. Remember, you always take something back with you; it’s up to you to make it positive. To my successor, do not consider winning as the end, but the beginning of bigger and better things.

Good Luck!

Jeanae Ganthier
2013 Miss South Florida Pre-Teen

2013 Miss Georgia Jr. Teen, Olivia Landrum, looks back on her year.

2013 National American Miss Georgia Jr. Teen Queen, Olivia Landrum, looks back on her year.

Abraham Lincoln once said, “It’s not the years in the life, it’s the life in the years.” Believe me when I say that no amount of pageant or interview preparation could have prepared me for the amazing journey this title has taken me on. From the outpouring of love and support from strangers, friends and loved ones, to the countless community volunteer hours I logged, my journey was a fulfilling and rewarding one.
First I collected all of the books and school supplies donated at the pageant last year and distributed them throughout my community. A couple of months later, I was able to collect household supplies from the students at my school and donate them to the troops and their families at the Fisher House in my hometown. Next, I made a trip to the capital to meet out governor. Throughout my reign I also participated in parades with my sister queens, helped out with the NAM staff and traveled 2,052.48 miles across country to compete at Nationals held in Anaheim, California. I cannot help but believe that my overall experience this year was God’s way of truly preparing me for the rest of my life’s journey.
It’s not the crown that defines you, but what you have inside that counts. Remember girls, ‘the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams,’ so dream on.

With Georgia on my mind,

Olivia Landrum
2013 Miss Georgia Jr. Teen

Kaitlyn Connell, 2013 Miss North Carolina Pre-Teen cover girl, looks back over her year.

Kaitlyn Connell, 2013 National American Miss North Carolina Pre-Teen cover girl, looks back over her year.

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.

Megan Ebert, National American Miss North Carolina says farewell.

Megan Ebert, National American Miss North Carolina Miss Queens says farewell.

My year as the National American Miss North Carolina is one that I will never forget. I was able to spend time and get to know some of my sister queens and other state royalty at open calls for NC and SC, as well as at Nationals.
Having the privilege of meeting our Governor Pat McCrory and the Burlington Mayor Ronnie Wall. I had a blast volunteering and helping raise funds for the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure with two of my sister queens, as well as delivering bears and other personal items to the Ronald McDonald house for the families. I was able to enjoy a beautiful summer evening with some of sister queens at a Greensboro Grasshopper Baseball Game at their annual Princess Night. Nationals was an experience I will never forget. Placing in the top 10 at Nationals was a true blessing and the friendships made during that week will last a lifetime!
To my director Matt and his wonderful staff, thank y’all so much for all y’all have done for me and my family. It’s hard to believe that nine years ago I stepped foot on the National American Miss stage for the very first time as a shy pre-teen, and very soon I will stand on the same stage for the last time as a confident, growing young woman!
To every young lady who competes in National American Miss, no matter what age division your in or what state you reside in. Always remember that you are fearfully and wonderfully made, and you are beautiful just they way you are! Never given up your hopes and dreams, because if you can dream than you can achieve it!
I look forward to meeting all the NC contestants this week!!
Much love always,
Megan Ebert
Miss North Carolina

Royalty Letter from Brandi Alden, Miss North Carolina Pre-teen!

Royalty Letter from Brandi Alden, National American Miss North Carolina Pre-teen Queen!

Royalty Letter from Brandi Alden, Miss North Carolina Pre-teen!

It’s hard to believe a year has already passed. My experience has been incredible – from the moment I was crowned to each and every day since.
I have had the opportunity to work fun stations for the Easter Seals Foundation, walked for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, made goody bags and candy necklaces for Bright Blessings to support homeless children and families and collected food and supplies for my own charity, B.R.A.Y.S. Love (Bringing Rescued Animals Your Support). I have entertained for many local pageants and was invited to sing the National Anthem for the Charlotte Knights and Davidson College.
Nationals was a blast!!! From going on a Hollywood Tour to visiting Mickey in Disneyland, I made so many friends and memories to last me a lifetime!! I was also honored to have received 2nd RU Naional Casual Wear Modeling and 3rd RU National Spokes Model.
A big thank you to Mr. Matt Leverton, my awesome state director!! You have made this such a special year always making every girl feel special!!
To my successor, the impact you make on the lives of those around you depends on how you utilize the title given to you so wear it proudly and above all make lots of memories and have fun!!!!

Aaniyah Burnett, Miss Kentucky Princess, looks back fondly on her year as Queen.

Aaniyah Burnett, National American Miss Kentucky Princess Queen, looks back fondly on her year as Queen.

Hi everyone!
My name is Aaniyah Makay Burnett and I am your 2013 Miss Kentucky Princess! Being crowned Miss Kentucky Princess was a dream come true for me. Just like some of you, it was my very first pageant too! Since receiving that amazing honor, I have learned so much like, being confident in who I am, getting to meet some amazing people, and giving back to my community. I have been blessed to meet the Governor of Kentucky, Steve Beshear and Senator Mitch McConnell. I’ve made friendships with other girls from all over the country at NAM and met my wonderful new friend Hannah Martin, my sister queen! Throughout the year I also visited other NAM pageants as royalty, flew for the first time to Anaheim, California for Nationals, had a blast at Disneyland with my mom, and even placed Top 10 at Nationals!
This May, I will be crowning the 2014 NAM Princess Queen and I look forward to a weekend of NAM fun! Even though my reign is coming to an end I will continue to volunteer and use the tools National American Miss has taught me. This is just the beginning for me and you will see me again!
I would like to say Thank you to National American Miss, Matt Leverton, and all the staff for this amazing experience. And Good luck to all the new princesses that are going to be competing this year..

Yours Truly,
“2013 Miss Kentucky Princess”
Aaniyah Makay Burnett

2013 National American Miss Tennessee Sarah Ford was featured in The Williamson Source.

2013 National American Miss Tennessee Miss Queen Sarah Ford was featured in The Williamson Source.

http://williamsonsource.com/junior-union-university-places-national-american-miss-competition/

Rebecca Markert, Miss Florida Junior Teen, Participates in 6th Annual Jeff Annas Memorial Firefighters 5K‏.

Rebecca Markert, Miss Florida Junior Teen Queen, Participates in 6th Annual Jeff Annas Memorial Firefighters 5K‏.

Miss Florida Junior Teen, Rebecca Markert attended and volunteered at the 6th Annual Jeff Annas Memorial Firefighters 5K Race on behalf of her charity of choice, Little Smiles. Rebecca spent time with the children of competitors during the main race; officially started the kids’ race; high-fived and celebrated with finishers following the kids’ race; and finished off the morning by handing out awards to all of the winners. Over 1200 runners were in attendance at the event; and $6,000 was raised and donated to Little Smiles.

One of Rebecca’s more important responsibilities as Miss Florida Junior Teen Queen is her involvement with the Florida-based Little Smiles charity, a local organization dedicated to children, which she chose as her campaign platform. Little Smiles is a non-profit volunteer organizations based in Florida that provides toys, movies, computers, celebrity meet-and-greets, concert and sporting event tickets, theme park trips, junk food runs, and much more to children in local hospitals, hospices and shelters throughout Florida. Through the charity, Rebecca has already had the opportunity to spend time at the Miami Children’s Hospital with some of the young patients, Virginia from the KVJ radio show, deliver pizza to the nurses, and shoot Nerf guns with the kids!

Learn more about the organization at www.LittleSmiles.org.

Learn more at: http://www.jeffannas5k.com/

Miss Georgia Jr. Pre-Teen Caitlyn Banks meets Miss Georgia, Carly Marhis.

National American Miss Georgia Jr. Pre-Teen Queen Caitlyn Banks meets Miss Georgia, Carly Marhis.

Miss Georgia Jr. Pre-Teen Caitlyn Banks meets Miss Georgia, Carly Marhis. They were both on hand to help at the Miss Warner Robins pageant. What a neat experience Caitlyn got to have. She had a blast helping and meeting Miss Georgia.