2016 Miss South Carolina Queens ‘Cookies from the Heart’

These are some of the photos of the 2016 South Carolina Queens. We were able to get together and make a variety of different cookies in Greenville, SC for 25 guests at the house Ronald McDonald House. I had a lot of fun organizing this and everyone had such a fun time.

 

2016 Miss South Carolina Jr. Pre-Teen Jia Patel Clean Water Crusader

Jia Patel (Miss South Carolina Jr. Pre-Teen) spent the past year proudly
fundraising with her family. She helped raise over $20,000 to build a
clean water well in her grandfather’s birth village in India. They also
used these funds to build a drinking water facility for the animals in
this very hot and dry farming village.

Miss South Carolina Jr. Pre-Teen Jia Patel
Miss South Carolina Jr. Pre-Teen Jia Patel in India

Jia was very grateful to have been able to take her South Carolina NAM
title to India this past December 2016 to see her fundraising efforts in
person. Jia plans to continue to promote awareness about the need for
people worldwide to have access to clean safe water.

Miss South Carolina Jr. Pre-Teen Jia Patel
Miss South Carolina Jr. Pre-Teen Jia Patel in India

2016 Miss Georgia Pre-Teen Damacia Howard and Publix Partnership

Damácia established a community partnership with Publix Supermarket. They donated Publix shopping bags for Damácia to use for school supplies she was donating from the State Pageant.

Damácia packing and donating school supplies to the parent liaison at Liberty Point Elementary School in Union City, GA and Thy Kingdom Has Come International Ministries Smyrna, GA.

Packing supplies

Delivering supplies

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.

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.

Miss South Carolina Princess Saylor Porcaro met the stars of Entertainment Tonight!

Saylorpost2 Saylorpost2x2Miss South Carolina Princess Saylor Porcaro met the stars of Entertainment Tonight!  Saylor met Kevin Frazier from Entertainment Tonight and got a shout out from Nancy O’Dell his co host and former Miss South Carolina.

2014 Junior Pre-Teen National Cover Girl Lacrissa Lamar volunteers once a month at St. Matthew.

Lacrissa Lacrissa2 Lacrissa3 Lacrissa4 Lacrissa5 Lacrissa62014 Junior Pre-Teen National Cover Girl Lacrissa Lamar volunteers once a month at St. Matthew. Lacrissa goes to St. Matthew every 3rd Sat to volunteer giving out food.