National American Miss Pageants (NAM)
February 1st, 2012
Categories: Community Service, Royalty, pictures, south carolina | Tags: carolina, D.A.R.E., hannah, jr, nam, namiss, pageant, pageants, queen, reese, south, teen, with, works | No Comments
January 27th, 2012
Shivali’s first goal was to support MHC’s 1K for 1Kid program by raising money to support a child in care for one year. She started her project in July and hit the ground running! She not only surpassed her goal but helped raise nearly $2,000 to support two children in MHC’s care. Her commitment to get out in the community and ask for donations and gifts is amazing! Shivali has put in more than 120 hours, going door to door, business to business asking for support to reach her goal. She didn’t take no for an answer and received gifts from $1.00 to $100.00. They, MHC, were most impressed when she even got the Mayor in Raleigh, NC to support her efforts!
In addition to raising money for their ministry, she asked fellow contestants to collect stuffed animals for our underserved children at their preschool. Shivali delivered big garbage bags full of stuffed animals to the kids at the center one day. She also used extra funds raised to purchase hygiene items and school supplies for our older kids – something she felt passionate about since teens in foster care are often forgotten about.
Shivali has an incredible philanthropic spirit! Her enthusiasm for volunteering and follow through on her commitment is admirable! MHC is proud of her efforts and of the positive way she approached her service to MHC. There are few youth in the community who truly stand out like Shivali. Her determination and drive will serve her well in the future. Her outstanding volunteer service to Methodist Home for Children is greatly appreciated.
Categories: Community Service, Royalty, north carolina, pictures | Tags: at, carolina, children, for, home, jr, methodist, nam, namiss, north, pageant, pageants, patel, queen, shivali, teen, volunteers | No Comments
January 16th, 2012
Categories: Community Service, Georgia, Royalty, pictures | Tags: american, Atlanta, children's, Georgia, healthcare, jennifer, miss, mulllins, nam, namiss, national, pageant, pageants, queen, volunteers | No Comments
January 14th, 2012
Deja Fitzwater, 2011 Miss Oregon Princess, donated 10 coats to the Burlington Coat Factory and Good Morning America Coat Drive…. hoping to give those comfort and warmth who would not otherwise have it.
Categories: Community Service, Royalty, oregon, pictures | Tags: american, coats, deja, donates, fitzwater, miss, nam, namiss, national, oregon, pageant, pageants, princess, queen | No Comments
January 10th, 2012
Categories: Community Service, Royalty, north carolina, pictures | Tags: carolina, cary, jr, nam, namiss, north, of, pageant, pageants, patel, queen, shivali, teen, town., with, works | No Comments
January 4th, 2012
Cailee made her trip to give to the Troops to drop off the DVDs and puzzle books that she collected. She also visited the Warrior Transition Battalion where she distributed some DVDs to put in their movie room. Cailee has donated and collected over 1200 DVDs and 300 puzzle books since she started her own organization 3 years ago. Cailee was also proud to have met General Carpenter on our way to California who was just coming home from Afghanistan who took his picture with her and commended Cailee on her organization because he
appreciated the DVDs he received while stationed there. She also made a visit to Wesley Pines nursing center where Cailee called bingo for the residents. Cailee also adopted a military family for Christmas again this year.
“Movies for Military” is well its under way in that she has already collected 30 DVDs for our troops. Cailee is very proud to in her words “to give a gift back for protecting us.”
Categories: Community Service, Royalty, north carolina, pictures | Tags: caliee, carolina, for, jr, military, movies, nam, namiss, north, pageant, pageants, pre, queen, teen, works | No Comments
December 31st, 2011
Categories: Community Service, Georgia, Royalty, pictures | Tags: breast, cancer, for, jennifer, mullins, nam, namiss, pageant, pageants, research, walks | No Comments
December 29th, 2011
Categories: Community Service, Royalty, pictures, tennessee | Tags: association, burt, chelsea, down, Middle, nam, namiss, of, pageant, pageants, syndrome, tennesee, walks, with | No Comments
December 24th, 2011
The Center also provides consultation to other community childcare programs throughout the state, and training to those who work most closely with children: parents, childcare providers, educators, and administrators.
Categories: Community Service, Royalty, north carolina, pictures | Tags: at, carolina, center, Jordan, jr, nam, namiss, north, pageant, pageants, patel, queen, shivali, teen, volunteers | No Comments
December 21st, 2011
Categories: Forum/Message Board, General Information, Royalty | Tags: america, attend, miss, nam, namiss, pageant, pageants | No Comments
December 6th, 2011
Categories: Community Service, Royalty, kentucky, pictures | Tags: american, bullying, cyber, for, kentucky, miss, nam, namiss, national, on, preventing, queen, ramos, recogniczed, stephanie, teen, work | No Comments
December 3rd, 2011
National American Miss North Carolina Pre-Teen Queen Alina Galvan presented a check to the wounded warriors along with a representative from Chic Fil A. Alina teamed up with Chic Fil A to do a Spirit Day to raise money to benefit the wounded warriors. Alina and Caliee Calabrese(Miss N.C.Junior Preteen) did the spirit day together to show the troops that they are appreciated. Alina is the founder of “Letters Of Thanks”. Alina’s father is in the Army and she is also the grandaughter of a Vietnam Veteran!The military life has been a big inspiration to her work as an avid volunteer for our troops. She says she is thankful for their sacrifices for our freedom!
Categories: Community Service, Royalty, north carolina, pictures | Tags: alina, carolina, for, galvan, miss, money, nam, namiss, north, our, pageant, pageants, pre, queen, raises, teen, troops | No Comments
November 29th, 2011
http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/ciarawilson/ciarawilsonsfundraisingpage?fge=thanks
In addition, Ciara attended the Jingle Bell Run Kick-Off Party which benefits the Arthritis Foundation of Oregon. The festivities were held at the Nike World Headquarters on October 23, 2011. The Jingle Bell Run takes place in downtown Portland, Oregon on December 4, 2011 . In the photos, Ciara is pictured with the Grand Marshall for the run, Annise Nassib, and the Youth Grand Marshall, Owen Dye. She looks forward to volunteering at the upcoming holiday event! Check out the website to see what took place!
http://portlandjinglebellrun.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=477709
Ciara plans to continue her volunteering and fund raising efforts in 2012 to help kids with Juvenile Arthritis!
Categories: Community Service, Royalty, oregon, pictures | Tags: american, arthritis, ciara, cure, find, jr, juvenile, miss, nam, namiss, national, oregon, pre, queen, teen, to, wilson, works | No Comments
November 22nd, 2011
Christina Rubio, the 2011 Miss Kentucky Pre-Teen, has been working hard since she was crowned in July of 2011.
Christina has been busy distributing the stuffed animals and books donated by herself and other fellow 2011 NAM KY contestants to places such as Fire and Police Departments, Libraries, and the Louisville, KY Ronald McDonald House. Because of the critical conditions of a lot of the patients at the Ronald McDonalds House, they are not able to accept stuffed animals. So, Christina invested in some new puzzles for the children and families to go along with the books donated to RMHC in Louisville. Christina is continuing her Volunteer work, along with being the State Vice President of Star Events for Future Career and Community Leaders of American in Kentucky.
Christina has met with Congressman Brett Guthrie, Kentucky State Senate Presindent David Williams, as well as Major General Donald Storm. She has also visited Abraham Lincoln’s Birthplace in honor of a great President.
She has also volunteered at the Elizabethtown’s Target’s National Night Out helping the children play games, answering questions, and giving out prizes. She ran the Advocacy and Support Center for Victims of Sexual Assault and Abuse booth. Christina also visited The Grayson Manor Nursing Facility, where she deliverd fruit baskets and cookie trays to the residents. She enjoyed her time volunteering at the nursing home. She helped the residents with activities as well as visiting all the patients rooms and delivering fruits and cookies to the residents and fixing them drinks. Chrisitina spent time talking and socializing with the residents and staff.
She is making the most of her time as the 2011 National American Miss, Miss Kentucky Pre-Teen and loving every minute of it!
Categories: Community Service, Pageant Stories, Royalty, kentucky | Tags: christina, community, kenucky, nam, namiss, pageant, pageants, pre, queen, rubio, teen, volunteers | No Comments
November 16th, 2011
Sabrina Lercara, National American Miss South Carolina Teen Queen, was asked to be a character princess by Crystal Garret former Miss South Carolina 2007 in her program called “Princess Workshop” which helps needy girls feel like princesses for a day. Sabrina appeared as “Belle” from Walt Disney’s “Beauty & The Beast” and the little girl Sabrina sponsored was the same character princess. Sabrina fixed her hair, painted her nails, played games, read books, and had a dinner party.
Categories: Community Service, Royalty, pictures, south carolina | Tags: carolina, charities., Lercara, nam, namiss, pageant, pageants, queen, Sabrina, south, teen, volunteers | No Comments
November 12th, 2011
Categories: Community Service, Royalty, pictures, tennessee | Tags: burt, chelsea, cover, for, girl, leukemia, lymphoma, nam, namiss, pageant, pageants, pre, teen, tennessee, walks | No Comments
November 9th, 2011
Categories: Community Service, Royalty, pictures, tennessee | Tags: emily, nam, namiss, pageant, pageants, pre, queen, ramsey, teen, tennessee, volunteers | No Comments
November 5th, 2011
Categories: Community Service, Georgia, Royalty, pictures | Tags: Georgia, jennifer, miss, mullins, nam, namiss, pageant, pageants | No Comments
November 2nd, 2011
Categories: Community Service, Royalty, north carolina, pictures | Tags: carolina, nam, namiss, north, pageant, pageants, pictures, pines, queens, wesley, with military, work | No Comments
October 24th, 2011
Dawn Lymberopoulos was a bit surprised when her daughter said she wanted to be in a pageant.
“I was a little apprehensive at first,” Dawn says of the day Emily got an invitation to apply to the National American Miss Pageant. “But I had participated in a Miss Teen USA pageant at 16. So I couldn’t deny her.”
Last year, Emily participated and had so much fun she decided to do it again this year. This time, she won Miss Illinois for her age division. She goes on to compete in the national competition in November.
What did you say (and what did you think) when she first proposed the idea?
I thought the experience would help her to grow in a positive way.
National American Miss is very age-appropriate. They discourage makeup, jewelry and polished nails. They focus more on their natural beauty and who they are. This pageant is more about inner beauty, poise, self-confidence and their ability to communicate.
Did you worry that pageants may somehow change her, make her too concerned with appearances?
I guess there is always a concern that with all the attention a young person gets in a situation like this, it could cause her to become more caught up with her appearance, but in this case it actually taught my daughter that she is beautiful even without all the makeup and things.
That natural beauty comes from within a person.
How is she different from the girls she competes against?
Emily is a typical 13-year-old in many ways. She does however, possess an inner beauty and confidence that I cannot easily explain. The most important things to her are God and friends and family.
What advice did you give her?I told her to do her best. Just before leaving for the pageant, I heard a thought for the day on my favorite radio station. The thought for the day was “Be the change you want to see in the world.” This is a famous quote by Gandhi. I personally had never heard it before that morning. I told Emily, and she took this thought with her to the pageant. On our drive up to Chicago, we stopped at her aunt’s house, who we had not seen for a while. Emily walked in the house and went over to admire some pottery that her aunt had made, and as she stared down at the pottery, to her disbelief, etched in the pottery were the words, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Emily’s shocked and surprised look prompted her aunt to give her the piece of pottery to take with her to the pageant.
Is it hard to watch her lose or to think about the fact that she may lose?
Every experience in life shapes us and molds us into who we become. Even if she had lost the pageant, I believe she would have become a stronger and better person for the experience.
What do you like about the pageants?
I like that they encourage the girls to become leaders, and to serve others by getting involved in their community. They also put more emphasis on inner beauty instead of outward appearance, helping them to like themselves for who they are.
Is there anything you don’t like?
Our experience was a good one. I do have to admit, it can be stressful at times. If you are trying to do everything with excellence and encouraging your child to do her best, this is what can create stress. The demands of family, school and extracurricular activities would create stress in any situation. This is where faith helps.
Dawn Lymberopoulos
Age • 45
Home • Maryville, IL
Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/article_9869e13a-16e0-5cab-b4ef-44a7163ddcc8.html#ixzz1bjjecyA1
Article By: Amy Bertrand for STLToday.com
Categories: Pageant Stories, Press Release, Royalty | Tags: american, illinois, In, miss, mom, nam, namiss, national, pageant, pageants, sees, value | 1 Comment
October 24th, 2011
Categories: Pageant Stories, Royalty, pictures, south carolina | Tags: alzheimers, carolina, Lercara, miss, nam, namiss, pageant, pageants, queen, Sabrina, south, teen, volunteers | No Comments
October 15th, 2011
Categories: Royalty, pictures, south carolina | Tags: belle, carolina, nam, namiss, pageant, pageants, pre, queen, scott, south, teen, volunteers | No Comments
October 12th, 2011
At age 11, Madeline Monlux who won her title in May has been working diligently to raise money for the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, an organization close to Madeline’s heart, as she would like to become a primatologist and follow in the footsteps of her idol, the late Dian Fossey.
No stranger to volunteering, Madeline has given her time every weekend since June to a variety of charitable events and organizations. As Miss Oregon Pre Teen, Madeline has traveled throughout the state as an ambassador for Oregon, as well as speaking about her passion, the mountain gorillas.
Madeline came up with an idea to sell stuffed gorillas complete with special certificates, with all of the proceeds benefiting the Fossey fund. She partnered with the Fossey fund and TY (the beanie baby company) and the results were astonishing. Madeline named each gorilla individually after African namesakes meaning love, peace and other positive messages. She then tied a special bow on each gorilla and then it was time to get to work selling the gorillas.
“People wanted to buy the gorillas before they were even available”, says Monlux referring to an announcement made on social media site, Facebook.
“My friends and family, pageant people and people from all over supported this project. I have sold almost 100 gorillas and raised over $1000 for the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund,” exclaims a proud Monlux.
In early October, Madeline was invited as a special guest to the Dian Fossey Circle Luncheon in New York, where she had the opportunity to meet with her favorite actress, Sigourney Weaver, who portrayed Dian Fossey in the film, “Gorillas in the Mist”, talk with primatologists from Africa who work with the mountain gorillas and present a check to the organization’s CEO. A dream come true for a young woman who simply wants to help protect her gorilla friends.
Madeline had the most amazing time and has been offered so many wonderful opportunities from people she met there. They all loved her and she was even asked to be an honorary board member of the foundation. She has been invited to speak at an upcoming event at Pebble Beach, California and was also invited for a private tour of the gorilla habitat at the Atlanta Zoo.
Categories: Press Release, Royalty, oregon, pictures | Tags: american, conservation, gorilla, madeline, miss, monlux, nam, namiss, national, oregon, pageant, pageants, pre, queen, teen | No Comments
October 8th, 2011
Categories: Community Service, Royalty, pictures, south carolina | Tags: american, carolina, D.A.R.E., hannah, jr, miss, nam, namiss, national, pageant, pageants, reese, representative, south, teen | No Comments
October 5th, 2011
Attached is a picture of Cailee, North Carolina Jr. Pre-Teen Queen meeting with U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre for her Presidential Volunteer Award.
Categories: Community Service, Pageant Stories, Royalty, north carolina, pictures | Tags: american, award, cailee, carolina, jr, miss, nam, namiss, national, north, pageant, pageants, pre, presidential, queen, teen, volunteer | No Comments
September 28th, 2011
Jada Newkirk equates her pageantry experience with summer camp: A long weekend filled with lots of organized activities and time to socialize with fellow participants.
“It’s really fun because when you’re done with the competition, you hang out with your friends,” Jada said.
But this year the San Mateo resident took home a little more than the glimmering happy memories from camp-like camaraderie. She brought back a crown.
Jada, now 12, has been entering the National American Miss Pageants for five years and says she is proud to have won the 2011 National American Miss California Pre-Teen title.
Instead of outward beauty, Jada explained, the judges look for qualities like confidence and good stage presence. In fact, makeup isn’t even allowed on any contestant under the age of 12, Jada noted.
The pageant is split into smaller competitions with a formal dress component, a personal introduction and a one-on-one interview, all meant to gauge poise, personality and public speaking skills.
Ten percent of the score is determined by the contestant’s community involvement. Jada spends time volunteering at her local community center and reads to seniors at Sunrise Senior Living in San Mateo. She’ll also walk in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer walk this month.
When she turns 13, the animal lover said, she’d like to volunteer at the Peninsula Humane Society.
Jada stays busy. She attends Katherine Delmar Burke School in San Francisco and competes in track with USA Track & Field.
In July, she attended the Junior Olympics in Wichita, Kan. She competed in the pentathlon, scored two personal records and was in second place in the 800-meter run before the sweltering heat got to her, and she nearly passed out.
If it weren’t for the above-100 degree temperatures, Jada feels confident she could have won.
“I could have gotten first place,” she said matter-of-factly.
Jada’s demeanor shows she is secure and upbeat, traits she and her mother say the pageants have helped her develop.
“It’s been really good (for her) to come out of her shyness,” said Jada’s mom, Teleza, who is a fan of the pageant’s focus on academics and community service. “It’s really building their confidence. Every girl is different, and that’s fine. (They) celebrate each girl’s individuality.”
During her personal introduction, Jada said she talked about running track and what she wants to do when she grows up.
The latter is a lengthy list that includes being an Olympic track gold medalist as her No. 1 goal “because I love to run!”
She’d also like to act in commercials or maybe try out modeling. In addition to winning the crown in her age group, Jada also won the Actress, Casual Modeling and Most Promising Model competitions in July’s pageant.
If she acting and modeling don’t work out, she’d like to be a sports broadcaster for track or football, or maybe work as a veterinarian.
In the nearer future, Jada has the national pageant in Anaheim to look forward to during Thanksgiving week, complete with a trip to Disneyland and a Hollywood tour.
And in December, she’ll spend a day in San Francisco with the other pageant winners, including a cable car ride to Ghirardelli Square.
http://www.mercurynews.com/san-mateo-county/ci_18832722
Categories: Pageant Stories, Press Release, Royalty, pictures | Tags: american, california, In, mateo, miss, nam, namiss, national, news, pre, queen, san, teen | No Comments
September 22nd, 2011
Categories: Community Service, Royalty, north carolina, pictures | Tags: american, carolina, children, donates, for, home, jr, methodist, miss, nam, namiss, national, north, pageant, pageants, patel, queen, shivali, teen, time, to | No Comments
September 14th, 2011
Categories: Community Service, Royalty, kentucky, pictures | Tags: american, dare, dream, kentucky, miss, nam, namiss, national, pageant, pageants, queen, ramos, stephanie, teen, to, with, works | No Comments
August 31st, 2011
Categories: Community Service, Royalty, kentucky, pictures | Tags: 2011, american, charities., kentucky, mcdonald, miss, nam, namiss, national, pageant, pageants, queen, ramos, ronald, stephanie, teen, volunteers, with | No Comments
August 30th, 2011
Samantha has gone to the Ronald McDonald House and delivered stuffed animals as well as did a yard clean up with them. Samantha had a wonderful visit with our Mayor Deke. She will be going to a benefit for a little girl Emma who has cancer and will be raising money to help with her medical expenses and with any other expenses she has.
Categories: Community Service, Georgia, Royalty | Tags: american, around, Georgia, miss, nam, namiss, national, princess, samantha, town., volunteers | No Comments
August 26th, 2011
Categories: Community Service, Former Queen, Royalty, south carolina | Tags: american, carolina, fitness, for, future, goodson, jr, megan, miss, nam, namiss, national, our, pageant, pageants, queen, south, teen, with, works | No Comments
August 26th, 2011
Terricka Holmes, 2010 NAM SC Princess, chose to volunteer her time at the Brian Stokes Residential Care, in Branchville, SC. She devoted her day to the residents and staff at the facility. She began by introducing herself to each and every resident and staff member personally. The residents had just finished eating breakfast so Terricka jumped right in to work and wiped off the tables. She swept the dining room, kitchen, and porch. Terricka also set the tables for lunch with silverware and beverages. When all of the residents were assembled in the dining room, she led them in grace. After lunch, Terricka invited all residents to play BINGO. The first question she was asked was, “Are we playing for prizes?” of course she said yes. A great time was had by all. The residents enjoyed having Terricka around for the day.
Categories: Community Service, Former Queen, Royalty, south carolina | Tags: 2010, american, brian, care, carolina, holmes, miss, nam, namiss, national, princess, queen, residential, south, stokes, terricka, volunteers | No Comments
August 12th, 2011
Categories: Community Service, Georgia, Royalty, pictures | Tags: american, community, Georgia, gerner, gets, jenna, jr, miss, nam, namiss, national, out, pageant, pageants, pre, queen, teen | No Comments
August 9th, 2011
Categories: Community Service, Royalty, north carolina, pictures | Tags: alina, american, and, cailee, calabrese, cross, for, galvan, miss, nam, namiss, national, pageant, pageants, red, run, volunteer | No Comments
August 5th, 2011
Categories: Community Service, Royalty, pictures, tennessee | Tags: american, at, jessica, jr, miss, nam, namiss, national, old, pageant, pageants, pre, queen, sales, supper., teen, tennessee, timers, volunteers | No Comments
July 26th, 2011
Thank you for the memories!!!
Madison Forsythe
2010 National American Miss
Kentucky Jr. Pre-Teen Cover Girl
Categories: Royalty, farewell, kentucky, pictures | Tags: american, cover, farewell, forsythe, girl, jr, kentucky, madison, miss, nam, namiss, national, pageant, pageants, pre, teen | No Comments
July 25th, 2011
Categories: National Pageant, Royalty, kentucky, pictures | Tags: american, at, disneyland, french, fun, has, jamee, jr, kentucky, miss, nam, namiss, national, nationals, pageant, pageants, pre, queen, teen | No Comments
July 22nd, 2011
I am Caitlyn Hooks, your 2010 Miss Kentucky Princess. Wow! I have had a great year representing NAM. I have made so many new friends along the way. When I am not running around the farm or hitting the dance floor you can find me volunteering with my Sunday school class and my Girl Scout Daisy troop.
Last year I traveled all the way to California to compete at National American Miss. First stop Disneyland, I loved meeting all of my favorite characters although Minnie Mouse was my favorite. The 1970’s party was so much fun, I even brought Elvis to the party. Rehearsals were alot of hard work but they sure were fun, I made so many friends that week from all over the United States even Alaska. I also attended my very first formal dinner for Thanksgiving. National American Miss did an awesome job helping us celebrate Thanksgiving so far away from all my family.
Competing was my favorite!!!! I was crowned the NAM National Photogenic Queen. I placed in all of my events and even walked the Red Carpet with my Top 5 Casual Wear. When my name was called out in the Top 10 I was ecstatic, what a huge accomplishment after all I was only 5. I know the magic of this year will stay with me forever.
Thank you Mr. Matt for a wonderful and fun State pageant and for your time and support. A big Thank You to everyone behind the scene that makes it possible for such a wonderful program to continue every year. My favorite quote is ” ARE YOU READY?” Ready to have fun, Ready to help others, Ready to have the time of your life!!! I’m Ready, and I can’t wait to crown the next Miss Kentucky Princess.
Hugs and Kisses,
Caitlyn
Categories: Royalty, Welcome, farewell, kentucky, pictures | Tags: american, caitlyn, farewell, hooks, kentucky, miss, nam, namiss, national, pageant, pageants, princess, says | No Comments
July 22nd, 2011
Categories: Press Release, Royalty, north carolina, pictures | Tags: 2011, american, award, cailee, calabrese, carolina, earns, jr, miss, nam, namiss, national, north, pageant, pageants, pre, presidential, queen, service, teen, volunteer | No Comments
July 20th, 2011
To all of the Junior Teen contestants, take a deep breath and enjoy every moment of this pageant experience! The fact that each of you has made it to this level is phenomenal! You are all beautiful and have much to be proud of. To my successor, enjoy your time as Miss Kentucky Junior Teen 2011! It will go by quickly; Remember that all eyes will be on you everywhere you go! You are a role model, so do your best and you will gain so much from this amazing year of your life! Congratulations and enjoy!
One year has come and gone very quickly, I never imagined myself winning the Kentucky Junior Teen title and it has truly been a dream come true. When I look back over the past year, what I realize is that it is not the crown that is important, it’s what you do with it on your head in efforts to make a difference and make a positive impact in the lives of others.
I will always cherish the memories and be grateful for my year spent as NAM royalty!
Sincerely,
Lydia Blaise Allen
National American Miss Kentucky Junior Teen 2010
Categories: Pageant Stories, Royalty, Welcome, farewell, kentucky, pictures | Tags: 2010, allen, american, farewell, jr, lydia, miss, nam, namiss, national, pageant, pageants, queen, says, teen | No Comments
July 15th, 2011
COVINGTON – Lydia Allen never expects to win, but the 16-year-old has no shortage of achievements.
Last August she was crowned National American Miss Kentucky Junior Teen 2010. On July 31 in Louisville, the Covington teen will relinquish her crown to her successor and while she admits it is bittersweet, she has only fond memories of a year that has been a whirlwind.
“This year was so awesome and it was such a good opportunity, but I’m really excited that someone else gets to have that opportunity, too,” said Lydia, who will be a junior at Beechwood High School in the fall.
Lydia competed in the NAM, the largest pageant system in the nation, against over 100 girls in her age group to win her title and earn a trip to the national competition in California, where she was one of 42 girls to compete from a pool of thousands. She won a $1,500 cash scholarship, got a day at Disneyland, a tour of Hollywood, and a photo shoot, something her mother, Ria Allen, admits was a truly unique experience.
“It was just the neatest stuff that we would have never gotten to do otherwise,” Allen said. “It’s such a great experience for her and it makes the girls really feel accomplished to purse their dreams.”
Allen said Lydia competed in her first pageant at age 7, but has done less than 15 her entire life. She also has requirements about the pageants in which her daughter competes.
“It’s so different from what people think about pageantry and what they’ve seen on television,” Allen said.
When Lydia was younger she did not compete in pageants where they used makeup and she does not participate in swimsuit competitions. The winners are selected based on several aspects, not just physical beauty.
Lydia, whose GPA is 4.167, also won the category for academic achievement and was the volunteer service winner for her community service projects, which is one of her proudest accomplishments.
Lydia held a hat drive for Hats off for Cancer, a non-profit group which donates new hats to children with cancer. She also went to the Center for Courageous Kids in Scottsville, Ky., a non-profit, therapeutic camp for children with chronic diseases, allowing them to experience camping for a week for free.
“That was kind of close to me because my grandfather fought cancer for seven years and I was proud because I knew it would be something he would be proud of,” Lydia said.
One of Lydia’s goals is to be a role model. She was the guest speaker last September at the New Hope Center where she addressed 75 girls and their fathers about being their best, holding onto dreams and finding and using their talents.
“My family has been there every step of the way, but if it wasn’t for my faith in God, I wouldn’t have been as successful as I’ve been,” Lydia said. “I really do give him all the credit and all the glory because he is the one using me in all of these ways I could have never dreamed of.”
Lydia has won awards for writing, speech and debate, acting, French, color guard and ballet.
She was named the Miss Commonwealth’s Outstanding Teen 2011, a precursor to the Miss America pageant. She was selected for the University of Kentucky’s 2011 Class of Kentucky, which recognizes community-oriented and academically talented sophomores, and was selected for the Regional Youth Leadership Class of 2012 in which one or two students are selected from each area high school by the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.
Josh Bates, who teaches Lydia math at Beechwood and serves as her youth pastor at Community Family Church in Independence, said Lydia’s attitude is what makes her successful.
“She has a spirit of excellence about her,” Bates said. “Everything she does, she does with a joyful attitude. She always has a smile.”
Although Lydia’s NAM reign is almost over, her mother says she plans on keeping busy with school, color guard and her community service projects. She wants to work with elementary school children on pursuing a passion for the arts.
“I am proud of her for having such strong character and never compromising that,” Allen said. “I’m really proud of her for having the courage to get out there and try all these things she does and to keep at them to be successful. She has so many trophies and certificates and those are all nice, but what’s on the inside has made all the difference in her.”
http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/201107131750/NEWS0103/107140321
Categories: Pageant Stories, Press Release, Royalty, kentucky, pictures | Tags: allen, american, In, jr, kentucky, local, lydia, miss, nam, namiss, national, on, pageant, pageants, paper, queen, reflects, reign, teen | No Comments
July 13th, 2011
I am, and will always be, your 2010 National American Miss North Carolina Jr. Teen,Chelsey S. Bennett Thank you and good luck!
Categories: Former Queen, Pageant Stories, Royalty, Welcome, north carolina, pictures | Tags: american, and, bennett, chelsey, goodbye, jr, miss, nam, namiss, national, pageant, pageants, queen, says, teen, thank, you | No Comments
June 27th, 2011
Hello State Finalists,
I can’t believe this year has gone by this fast! It seems like just yesterday I was crowned your 2010 National American Miss Jr. Pre-Teen North Carolina. I was so excited when I heard my name called out I think I was in shock. This was only my third pageant ever and I won!
Just think, you have already made a big accomplishment and that was being selected as a state finalist. That is exactly what my mom told me last year before when arrived in Charlotte, NC. You are going to have such a blast this 4th of July weekend. The rehearsals and the themed party were awesome. Last year I dressed like a cowgirl with my brown cowgirl hat and my matching boots and we sang and danced and had a great time. My favorite part of the pageant weekend was meeting so many great girls from my home state and from South Carolina as well. You will have the opportunity to meet so many different girls and make so many great friendships that could be shared for a lifetime. I have kept in contact with several girls from last year’s pageant. These are memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
As a state queen I helped raise money for breast cancer awareness. I set up along with my family at my different festivals and raised money to help fight to cure breast cancer. I walked along side many women that have had breast cancer and it made me feel good about myself to know that I was there to help fight this disease that kills so many women in the world. I kind of stood out in the crowd because my mom bought me a hot pink wig to wear while I was walking; this was so much fun and rewarding. I was also a part of the crop walk in my home town and handed out apples to dozens of people in Shallotte, NC. I also visited the Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Greenville, SC and donated gift bags and get well cards to all the kids that had surgery. This really touches close to home for me because I am a patient at the Shriner’s Hospital, I have Cerebral Palsy and one day that patient could even be me.
I want to thank my Mom, Dad and Brothers for all of their love and support. I also want to thank my Nana, Papa and my Aunt Bobbie for the support as well, I Love You. To Jada Orr, my sister queen, we have made such a great friendship I hope it lasts forever, You Rock Jambalaya.
Jr. Pre-Teen girls I hope that you go to this pageant and have a blast and that you meet many new friends. I wish you the best of luck this pageant weekend and just remember to smile big and be yourself. Dreams really do come true! Good Luck! I can’t wait to meet you at the pageant.
Sincerely,
Morgan Skylar Strahley
2010 NAM Jr. Pre-Teen North Carolina
Categories: Pageant Stories, Royalty, Welcome, north carolina | Tags: american, carolina, farewell, jr, Letter, miss, morgan, nam, namis, national, north, pageant, pageants, pre, strahley, teen | No Comments
June 24th, 2011
2010 NAMiss South Carolina Jr Teen
Megan Goodson
Categories: Pageant Stories, Royalty, Welcome, pictures, south carolina | Tags: american, carolina, farewell, goodson, jr, megan, miss, nam, namiss, national, pageant, pageants, queen, says, south, teen | No Comments
June 24th, 2011
Categories: Pageant Stories, Royalty, Welcome, north carolina, pictures | Tags: american, carolina, earley, farewell, jr, miss, nam, namiss, national, north, pageant, pageants, queen, rachel, says, teen | No Comments
June 24th, 2011
National American Miss Georgia
Karli Barnett
Categories: Georgia, Royalty, Welcome, pictures | Tags: american, barnett, farewell, Georgia, karli, Letter, miss, nam, namiss, national, pageant, pageants | No Comments
June 22nd, 2011
Recently, my family adopted a 12 year old boy from Ukraine. I soon felt compelled to reach out to orphans. Teaching dance to abandoned kids in Children’s Homes in South Carolina has been a huge blessing in my life. I have seen these children given the opportunity to escape their challenges and find a hope in expressing themselves through dance. I have also had the privilege of working with many nursing homes. My life has been blessed as I have spent time building friendships with these elders and children this year.
The National pageant in Anaheim California was an experience that I will never forget. I soon realized that NAM girls are women whose beauty is reflected from their heart rather than just their appearance. I met some amazing girls at nationals whom I respect and know will make a huge difference in this world.
As for my sister queens, you are all amazing and beautiful girls who inspire me everyday. Thank you for partnering with me to help represent South Carolina. Megan and Marissa, Nationals was a blast and I’m so thankful for our friendship. Astoria, thank you for being my other half in this journey and helping me represent the Carolinas. You make me want to be a better queen. Matt, I couldn’t have asked for a better director. You always add so much joy and life to this organization and we are lucky to have you guide us along our amazing journey as queens. To my supportive family, thank you for being my biggest fan club and always cheering me on, especially making the extra trip to California. Lastly I thank my Lord and Savior for giving me the opportunity to bring him glory through NAM.
To my successor, I already know that you will be an incredible queen who will make both NAM and myself very proud. Remember to take every opportunity that comes your way because it will be gone in a flash. Know where your true beauty lies and seek to share that with others. I’m so excited for your new journey!
National American Miss has given me the opportunity of a lifetime and I feel extremely blessed to have been a part of such an incredible organization. Thank you for allowing me to represent NAM and serve you this year as your Miss South Carolina Teen Queen.
Always Your NAM South Carolina Teen Queen 2010-2011,
Kelsey Nyman
Categories: Pageant Stories, Royalty, Welcome, pictures, south carolina | Tags: american, carolina, goodbye, kelsey, miss, nam, namiss, national, nyman, pageants, queen, says, south, teen | No Comments
June 21st, 2011
Love, Staci Alden
2010 National American Miss North Carolina
Categories: Pageant Stories, Royalty, north carolina, pictures | Tags: Alden, american, farewell, miss, nam, namiss, national, pageant, pageants, queen, says, Staci | No Comments
June 20th, 2011
Nationals was one of the best weeks of my life. Meeting all my sister queens, touring Hollywood and meeting my future boss, Mickey Mouse, were just a few of the highlights. There I was, standing in front of the Disney castle… yet I was the one being honored as a Princess. From the late night girl talks, to the early morning dance rehearsals… our Teen Queen representatives from across the nation are the best! On finals night, I was honored as 1st Runner Up to the National Queen’s title! I was so excited for my ranking, and ready for a nap!
The title of Miss Georgia opened up so many doors for me. Whether being featured in Champions Magazine, or being the emcee/host for the annual Boys & Girls Club Super Saturday Night… my year was dedicated to inspiring others. My favorite volunteer opportunity came from creating the True Beauty Movement (www.facebook.com/TrueBeautyMovement). The movement was created in order to help girls find their inner beauty and understand that “beautiful” is who you are… not what you look like. I was so honored and shocked to see that within one week of creation, we had over 200 girls post their picture to our page with the “no make-up, white t-shirt, jeans” look and many made videos to inspire others.
My year would not have been possible without the love and support of many. Mr. Matt and NAM staff, you all produce a life changing experience for girls all over the country. From helping me fix my hair back stage, to spending hours perfecting my intro… you all were always there with open arms and just the right final touches. Miss Meredith Boyd, you always knew just how to make me look like a Princess and make me feel like one, too. Don Baker, my accomplishments at state and nationals would not have been possible without your coaching. You have always believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself – and for that I am forever grateful. To all my sister queens, what a year we have had! You all are so beautiful and I know that you will always have a special place in my heart. Sarah, my big sister – my journey would not have been as memorable without you! Whether we were celebrating your “birthday” at the Hard Rock, or planning for your wedding…. you always stood as my role model and hero. Momma and Daddy, can you believe that this year has gone by so fast? I am so blessed to have such a supportive team like you two. Not only are you always the biggest fans on Team Amanda, but y’all always know the right thing to say, and are always there helping me be the best Amanda I can be. I will always be your little girl. Most of all, I would like to give my thanks to God – for without Him, none of this would have been possible. I have been taken on an amazing journey, and with God’s guidance I have grown into the young lady I am today.
Contestants, get ready! It is your time to shine, and I know you can do this. Spend the next few days enjoying the journey – and focused on the blessings ahead of you. National American Miss is like no other and I am so glad to welcome you to our family. The crown will only last for a year, but the friendships you make will be forever. I challenge you to always strive for your best and remember that with hard work and in due time… all our dreams can become reality. To my successor, I can tell you that there are simply not enough days in a year. Throughout your year, you will be referenced to as a “princess,” and a true princess comes from within. It’s not the bend of your hair, the size of your dress, or the color of your eye shadow that you will be remembered for…. you will be remembered for the memories you make and the influences you make on other’s life. It is a hard job, but it is worth it each and every day. You now represent every girl in your state – a big responsibility, but an even bigger blessing. Work hard, stay humble, always smile, and inspire many. Now… all eyes are on you.
God’s Love,
Amanda Moreno
Categories: Georgia, Royalty, Welcome, pictures | Tags: amanda, american, Georgia, goodbye, miss, moreno, nam, namiss, national, queen, teen | No Comments
June 13th, 2011
Located in Burlington, North Carolina, Loaves & Fishes is an organization that distributes food donations from the community to families in need throughout the surrounding six counties. The mission of the non-profit institution is to “offer assistance, encouragement and empowerment of persons in need through the distribution of food and limited financial assistance”. Those in need may receive donations from the distribution center, or via home delivery by a Loaves & Fishes volunteer. This philanthropy also organizes several special events throughout the year to give back to the city, such as Make a Difference Day and the Thanksgiving Lunch.
Loaves & Fishes is an organization that is close to Kacey’s heart, since the entity exemplifies the importance of a caring community, and the impact one person’s contribution can make. Hunger and poverty in the United States are issues that affect many families within each county. According to www.feedingamerica.org, one in six Americans are food insecure, and 43.6 million Americans were in poverty in 2009. Adequate nutrition is a necessity to one’s total well being; the effects of malnutrition can be severe, especially for children. Many who are struggling with hunger are hardworking citizens who simply cannot make ends meet despite the desire to provide for his or her family. This national issue of hunger can be combated one neighborhood at a time through charity projects such as Loaves & Fishes. Having a role in an organization that provides resources and encouragement to families in need has been a rewarding experience for Kacey. She has seen how a community can work together to make a positive impact. She hopes to encourage others to support those in need in their hometown by donating or volunteering at their local food bank. Together, we can make a positive impact by helping our neighbors overcome poverty.
Categories: Community Service, Royalty, pictures, tennessee | Tags: american, christian, fishes, food, kacey, loaves, ministry, miss, nam, namiss, national, queen, stark, volunteers, with | No Comments
