Matt Leverton’s National American Miss (NAM) Pageants Blog
National American Miss (NAM) Blog
National American Miss South Carolina featured in American Girl
Our 2007 National American Miss Princess Queen, Aria Surka, has recently been featured in the American Girl catalogue. Aria is a fantastic kid and was a great representative for her state at our national pageant. Not only does Aria model, but she is very involved in her school and volunteers in her community.
Most recently she was featured as the cover model for Smile Makers a division of the Staples office supply company. 
Friends, Family and More at National American Miss
When I speak with people who are unfamiliar with our program, I tell them how National American Miss is about so much more than crowns, banner and trophies. Its about letting these kids know that no matter what, they have our unconditional love and support. We should take every opportunity to raise these kids up, to celebrate them and truly show them how special and wonderful we think they are. When I speak at orientation, I talk about the three goals that we have for each of the kids: 1) To gain self-confidence and self-esteem; 2) To have a family fun weekend; and 3) To make new friends.
As I have written in the past the best part of my job is seeing the contestants faces light up with pride and joy. When they come off stage they are standing taller feeling more confident, knowing that they tried their best! The letters the I receive from parents and contestants alike speak of amazing pageant stories. Parents tell me how their daughters are more out going now and are ready to try new things.
In a time when none of us have enough free time its easy to let the things that we take for granted fall by the wayside. Whenever we get crunched on times, what’s the first thing that most of us cut out: family time. We live a hectic, fast paced society where kids are busier now than they ever have been in the past. Its school, then practice, then dinner at the drive thru, then dance class, just for her to end the day falling sleep while doing homework. Our goal at the pageant is to create moments for the family to have fun together: go to the pool, have dinner together, take a family picture.
This past January I was invited to a wedding of a former contestant. While at the wedding I quickly realized that her maid of honor was a former contestant as well. Years ago while at the Washington State pageant these two women met. They fostered that relationship and over time it grew into an enduring friendship. This is just one of the many stories that I have and have heard of the years. Many of the kids that have participated in our program have made life-long friends at National American Miss. I like to say that you have the chance to meet your college roommate or even your maid-of-honor!
~Matt
National Amerian Miss-Facebook, YouTube and MySpace
Here are some great places to meet other families that have participated in National American Miss from all over the country. Feel free to leave a comment, post a question or show us your pictures from NAM.
Click here to see our Facebook Page
Click hereto see our MySpace Page
Click here to see our YouTube Page
Joining on the celebration surrounding the historic inauguration is Dylan Collins, the 2005 National American Miss New York Junior Pre-Teen queen. Dylan performed at the Democratic National Convention as she campaigned for her presidential pick, Barack Obama. And is now scheduled to perform at the Inaugural Ball.
It is exciting to see National American Miss girls of all ages involved in their community. Whether it is getting involved in the political process, recycling, or a host of other opportunities, these girls are making a difference!
Check out Dylan’s MySpace page to see all of her accomplishments.
~Matt
This past summer American Idol made its whirlwind coast to coast tour, and as expected many National American Miss contestants were there to take their turn in front of the judges!
The 2007 National American Miss Kentucky Teen Olivia Henken form Kentucky made it one step shy making it to Hollywood. Even thought she didn’t make it, we are all still so proud of her.
Arianna Afsar, a State Finalist for California NAMiss in 2008 and our Teen talent winner will have a chance to be the next American Idol! Here is a link to the article on the American Idol website: http://americanidol8.net/
Way to go Arianna, we will be watching!
~Matt
Brianna Woodside-Gomez, the 2008 National American Miss Oregon Teen, was recently featured on the local news for her work supporting troops.
~Matt
Our 2007 National American Miss South Carolina Jr. Pre-Teen, Amelia DePass, makes it to the big screen.
Amelia is a very busy young lady. She is has been involved in modeling and acting since age 5. She has filmed three feature films, three commercials, and is featured in RAGGS on PBS. She also does community theater. She has taken horseback riding lessons for 4 years, took dance for two years, acting classes for 2 years, gymnastics for 3 years, was a cheerleader this year, has played church league basketball, completed Girls On The Run last semester and finished a 5K run in under 30 minutes. Amelia is a great student, being on the Principal’s Honor Roll having all As. She received the SC Governor’s Achievement Award last year for her community involvement. She has been involved in school fundraisers like JUMP for a healthy heart and The Boosterthon Fun Run. She aids the Junior Welfare League of Rock Hill by working in their thrift store as a cashier. She helps out the Rock Hill Family Resource Center by babysitting small children while their parents attend educational classes. She has helped with homework at the Children’s Attention Center and plays with those kids after school. She has collected and donated household items and clothing to help families in natural disasters. Amelia is an amazing young girl with a big, kind heart and an adventurous spirit.
Way to go Amelia, we are all so proud of you
~Matt
Sarah Thornbury, a former National American Miss Kentucky Princess, was recently featured in the Kentuckiana Parent Magazine for her work with victims of Katrina and Rita.
Sarah, seeing a need, took it upon herself to help bring joy to the kids affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. While most charities focused on clean up and repairs, Sarah began a drive to collect coloring books and crayons. She proceeded to hand out fliers and make guest appearances to get her ideas heard. Before she knew it she had collected over 200 coloring books and countless crayons.
When asked, Sarah said, “I’m just a kid, and I want to help the kids. I wanted them to have toys and other things, so I thought of coloring books because my sister had just gotten a big box of crayons.”
Sarah, at the age of 6, saw a need and set her sights on helping. She set a goal and started taking the steps to achieve that goal. Not only is she a role model for other kids, but for all of us as well.
Have a great new year!
~Matt
Samantha Hundley, our 2008 National American Miss Kentucky Jr. Teen, emailed me today to let me know that she was the Prudential Spirit Award winner for her school! With this award, she is now a state finalist for the state of Kentucky and will continue on for the national award.
As her school representative, Samantha will be a guest speaker for an organization called Young Ladies Like Us who works with sixth graders stressing about the importance of abstinence and making wise choices in life.
Congratulations Samantha, we are all so proud of you!
~Matt
The Debate ’08 Youth Forum was held in Nashville on Tuesday, October 7, 2008. Eight 4-H members from across the state, including the 2008 National American Miss Tennessee Jr. Teen, Jaclyn Torento, gathered at Legislative Plaza in Nashville for a state wide youth forum and debate, to have their unique voices and concerns heard. They discussed issues concerning youth including, childhood disease, military service, and education. The panel was made up of members of the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth.
I am so proud of all the hard work that Jaclyn is doing in her community and state.
Have a great weekend!
~Matt