Alden – Matt Leverton’s National American Miss (NAM) Pageants Blog

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!!!!

2013 North Carolina Pre-Teen Queen Brandi Alden volunteering all around town.

2013 North Carolina Pre-Teen Queen Brandi Alden volunteering all around town. Brandi was invited by the Charlotte Knights to sing the National Anthem at their closing weekend games. Brandi has been singing there since the age of nine and they asked her to please wear her crown and banner so they could introduce her with her title. She then was able to participate in the 14th Annual Easter Seals UCP Walk with Me Event the first weekend in October. She was invited by the Shining Crown Productions along with Jia Patel, the South Carolina Princess to run a temporary tattoo, kite decorating & face painting table as well as hoola hoop station for ESUCP children as well as raise money for this wonderful organization! Last weekend Brandi walked for the Susan B Komen Foundation in Race For The Cure. Brandi raised money for her team National American Miss. She was joined in the walk with her sister queens, Kaitlyn Connell and Megan Ebert.

Brandi Alden, North Carolina Pre-Teen, donates books and school supplies around town.

Brandi Alden, North Carolina Pre-Teen Queen, donates books and school supplies around town.

Brandi Alden, North Carolina Pre-Teen Queen, donates books and school supplies around town. Brandi donated to the Salvation Army Center of Hope, JV Washam Elementary School and Bailey Middle School all in Cornelius, NC. All were very appreciative. Bailey Middle School is the school that Brandi attends and she is seen with her principal Mr. Chad Thomas.

2010 National American Miss North Carolina Staci Alden says farewell.

This year has gone by so fast! It’s hard to believe that just one year ago, I was named the 2010 National American Miss North Carolina.

This year has gone by so fast! It’s hard to believe that just one year ago, I was named the 2010 National American Miss North Carolina. I began competing in pageants when I was 12 years old, and my very first pageant was NAM. I instantly fell in love with the organization and have become a better person because of it. I owe many thanks to National American Miss and all it has done for me. These past 12 months I stayed very busy with my title doing many things. I have volunteered with the American Cancer Society, New Hanover Girl Scouts, B.R.A.Y.S. Love, and a few other charitable organizations. I have been met so many wonderful people whom I will stay friends with forever. Representing North Carolina at the National pageant in California was a blast! Best of all, I have been able to speak out about a topic that is very near and dear to my heart, self esteem and having a healthy body image. It wasn’t until I competed in National American Miss that I began to gain a healthy body image and I wanted to share that message with other young women. Therefore, I chose to give a speech in the Spokesmodel competition at the National pageant about body image and share my story. I am honored to say that I ended up winning the title of National Spokesmodel! As the outgoing North Carolina Miss queen, it is my last year competing in the National American Miss system and I often reflect on everything NAM has taught me. Aside from the obvious skills one gains in National American Miss (interview, public speaking, poise, self esteem, etc.), I have learned more than that. I have learned that a crown does not make you a winner. I have learned how to lose. I have learned that everything happens for a reason. I have learned how to be a leader. I have learned that no matter how distant a dream may seem, it is always within reach. I owe National American Miss everything and I will forever be grateful. To the NAM staff, and especially Matt Leverton, a million thanks for everything! You all are truly the best!! To the 2011 contestants, you are about to have the time of your life! Take in every opportunity to try something new, make friends, and have fun because it goes by too fast! Come pageant weekend, the most important thing is not whether you take home a crown and banner. It is about the intangible that you take home: memories, new skills, friendships, and a newfound self confidence. Good luck to each and every one of you! Smile and have fun! “To love someone is great. To love oneself is even greater.”

Love, Staci Alden
2010 National American Miss North Carolina

2009 National American Miss North Carolina Teen Queen Staci Alden Farewell Letter

Hello 2010 Contestants & Families!

It is hard to believe that a year has gone by already! Being crowned the 2009 NAMiss North Carolina Teen was thrilling! After the pageant, I did not take my crown or banner off until maybe midnight…yes, I was ecstatic! That night was so surreal, and though it is sad to see my reign come to an end, I know that the memories of this past year will stay with me forever.

During my reign, I was able to volunteer with many charity organizations like the Great Dane Rescue of the Carolinas, Bray’s Love, and the American Cancer Society. I also received the opportunity to appear in several parades, including the Azalea Festival parade in Wilmington.

Making an appearance at the Expressions Dance “Wishes Come True” summer camp for young girls was an amazing experience. I signed t-shirts and even got to dance with the girls during their final recital!

I threw out the first pitch at a Charlotte Knights game and I am ashamed to say that the ball did not make it to the catcher…even though I was standing in front of the pitcher’s mound.

The National Pageant in California was easily one of the highlights of my reign. Representing North Carolina was brilliant! I met so many girls and made friends to last a lifetime. Disneyland was a blast! Riding roller coasters with my sister queens and beating my parents in Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin was all too wonderful. I will never forget the memories or the friendships from that week.

My year could not have been possible without the support of many people. A big thanks goes out to all my family and friends for their love and support. They have always been my number one fans and I am lucky to have them in my life! To Matt Leverton, you are awesome! Thanks so much for all your support and for being such a great director! To the NAM Staff, I am so appreciative of everything you have ever done for me…you rock! To my sister queens, this year has been wonderful getting to know all of you. I love you girls!

To all the 2010 North Carolina contestants, I hope you have the weekend of your life! Nothing is impossible. I truly believe that any dream is attainable once you set your mind to it. Like my hero Walt Disney once said, “All dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” National American Miss will be one of the best experiences of your life so enjoy every moment!

Sincerely,

Your 2009 National American Miss North Carolina Teen

Staci Alden