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

2015 National American Miss South Carolina Maryanna Hatcher volunteered with a summer school program.

2015 National American Miss South Carolina Maryanna Hatcher volunteered with a summer school program. Maryanna was able to work with some students in a summer school program in Yemassee, South Carolina. She was able to teach them music using sign language and movement.

Hunter Vaughn, South Carolina Teen Queen, has been busy volunteering around town.

Hunter Vaughn, South Carolina Teen Queen, has been busy volunteering around town. Hunter used a portion of her winnings to purchase food to donate to the food pantry of HOPE in Lancaster. HOPE- Helping Other People Effectively, provides help to residents of Lancaster and Fort Lawn, South Carolina, who are coping with short term financial emergencies. HOPE offers assistance with rent, heating fuel, electricity, natural gas, water and food.

Hunter also donated the school supplies she received at the state pageant to Erwin Elementary School in Lancaster. The majority of Erwin’s student body are children from low socioeconomic backgrounds. The supplies donated were greatly appreciated and will be distributed to students as needed throughout the school year.

Sally Hennessee, Miss North Carolina Teen, donated school supplies.

Sally Hennessee, Miss North Carolina Teen, donated school supplies. Sally Hennessee went to Druid Hills Elementary School in Charlotte, North Carolina to donated school supplies. Druid Hills Elementary is a year round school which is part of the Project Lift program. The young ladies pictured with Sally were thrilled to get some new supplies.

Newly crowned, Maryanna Hatcher, National American Miss South Carolina helped at the Georgia state pageant.

Newly crowned, Maryanna Hatcher, National American Miss South Carolina helped at the Georgia state pageant. Maryanna got crowned as the Miss Queen in Greenville, South Carolina. She then jumped right into serving and volunteering by heading to the Georgia state pageant in Atlanta, Georgia.

Miss South Carolina Princess Saylor Porcaro volunteered at a shelter.

Miss South Carolina Princess Saylor Porcaro volunteered at a shelter. She collected towels for pet helpers to use at their shelter. They use towels for different things such as, making dog toys, beds for animals etc. Last November Saylor and her family lost their beloved family pet Dusty to sudden heart failure. During Dusty’s stay at the emergency vet Saylor was very interested in their program they have for unwanted stuffed animals. They use them for the animals in their care there so their family can leave their scent on a stuffed animal for their pet to snuggle while away from their family. She collected stuffed animals for the emergency vet to use with their patients. Although their Dusty never left the emergency vet, they will continue to do this in her honor cause they know that a little piece of them was with her when they couldn’t be via a donated stuffed animal. Saylor loves animals and just to help wherever she can.

Miss South Carolina Teen, Hunter Vaughn donated books to Livi’s Library.

Miss South Carolina Teen, Hunter Vaughn donated books to Livi’s Library. Livi’s Library is a book project that is designed to share gently used books who children who otherwise could not afford books of their very own. They collect gently used books that children have outgrown. Donations allow them to hold book fairs at local schools, provide bookcases and stock them monthly in various areas in Lancaster county, provide books to church mission programs, etc.

This project is in memory of Mary Olivia Pettit, 9 year old daughter of Bryan and Lisa Pettit, sister of Jory Pettit, who died March 22, 2009, of viral myocarditis. Livi had a great passion for learning through books. Even more, she had an incredible compassion for living things and her faith in the Lord was sure. The hope is this gift of sharing will impact others so they will know God’s love and grace as well.

2014 Miss North Carolina Pre-Teen Nikya Hightower volunteered with the Child Advocacy Center.

2014 Miss North Carolina Pre-Teen Nikya Hightower volunteered with the Child Advocacy Center. She volunteered for the Child Advocacy Center as they launched their 8th annual American Girl Fashion Show for a good cause. Nikya volunteered several days which included helping the girls with fittings, and two days of the show while the girls waited to hit the runway. She volunteered along with recently retired first female judge of Cumberland County, North Carolina, Beth Keever. She really enjoyed talking with the girls before the show. 2014 Miss North Carolina Jr. Pre-Teen Amaris was a participant in the fashion show.

Nikya Hightower, 2014 Miss North Carolina Pre-Teen has been busy around town!

Nikya Hightower, 2014 Miss North Carolina Pre-Teen has been busy around town! Nikya was very excited to participate in the Martin Luther King Jr. parade and she really enjoyed her ride! She also enjoyed cheering on everyone as they crossed the finish line while volunteering for the ALS walk at Methodist University in her hometown of Fayetteville, NC. She was joined by her sister queen 2014 North Carolina Jr. Pre-Teen Queen Amaris Shipman.

2014 North Carolina Queens had a photo shoot!

2014 North Carolina Queens had a photo shoot! The North Carolina Queens got together to do a fun photo shoot as their year comes to an end!

Amaris Shipman, 2014 Miss North Carolina Jr. Pre-Teen, welcomes this years contestants!

Hello North Carolina Jr. Pre-Teen Queen Contestants,

Your North Carolina Jr. Pre-Teen Queen 2014, has been busy making a difference in her community this year. I’ve donated schools supplies for students of Cumberland County Schools, participated in a walk for ALS, volunteered at a “Kidtopia” event, rang the bell for the Salvation Army, collected “Toys for Tots,” donated books to assist with literacy efforts, and assisted in raising over $35,000 for my local Child Advocacy Center. I’ve also sang the National Anthem during basketball games and a 2015 graduation ceremony, met the Mayor, rode in parades, and made many other appearances this year. I can’t believe it’s all coming to an end shortly…..

Winning the state queen title was one of my personal goals and I will always cherish that moment. Through my efforts I’ve shown that it doesn’t matter how old you are, we can “All” make a positive impact on others if we try. I’ve learned that anything is possible with hard work and determination.

I would like all the contestants to understand that you are your biggest cheerleader and biggest competitor. You have a busy weekend ahead that will be packed with fun! Remember to always stand Tall, bring a big Smile, and let your inner light Shine. You are All STARS!

To the new North Carolina Jr. Pre-Teen Queen, your year is almost here! Be bold, be brave, be positive, and most of all be YOU!

Amaris Shipman

North Carolina Jr. Pre-Teen Queen 2014