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

2011 Miss Jr. Pre-Teen Queen Ciara Wilson Farewell

2011 National American Miss Jr. Pre-Teen Queen Ciara Wilson Farewell

Ciara Wilson

 2011 Miss Oregon Junior Pre-Teen 

“Wow!” Those were the first words that managed to slip out of my mouth when I won the National American Miss 2011 title of Miss Oregon Junior Pre-Teen.  Although the competition was over I knew this was only the beginning of the journey that lied ahead of me!

The summer after the pageant was filled with activities and appearances that helped me to get to know my Sister Queens and Cover Girls better.  They are amazing!  We participated in many events and parades.  It was an awesome way to see the beautiful city of Portland and learn about our great state of Oregon.  I also loved meeting all the friendly people in the Pacific Northwest!

As Miss Oregon, I realized that I could use this crown to do something good.  My Sister Queens and I cooked dinner for the patients and families at The Ronald McDonald House.  We donated stuffed animals and toys to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.  I have bagged potatoes and pears for the Oregon Food Bank.  Also, I collected clothing, toys and books for the Northwest Children’s Outreach.  I even organized my own fundraiser party to help find a cure for Juvenile Arthritis.  Thank you so much to my awesome friends Daniella, Alissa, Sophia and the fabulous girls on the Elite Dance Team for making my fundraising party a success!

One of the highlights of my year was the NAM National Pageant.  In order to prepare for my competition, my special friends put together a “Ciara and Friends Show”.  The support of family and friends was so overwhelming!   Thank you Auntie Monica, Auntie Malia, Marisa, Sarina and Ryan for helping me through this journey!

Nationals was amazing!  I made so many new friends, toured Hollywood and enjoyed Disneyland.   I won the National Essay Contest and came in First Runner Up in the National Spokesmodel Competition with my speech about Juvenile Arthritis.  The most exciting moment is when I earned the First Runner up spot for the entire National American Miss Junior Pre-Teen Pageant.  I was so proud to represent Oregon!

Thank you so much to my Grandparents, Uncle David, Auntie Jennine, Elise and Nathaniel for cheering me on in California!

Another adventure to remember is the NAM Royalty Reunion at the 2012 Miss America Pageant at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.  I was inspired by meeting past Miss Americas including Katie Harmon from Oregon and actress Lee Meriwether.  I had the most fun exploring Las Vegas with Peyton Newman, my good friend and the current NAM National Junior Pre-Teen Queen.  I will always treasure our friendship!

I want to give a special thanks to Mrs. Takla for her words of encouragement, Mrs. Vick for all the bling on my clothes and Aunt Laura and Bryan for all that you have done for me.

On the Wilson side, I want to thank my Grandparents- especially for riding in their “Orange Pumpkin” car during the Beaverton Parade!  Aunt Julie, I had so much fun with you in Las Vegas.  Thanks for all your wisdom!

I also appreciate my “Namily.”  Mr. Leverton, Mandy and Lacey thanks for your support and guidance during this adventure!  My sister Queens:  Kyenna, Ariel and Madison- you will always be my role models! To Madeline, Kyra, Isabella and Deja- thank you for all the fun memories!  I look forward to making more with all of you in the future.

Most of all, I would like to thank God, my awesome Dad, my very cool and handsome brother and to my mom who is my biggest inspiration because she always tells me to reach for the stars!  My family is the biggest supporter of my dreams.  I love you!

My name is Ciara Wilson and I will always treasure my amazing year as the National American Miss 2011 Miss Oregon Junior Pre-Teen!

2009 National American Miss Kentucky Jr. Pre-Teen Logan Hornback Farewell

2009 National American Miss Kentucky Jr. Pre-Teen Logan Hornback Farewell

Wow!  I can’t believe it’s been a year since I was crowned National American Miss Ky Jr. Pre-teen.  When they called my name I was so excited and that’s when the Journey began.  I had so much fun visiting other pageants. I was treated like royalty and met my sister queens from Indiana, Tennessee and Texas.

And let me tell you, the volunteering you get to do is amazing.  I had so much fun going to Wayside Christian Mission and helping homeless children.  Don’t pass up those opportunities to help others because it can change your life.

And then it was off to Nationals in California.  I made so many friends.   There was Kirsten Miss Tennessee, Tiffany Miss Minnesota, Reegan Miss Michigan and of course I’ll never forget Anna Miss Indiana.

I had a blast going to Disneyland.  Believe me you’ll take so many pictures so bring lots of film.  Not only did I have all that fun in Disneyland but I got to roam the streets of Hollywood.  I even got to meet Madonna…just kidding.  It was the best time of my life.

 Special thanks to my family; Grandma, Grandpa, Nana, Penny and  Rosemare.  Without your support I never would have made it this far.  Dad I know you could only stand in the back of the room and cry but I love you for it anyway. And Mom thank you for helping me rehearse and searching everywhere for just the right shoes.  You really made it happen.  And finally to my sister Kyle.  I love you so much.!  Not many sisters can share the experience of being queens together.  Thanks to Matt Leverton you’re the greatest director and to all the friends I’ve made here..

To the new Miss Ky Jr Pre-teen Congratulations!  You did it.  What a ride you’re in for.  To all the contestants remember they may only crown one queen but you are all winners.  So for the last time, good bye from your 2009/2010 Miss Ky Jr Pre-Teen

Logan Hornback