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

2009 National American Miss Kentucky Teen Queen Hensley Rector Farewell

It’s hard to believe my journey as your reigning National American Miss Kentucky Teen has come to an end. It has been an amazing year, filled with memories that I will treasure for a lifetime. I am honored to have worked with and been a part of the March of Dimes Organization, Cell Phones for Soldiers Foundation, and Samaritans Purse-Operation Christmas Child.

My most treasured memory of my reign was attending nationals. The entire week was a blast. I had an amazing time at Disneyland, where I got to meet and bond friendships with other queens from across the United States. I toured the streets of Hollywood and Rodeo Drive and participated in many activities while representing the great state of Kentucky.

Thanks to the entire NAM staff for all your support this year. Special thanks go to Matt, for his dedication and hard work as a state director. To my sister queens-a year ago we received our crowns and became royalty of Kentucky. Memories will fade, but friendships last forever. To Megan, Kyle & Logan, you’re the greatest!

I would like to congratulate each state finalist on your achievements thus far and encourage each of you to dream big and work hard to reach your goals. Dreams that you follow will keep coming true.

Finally, I would like to thank my family and friends for your love and support. Your leadership and guidance has helped me become the person I am today. I am a girl with dreams. I am Hensley Rector.

2009 National American Miss Princess Kelsey Artman Farewell

Dear Contestants & Families,

Wow! It is hard to believe that it has been one year since I was crowned your National

American Miss Georgia Princess! I had such a great time at last year’s pageant and

made many new friends. I had the opportunity to travel to other NAM pageants as a

visiting queen and learned to smile and wave very quickly!

Before I knew it, it was time to go to California for Nationals! I met all of my sister

queens and had an amazing time. I toured Hollywood and the Walk of Fame, went

shopping in LA and visited the Santa Monica Pier, but I can’t forget the highlight of the

trip – Disneyland! My family and I had such a great time! I made friends with girls from

all over the country and it was the experience of a lifetime!

Being a NAM queen also gave me the opportunity to serve in my community at many events including Relay for Life, March for Babies, benefit pageants and even a fashion show! This year has been amazing and although I am sad that it is coming to an end, I am excited to crown your new Princess!

I have many people I would like to thank for making this year so special. To my sister queens, thank you for always looking out for me and supporting me as your little sister. To Mr. Matt, the best director a girl could have! To Miss Roxanne and Kaleigh for encouraging me to do my first pageant which helped to prepare me for NAM! To Miss Sharon, for all of the love and support you gave me this year. To Miss Tracy at Girli Girl for always keeping me dressed my best! To my mom and dad for all of your support and the unlimited use of your American Express card. To my big brother, Dylan, for always cheering me on and being my biggest fan.

I want to wish all of you the very best at the pageant so go out there, do your best and remember that while only one girl can be crowned, you have already won by participating and this weekend will be an amazing experience! Finally to the new National American Miss Georgia Princess, enjoy every moment and take lots of pictures. This will be one of the best times of your life.

For the last time, I am your 2009/2010, National American Miss Georgia Princess,

Kelsey Artman

2009 National American Miss Georgia Teen Amber Lee Farewell

2009 Naitonal American Miss Georgia Teen Amber Lee Farewell

Dear National American Miss Family and Friends,

God has truly blessed my life. Last year I had no idea that on July 5, 2009 I would compete with over 120 of the most incredible girls in Georgia and be crowned the National American Miss Georgia Teen queen. Holding this prestigious title led me to many unforgettable adventures. Some highlights from my reign included when I presented the awards to the new members of the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Induction in Dawsonville, rode in festival parades, volunteered in my city’s annual Mountain Moonshine Festival which raises money for the Kare for Kids charity to provide for underprivileged children, traveled to Tennessee as visiting royalty, met Georgia’s governor Sonny Purdue, and made an appearance at Alma, GA’s annual Blueberry Festival. In November, my family and I traveled to Anaheim, California where I represented our state at the National pageant. Here I met many remarkable fellow queens from all across the USA. During this week my family and I toured through Hollywood, shopped on Rodeo drive, went to Venice and Laguna Beach, and since I am a current Walt Disney World cast member of course my favorite part of the week was going to Disneyland 3 times! It truly was one of my family’s favorite vacations ever and I am so thankful for the lessons I learned and the experiences I gained during Nationals.

I want to say thank you to all of my wonderful family and friends, every cast member at Disney, and all who are a part of National American Miss not only for your unconditional love and for making this year so spectacular, but for inspiring me to go after all the things I want most in my life and for making me a better, more well-rounded person. I truly hope that I will be able to inspire many people and that I am someone everyone can look up to, just as I look up to all of you. Being your queen has meant the world to me, and I have tried my best to live and represent you all the way a true princess would. Now that my royal duties and responsibilities as Miss Georgia Teen are coming to an end, I hope I have been able to uplift, encourage, and have been a role model you all can be proud of!

To my successor, really make the most of your time this year, and know that being a queen is really about what you have to offer the world, and how you can make a difference in it. To all the other contestants, just know that you do not need a crown to be a true princess, because being a respected role model, having morals and treating the world with kindness is what being a princess is all about! Look at Cinderella and Snow White, they do not even have crowns! To every one else, always remain true to yourself and never compromise who you are for anyone or anything. Know that dreams do come true, but only if they are meant to be, and someday you will look back on all the ones that did not come true and be thankful that they did not because they could have hindered you from reaching a dream even bigger that you did not even know existed yet! So continue to believe in yourself and seize every opportunity that comes your way. Instead of wondering about all the great things you will receive in your future, begin to look at the magic that is already gliding through your life at this very moment. Remember life is not always about making every single dream come true, but rather it is about celebrating the dreams that already have come true! Have fun in life and in everything you do celebrate you! It truly has been such an honor to serve you all this year. This is definitely not my happy ending, it is just my “once upon a time’’ beginning!

Forever your 2009/2010 National American Miss Georgia Teen,

Amber Paige Lee

Tara Nicole Azarian National American Miss North Carolina Jr. Pre-Teen Queen Farewell

Tara-Nicole National American Miss Farewell Speech

Hello everyone,

I am Tara-Nicole Azarian, your 2009-210 North Carolina National Amerian Miss Junior Pre-Teen Queen. WOW – what a year I have had! When I heard them call my name last year, as the winner, I nearly fainted! I could not stop crying! A dream of mine had come true – to be a NAM queen….and I have enjoyed EVERY minute of it!

I have made a gazillion appearances, at Parades, Pageants, Festivals & more! I was so glad to also be able to use my reign as a way to help support many community service projects I believe in! Such as, the Salvation Army, The Boys & Girls Club, Operation Homefront & of course, Tara’s Teddys (www.TarasTeddys.com). I was even recognized by Build-a-Bear Inc as one of their 40 National finalists in the US for outstanding volunteer work in 2009!

My journey to Nationals was amazing! My favorite moments were seeing Walt Disney’s Star on the Walk of Fame, going to Disneyland with my pageant buddy Miss New York & receiving a Spirit Stick at Nationals! But the VERY BEST moment for me was when I WON the National Volunteer Service award…which was the event that meant the world to me!

I would like to thank everyone who made my journey possible! First of all, God – who makes all things possible, my Daddy, my brother Nick & my mommy – who is the person who does all of my pageant stuff with me! I’d also like to thank Miss Lynn, Misty Carson, my sponsors & my State Director Matt. Most of all, I’d like to thank my Great-Grandmother – who passed away just a few weeks ago. She was my biggest fan. Without her support, my year would not have been possible. It is to her I dedicate my year. I love you Great-Grandma & I miss you soooooo much!

To all of you contestants – SHINE as brightly as the STARS that you are! :o) To my successor…hold on tightly, you are in for the ride of your life! :o)

My year has been filled with adventures, excitement & changes! I’ve grown 6 inches, entered Middle School & my acting career has taken off!

Ladies & Gentleman, I am a cheerleader, I am a Girl Scout and I am an actress…but tonight, for the last time…I am Tara-Nicole Azarian, YOUR 2009-2010 North Carolina National American Miss Junior Pre-Teen Queen….Thank you & God Bless.

Riley Yates – 2009 National American Miss South Carolina Jr. Pre-Teen Farewell

Hello 2010 Contestants & Families!

Wow, this year has really flown by, it seems like only yesterday that my reign began! While I am saddened that my reign as Miss South Carolina Junior Preteen has come to an end, I am excited for the opportunities and excitement that awaits the 2010 queen!

This year I have traveled throughout the state of South Carolina participating in parades and festivals and volunteering for many different organizations and community groups. We participated in the First Ladies Walk for a Cure, and raised over $1500 for “The Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation”. I also was a principle cast member and featured soloist for “A Nutcracker Fantasy” biannual fundraiser for our local children’s shelter. My sister queen Stephanie and I also joined up for the “March for Babies” in Columbia, SC this spring.

My family and I enjoyed our trip to sunny California for the National pageant. Seeing Disneyland decorated for the holidays really set the mood for a fantastic week! We enjoyed a tour of Hollywood Boulevard, the American Girl Doll store, and the famous Santa Monica Pier! It was even more beautiful than in the movies and on TV! The National pageant was a fantastic experience, well organized and full of excitement.

My year could not have been possible without the support of my family and friends. They have always been my number one fans and I am lucky to have them in my life. Thank you so much for believing in me, I love you!

As my year comes to an end, I take with me a lifetime of fond memories that I will always treasure. As you compete this weekend, please remember that each and every one of you are winners. Like Walt Disney once said, “All dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” I hope that you enjoy this week at NAM, and leave with new friendships and memories of a lifetime!

Love,

Riley Yates,

2009 Miss South Carolina Junior Pre Teen

Monika Perry-National American Miss South Carolina Pre-Teen Queen Farewell

Dear Friends, Family and Contestants,

With my reign as your National American Miss South Carolina Pre-Teen coming to a close, I look back on all the amazing experiences that I have had over the past year. The pageant in Greenville coupled with the trip to Nationals in California and having the opportunity to help out my community have been special and have had a huge impact on my life. There are no words to describe how much this year meant to me and how it has allowed me to grow as a young woman. I never imagined that such great opportunities were in store for me and are available for each young lady that participates in this pageant.

This last year has brought many amazing opportunities. The trip to Los Angeles with my entire family spending quality time traveling, going to Disney the most magical place on earth. People asking to take my picture, talk to me and ask for my autograph I felt like a princess. I loved the wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with everyone sharing memories and enjoying fellowship. The food and the company I shared were blessings that I will never forget. I met many wonderful girls that I viewed as friends, not competitors.

Giving up my crown this weekend will be a bittersweet experience, but with the sadness of passing my title down also comes the joy that another young lady will get the chance to experience the unbelievable thrill of representing the wonderful state of South Carolina. The most important advice I can give each of you this weekend is to have fun and don’t hold back. Show your personality in everything you do and remember that each of you are SPECIAL. This is a great opportunity to make new life long friends and always remember the most important thing is that every girl is a winner and never give up on your dreams.

I am excited to get to know each of you this weekend. Take advantage of the time together, and if you need anything I would be honored to help you. Each of you are beautiful, inside and out.

Love Always,

Monika Perry

2009 National American Miss Pre-Teen Cover Girl – Briahna Wick – Farewell

Dear contestants and families,

    Congratulations girls, you are now involved in an outstanding pageant system! Just last year I was given the tremendous honor of being crowned your 2009-2010 National American Miss Oregon pre-teen Cover Girl, and what a fun, exciting and truly amazing year it has been! As my state’s pre-teen Cover Girl I was able to do many spectacular things with my title. Such as ride in my hometowns annual Beachcomber Days Parade, go to the Washington state pageant as visiting royalty, volunteered to wrap presents for the South Lincoln County Childrens Christmas Program and volunteered at the 19th annual R.S.V.P. Chocolate Classics. I was very privileged to be able to have such a great time meeting new people and making a difference in my community. It was a great opportunity to be able to represent my state and National American Miss and I thank everyone that has helped me out along the way.
    Thank you so much to my sponsors and to those who gave me all the support. Thank you so much to my family, I cannot even begin to explain how much I appreciate what you have done. You have allowed me to make the most of my year and not only that, but have given me the greatest opportunity to follow my dreams and support me in whatever I choose to do. You are truly the best.
    Believe me when I tell you pageant weekend will be full of long lasting friends and fun memories. You will learn so much about yourself and learn skills that will help you in life with whatever you choose to do. I want you to always remember, no mater what the outcome, that you should always follow your dreams and keep trying, because you can do anything, no challenge is impossible.

Good luck and best wishes,

-Briahna Wick

2009 National American Miss Oregon Teen Queen – Kelli McBee – Farewell

Hello Miss Oregon Teen contestants and families!

I can’t believe it’s been a year since I was crowned Miss Oregon Teen and my incredible journey began. During my reign, I spoke at club meetings and retirement centers, read books to children, rode in parades, hosted a Queen’s Day at our local Children’s Museum, served food at the Ronald McDonald House, helped at the National Night Out, and went to Vegas to watch Miss America with my mom and grandma.

I had a blast competing and meeting new friends at the National Pageant in California! After an exhausting but fun-filled week, I placed third in the Top Model competition and won the prestigious Golden Achievement in Service Award for my Books for Soldiers drive, for which I mailed 1500 books to soldiers overseas.

None of my accomplishments this year would have been possible without the loving support of my family. Mom and Dad, you are the foundation of my life and I owe so much to you. Brian and Patrick, you two are the most supportive brothers a girl could have; thank you for being troopers at all of these girlie competitions. I love you all and appreciate your influence in making me the woman I’ve become.

To my grandparents, friends, and Ben, thank you for making this year so memorable with your love and support. Matt Leverton and NAM staff, thank you for hosting a pageant that truly influences girls’ lives. To my sister queens Summer, Alex, Madeline, and Gabriella: you girls are the best! I’ve had such a blast on all our adventures with each of you this year and will miss our get-togethers!

To all of the contestants, this weekend will bring so many gifts to you. Embrace each opportunity and challenge yourselves to become your personal best. The skills you will learn over pageant weekend will be useful for the rest of your lives! And to my successor, have fun taking advantage of all the opportunities that this honor presents; your year will fly by and fill your life with memories. Keep shining your light on the world!

I have had the time of my life representing Oregon for the past year.

Your Miss Oregon Teen 2009,

Kelli McBee

2009 National American Miss Pre-Teen Queen Alexandra Perry- Farewell Letter

2009 National American Miss Pre-Teen Queen Alexandra Perry- Farewll Letter

Dear Miss Oregon Pre-Teen Contestants,

Welcome to an exciting and fun-filled weekend! All your hard work and planning will soon pay off. The way to make the most this experience is to truly be yourself, and smile! I can’t wait to meet all of you! This past year has been full of fun and amazing adventures. It has been an honor representing the wonderful state of Oregon. My favorite memories include going to Nationals, volunteering with my sister queens, attending Miss America with my friend Miss California, and traveling to California and Washington as visiting royalty. My trip to Nationals in Disneyland was one of the greatest times of my life. I learned so much from the other competitors from all across the country. I was thrilled to win the National Golden Achievement Award!

Disneyland, late nights with sister queens, and making new friends wasn’t bad either. Volunteering with my organization, Cook for Cancer, has been a great learning experience. I have met so many kind and welcoming people. I enjoyed the time I spent preparing, cooking, and delivering the meals. Working with breast cancer patients has made me realize that I can make a difference in the world, but the first step is volunteering.

Thank you to all of my family for their love and support. I realize how lucky I am to have such a great cheering section. A huge thank you to our Oregon state director Matt Leverton for your encouragement and help every step of the way! To my sister queens, it has been a privilege getting to know you. Thank you for being great role models for me and the many other girls who look up to you. I have learned so much this year about myself and how I can make a difference. Remember it all starts with a smile.

Best Wishes,

Alexandra Perry

2009 National American Miss Oregon Jr. Pre-Teen Queen Madeline Monlux Farewell

Hi Girls!

Get ready for an exciting and fun filled pageant! It seems like only yesterday that my reign began! My year as Miss Oregon Junior Pre Teen has been a blast and an honor. When they called my name as Miss Oregon, I was so shocked and thrilled at the same time.

This year I have traveled throughout the state of Oregon, participated in parades and festivals and volunteered for many different organizations and community groups. One of my favorite activities this year was being invited as a special guest to the Oregon Humane Society “America’s Next Top Dog Model” competition, where I got to sell raffle tickets and talk on the stage. I also enjoyed volunteering for the Oregon Humane Society by making handmade dog biscuits.

Attending nationals in California was awesome! I met some great new friends and got to go to Disneyland!! I spent a day on the Hollywood tour and we went to the Walk of Fame, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica beach! At nationals, I competed and placed in the top five in the Actress and Spokes model competitions! I had a blast and will never forget nationals!

My year would not have been so fantastic without my sister queens- you girls rock and don’t forget, we are all the “Juicy Couture Girls”!!! Matt Leverton, thank you for all of your support and kindness- you are the BEST! To the NAM staff- You make everyone feel like a STAR- thank you for putting on such a wonderful program. Oma and Papa- thank you for your unending support and love. Bailey- Thank you for always cheering me on and making me laugh. Mom and Dad- You always believe in me and you are the best parents ever!

As my year comes to an end, I take with me a lifetime of fond memories that I will always treasure! As you compete this weekend, remember that the true mark of a winner is she who works hard, tries her best and celebrates the success of all contestants! Make the most of this weekend and be proud of your accomplishments!

Love,

Madeline Monlux,

2009 National American Miss Oregon Junior Pre Teen