Wow! Being the 2013 Miss North Carolina Princess has been an experience like no other. From the moment I first arrived at the 2013 NAM pageant last year, I knew that I would forever be changed. I met the most amazing girls, had a great time, and met friends that would last a life time.
During this past year, I have been able to give back to my community and volunteer my time reading to young children at the Jordan Center, assist with the book mobile, travel to Charlotte, to work with the Teach Boys and Girls Success program, volunteer at the light the night walk for the leukemia and lymphoma society, meet the governor of North Carolina, march in the MLK parade, attend the North Carolina open calls and training sessions, and get to know my wonderful North Carolina sister queens.
My trip to the National Pageant in Anaheim, California was amazing! I got to meet girls from all over the US, go to Disneyland for the first time, tour Hollywood, and hang out with my new friends. I even made it to the top ten finalists. Not bad for my first nationals ever!
To each and every one of you, I want to say, shoot for the stars, no one can stop you from reaching your full potential, and to my successor, enjoy your year of reign, you will never be the same.
I am your 2013 Miss North Carolina Princess, Niyah Marie Smith.
