north – Page 3 – Matt Leverton’s National American Miss (NAM) Pageants Blog

Miss North Carolina Jr. Pre-Teen Cover Girl Faith Anne Yeley volunteered with A Child’s Place.

Miss North Carolina Jr. Pre-Teen Cover Girl Faith Anne Yeley
got right to work!Faith Anne and her family loaded up her dads truck with
as many boxes of school supplies that would fit the night she was crowned
Jr. Pre-teen Cover Girl and queen’s court 1st runner up for the state
of North Carolina.Faith Anne and her family started sorting through boxes and
organized all the supplies into categories. Once they were through sorting,
they had enough supplies to fill at least five classrooms or more! Thank you
to everyone who donated supplies the weekend of the Winston-Salem pageant!
You helped make a difference in so many children’s lives in need!Thank you to
A Child’s Place for being that resource for children in need. Faith Anne
looks forward to working with this organization more in the future.

Miss North Carolina Jr. Pre-Teen Marindia Humbert, attended a scholarship fundraiser.

Marindia Humbert, Miss North Carolina Jr. Pre-teen, met with Scott Chadwick, the mayor of Swansboro, NC. They met at the annual scholarship fundraiser. It was a great experience for Marindia.

Farewell from your 2013 Miss North Carolina Princess, Niyah Marie Smith.

Farewell from your 2013 National American Miss North Carolina Princess, Niyah Marie Smith.

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.

Kaitlyn Connell, 2013 Miss North Carolina Pre-Teen cover girl, looks back over her year.

Kaitlyn Connell, 2013 National American Miss North Carolina Pre-Teen cover girl, looks back over her year.

I can’t believe it has been one year since I have been crowned your 2013 Miss North Carolina Pre-Teen Cover Girl. I was so honored to be able to represent my state and help my community. I have had so many opportunities such as traveling to our State Capital and meeting Governor Pat McCrory. Being invited to the Ambassador’s Ball hosted by Mercedes Benz of South Charlotte, where I met The Ambassador of Switzerland, Manual Sager and his wife, former U.S. Representative Sue Myrick and the Mayor. I also had the opportunity to meet Bob Beyer, the Assistant Coach for the Charlotte Bobcats. I volunteered at different organizations such as retirement homes, The Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte, The Allegro Foundation of Charlotte …a Champion for Children with Disabilities, which I hold very near and dear to my heart. I walked with my sister queens in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. I handed out the books and stuffed animals donated by the contestants to WSOC-TV School Tools, Shands School of Matthews, The Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte and Kids-R-Kids. I also had the opportunity of being in parades.
Then it was time for Nationals. Nationals was truly the best week of my life. What an awesome experience! I totally enjoyed hanging out with my NC sister queen, Brandi at Disneyland, sister’s forever! Thank you for showing us around! And also touring Hollywood was so much fun. While I was at Nationals, I won National American Miss National Pre-Teen Cover Girl and got to walk the red carpet.
I have made so many new friends this year and was able to be involved in so many opportunities. I totally enjoyed working at the NC Open Calls and meeting all the new contestants. I also was invited to perform at the Opening Ceremonies of The Special Olympics of NC with The Allegro Foundation.
To my sister queens, Niyah, Skyla, Marindia, Brandi, Alexandra, Shivali, and Megan, I have been so blessed to have shared this journey with all of you. To Alex, Miss South Carolina Pre-Teen, thank you for being so much fun to be around, you are my life-long sister and I love you so much.
To Mom and Dad, thank you so much for supporting my dreams and never giving up no matter how busy this journey was. And to Dad for always making times fun!
To Mr. Matt Leverton, thanks for being the best state director ever and being so supportive of all of us. Thank you and your team for making this organization so much fun.
To my successor, this will be the best year of your life, embrace the moment. Until next time, I am and forever will be your 2013 Miss North Carolina Pre-Teen Cover Girl Kaitlyn Connell.

Megan Ebert, National American Miss North Carolina says farewell.

Megan Ebert, National American Miss North Carolina Miss Queens says farewell.

My year as the National American Miss North Carolina is one that I will never forget. I was able to spend time and get to know some of my sister queens and other state royalty at open calls for NC and SC, as well as at Nationals.
Having the privilege of meeting our Governor Pat McCrory and the Burlington Mayor Ronnie Wall. I had a blast volunteering and helping raise funds for the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure with two of my sister queens, as well as delivering bears and other personal items to the Ronald McDonald house for the families. I was able to enjoy a beautiful summer evening with some of sister queens at a Greensboro Grasshopper Baseball Game at their annual Princess Night. Nationals was an experience I will never forget. Placing in the top 10 at Nationals was a true blessing and the friendships made during that week will last a lifetime!
To my director Matt and his wonderful staff, thank y’all so much for all y’all have done for me and my family. It’s hard to believe that nine years ago I stepped foot on the National American Miss stage for the very first time as a shy pre-teen, and very soon I will stand on the same stage for the last time as a confident, growing young woman!
To every young lady who competes in National American Miss, no matter what age division your in or what state you reside in. Always remember that you are fearfully and wonderfully made, and you are beautiful just they way you are! Never given up your hopes and dreams, because if you can dream than you can achieve it!
I look forward to meeting all the NC contestants this week!!
Much love always,
Megan Ebert
Miss North Carolina

A warm and welcome word from your 2013 Miss North Carolina Jr. Teen Alexandria Murphy!

I was truly blessed to be crowned the 2013 Miss North Carolina Jr.Teen! This year is one I will never forget. I was fortunate to have been visiting royalty at some of the state pageants, spending time with my sister queens at open calls and workshop sessions throughout North Carolina.

My volunteer opportunities consisted of the American Heart Association, Night the Light Cancer walk, the Little Elf Workshop, Dress for Success, the Ronald McDonald House, Learning Together, Halloween 5K Hustle, The Girls Rising event, and much more! These opportunities also afforded me the chance to meet the mayor of Raleigh, Mrs. Nancy McFarlane and the Governor of North Carolina, Mr. Pat McCrory.

Nationals was a blast! I met friends from all over the Unites States. The day at Disney, Hollywood, Universal Studios and window shopping on Rodeo drive are wonderful memories. I was fortunate to have placed in some optionals. Placing top 10 in the Nation was the icing on the cake and a wonderful blessing from God!

To all the girls competing: Good luck, be yourself, and have fun because the weekend will go by fast! You will have an amazing time and make friends for a lifetime! Make sure to never give up no matter what! This was my fourth try for the North Carolina state title! Just remember the words of Walt Disney: “If you can dream it, you can achieve it!” I am so excited to meet you and spend a great weekend together!

Alexandria Murphy Miss North Carolina Jr.Teen

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!!!!

Kaitlyn Connell, Miss North Carolina Pre-Teen Cover Girl has been busy volunteering all around town!

Kaitlyn Connell, National American Miss North Carolina Pre-Teen Cover Girl has been busy volunteering all around town!

Kaitlyn Connell, Miss North Carolina Pre-Teen Cover Girl has been busy volunteering all around town! She helped at The Ambassador’s Ball, a fundraiser for the Allegro Foundation, a nonprofit that helps children with disabilities. Guests of honor for the evening were Manuel Sager, the ambassador of Switzerland to the United States, and his wife, Christine. Felix Sabates hosted the gala at his Mercedes-Benz of South Charlotte dealership. Highlights included a performance by the children of Allegro dedicated to the memory of the late Allegro supporter Victor George Sayegh and dancing to the Caliente band, Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s house band for their Bongos Cuban Cafe. (Photo by Daniel Coston – Special to the Observer) Kaitlyn and the Allegro students performed a dance at the Ambassador’s Ball, and after the performance, Kaitlyn was invited as a guest by Mercedes-Benz of South Charlotte. Along with the Allegro Foundation she volunteered with a Champion for Children with Disabilities for a total of 9 hours between the dates of August 22nd and September 24th. Her involvement with Allegro Foundation was as a Teaching Assistant for a performance at our 4th Annual Golf Invitational. She was paired with a student living with Down syndrome and assisted him throughout the performance and rehearsals.

Kaitlyn also met with Charlotte’s Mayor Patrick Cannon and with Former U.S. Representative Sue Myrick.

Kaitlyn also enjoyed volunteering and being National American Miss North Carolina Pre-Teen Cover Girl at Matthews Alive Parade.

Kaitlyn was also able to join her sister queens,Branndi Alden National American Miss North Carolina Pre-Teen Queen and Megan Ebert Miss Queen at The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

Kaitlyn stopped by the Ronald McDonald House to donate some craft supplies! She wanted to donate to the Ronald McDonald house because when she grows up she wants to be a pediatric oncologist.

National American Miss North Carolina Pre-Teen Cover Girl Kaitlyn Connell visited with Anchor Blair Miller at WSOC-TV Channel 9 on August 15th. She donated school supplies that were turned in by all the National American Miss participants and these will be distributed among the children that can’t afford to buy them. She also met with April Garcia the owner of Kids-R-Kids Learning Academy. Kaitlyn donated books from all the NAM contestants.

NAM North Carolina Pre-Teen Cover Girl Kaitlyn Connell volunteered with Allegro Foundation…a Champion for Children with Disabilities for a total of 9 hours between the dates of August 22nd and September 24th. Her involvement with Allegro Foundation was as a Teaching Assistant for a performance at our 4th Annual Golf Invitational. She was paired with a student living with Down syndrome and assisted him throughout the performance and rehearsals.

Alexandria Murphy, Miss North Carolina Jr. Teen volunteered and had fun around town!

Alexandria Murphy, National American Miss North Carolina Jr. Teen Queen volunteered and had fun around town!

Alexandria Murphy, Miss North Carolina Jr. Teen volunteered and had fun around town! Alexandria, assisted at the V Foundation – Halloween Hustle event by working the registration table, cheering on runners at the end of the race and assisting with the children’s 100 yard dash.The Jimmy V Foundation is in honor of North Carolina State University State Basketball coach, Jim Valvano, who was diagnosed with cancer and established the foundation to find a cure for cancer. He unfortunately passed only a few months after establishing the Foundation however it continues to live on strongly.
She then volunteered at Light the Night Leukemia Walk in Raleigh, NC. Niyah Smith, Miss North Carolina Princess Queen and Alexandria Murphy, Miss North Carolina Jr. Teen Queen, volunteered time at the event and then participated in the walk in honor of Kim Calabrese, mother of Cailee Calabrese (former Miss NC Princess and Miss North Carolina Jr PreTeen). Kim is currently battling leukemia. The red lanterns are carried for when you are walking in honor of someone you know with leukemia and the white lantern is for those currently surviving leukemia.
Alexandria Murphy, Miss North Carolina Jr. Teen Queen and Donielle Kube, former 2011 National Cover Girl Pre-Teen, show that National American Miss is about making friends for life. The two girls met almost 3 years ago at NAM Nationals and have been great friends ever since! The girls were able to have fun at a Green Bay Packers Game!While Alexandria is a North Carolina girl she is a Green Bay Packer girl at heart!

Shivali Patel, Miss North Carolina Teen, volunteered her time at the Ronald McDonald House of Durham.

Shivali Patel, National American Miss North Carolina Teen Queen, volunteered her time at the Ronald McDonald House of Durham.

Shivali Patel, Miss North Carolina Teen, volunteered her time at the Ronald McDonald House of Durham.Alexandria Murphy, North Carolina Jr. Teen Queen, helped along side Shivali. Since 1980, the Ronald McDonald House of Durham has offered a comforting home away from home and a community of support for seriously ill children and their families. Our programs provide families with the comforts of home –private bedrooms, inviting community spaces, home-cooked meals and a stocked kitchen, a playroom, computer room and laundry facilities – as well as a network of support through interactions with other families, staff and volunteers.

Families with a sick child face immense emotional, physical and financial challenges. Knowing that the Ronald McDonald House of Durham will be there to support them in a safe and caring environment helps to alleviate some these challenges.

Built with love, the Ronald McDonald House of Durham offers a comforting home away from home and a community of support for seriously ill children and their families.