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

Hailey Kilgore, Oregon Pre-Teen volunteers her time at the annual Fundraising Event for Camp Quest, a summer program for kids with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome.

Hailey Kilgore, Oregon Pre-Teen Queen volunteers her time at the annual Fundraising Event for Camp Quest, a summer program for kids with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome.

Hailey Kilgore, Oregon Pre-Teen volunteers her time at the annual Fundraising Event for Camp Quest, a summer program for kids with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. Camp Quest is a summer program that provides a week-long overnight camp for kids ages 10-15 with high functioning Autism and Asperger’s syndrome. It relies on sponsorship’s and generous donations to pay for it’s costs. Without the support of donations raised during the annual 5K Fun Run, these children might miss out on this amazing experience. When Hailey saw the flyer at school, she knew she wanted to be involved and help. Hailey talked with her parents about what she could do. Her parents encouraged her to form a team for the Annual 5k Fun Run. Hailey named her team, “Hailey’s Hikers”. She made a list of friends and family that she knew liked to run. Then she started making calls and sending emails inviting them to join her team. If they couldn’t join the team, Hailey asked if they would be willing to support her team by offering a donation. Next, Hailey’s Dad helped her make a website so that family and friends who wanted to support Camp Quest, could make a direct donation. Then she asked her parents to share the link on their Facebook pages. Hailey spent some time asking neighbors if they would support her team as well. The donations started rolling in. In the end, Hailey raised close to $400! The day of the race came and Hailey helped her teammates get their race packets, pumped them up for the start and cheered them on as they ran together. They weren’t the fastest team, but they all finished the race in good time and had a great time. After the race, it was announced that Hailey was the youngest team captain and “Hailey’s Hikers” had raised the most money for Camp Quest. But, the best feeling, was knowing that she had helped kids get to enjoy camp.

Amanda Smith, Oregon Teen National Finalist, volunteered her time working with St. Vincent de Paul.

Amanda Smith, National American Miss Oregon National Finalist, spent her time over the summer to help at a division of her church called St. Vincent de Paul. This organization gives food to people who are not able to support their family with food. They collect donations from other organizations and the parish community. At this great food pantry Amanda got the blessings of being able to sort out the food in the pantry and to deliver it to the homes in need. This was a great experience for her to learn how to stock food, as she would need to in a store, and she also got to meet some people who needed her help. Amanda discovered what the needs of the poor are in her own community. She loved being able to see how she was helping this community. One of her experiences delivering food was whensheI went to a single mother’s house; this woman had just gotten through a very tough day. Her daughter was almost kidnapped the day before by a man who she didn’t even know, and this man got away. She was very shaken up and Amanda and others had to go cautiously and yell through the door who they were and why they were there. It was a very awakening experience, and its one Amanda knows she will never forget it. Through this experience Amanda solidified her Gold Award idea for Girl Scouts. She is currently working on making a community garden for her high school so that families can come and get fresh foods for their families. Portions of the community garden will be donated to the local St Vincent de Paul food pantry so families getting food boxes will have fresh produce to enjoy.

2011 National American Miss Oregon Kyenna Leedom Farewell

6 years ago, I began my journey with National American Miss. 6 years ago, I never imagined I would be standing here tonight on my 21st birthday, reflecting on my year as your 2011 Miss Oregon. Without God, none of this would have been possible. Ive had an amazing journey filled with so many wonderful blessings. The best blessings of all? 5 beautiful sister queens. We held hands along the way to multiple parades, volunteer events, a blazer game, and even some smoothie making at Jamba Juice! At nationals, I had the opportunity to give a speech about Endometriosis, a disease I was diagnosed with 2 and a half years ago. As I reflect back on my year, there are so many to whom I owe gratitude. Dad, there is nobody else I would rather have on this journey with me. You are my best friend and the worlds best parade driver! Thank you for always believing in me. I love you so much! Eleanor, words cannot express what our friendship means to me. We’ve had an amazing journey together and I cant wait to see whats still to come! Mommy Kim, you are the best surrogate mommy ever! Thanks for all your love and support! Deja, Madeline, and Ciara, I will always love you as if you were my own sisters. Madison, I foresee a sleepover in our future! I love you! Ariel, you are beautiful inside and out Kyra and Isabella, you girls are awesome! . Matt, its been a long journey but ive had the best state director to guide me along the way! Mandy, I hope ive made you proud! This year wouldn’t have been possible without you! Mom and bella, thank you for all your love and support. Michelle, Frank, and the Christellas team, you guys are awesome! Auntie, Rachel, Natasja, Trever, Sue, Alex, Janie, Lakisha, Steve and Kathleen Mayes, Breanna, my wonderful sponsors, Alaina, my sister queen moms, and Jeremy, this year would have been impossible without you. thank you! Finally, to my successor, hold on to this blessing and cherish it. Believe in yourself and make it a year you will never forget! force the last time, I am your 2011-2012 National American Miss Oregon, Kyenna Leedom.

2011 Miss Oregon Princess Deja Fitzwater Farewell

2011 National American Miss Oregon Princess Queen Deja Fitzwater Farewell

When I was littler, my Momma used to tell me this story about a little girl who lived in a faraway land and who grew up to be a Princess. Little did I know that would actually happen to me!

It has been an amazing year as your 2011 Miss Oregon Princess. I was able to make many appearances with my sister Queens and our Cover Girls. We rode in many parades, volunteered at Ronald McDonald House, helped at a Car Show, Portland’s “Sand in the City” and I even got to go to a “Spaw Day” event hosted by the Oregon Humane Society. Another favorite memory was getting to go backstage at the Grand Ole Opry and taking a tour of Mr. Matt’s offices and meeting all the staff! There are too many to list, but I am forever thankful and so blessed.

Going to Nationals in California was amazing! I made new friends and was so proud to bring home 9 trophies, including 2^nd RU Photogenic, 3^rd RU Spokesmodel and my very favorite, winning the Volunteer Service award for my many hours of community service.

This year, I started my own program called “Arts for the Ages” and NAM helped me to bring color and creativity to over 600 children; not just in my community, but around the world. Thank you National American Miss … you colored my world this year and made it brighter!

A big thank you to my sister Queens for all of our fun times: Kyenna, Ariel, Madi, Madeline & Ciara and to the Cover Girls Kyra and Bella. I am so glad that we are “Namily!”

And thank you to Mr. Matt and Miss Mandy for helping to make this year so much fun; but most of all, thank you to my Momma who made all my dreams come true when she brought me to the NAM pageant last year, hugged and kissed me and told me to “Have fun and let your sparkle shine!” … I did and it opened a whole new world for me.

My story won’t end here … this Princess plans on living the fairy tale! God Bless us everyone.

Hugs,

Déja Fitzwater

2011 Miss Oregon Princess

Oregon Queens and Cover Girls take time to send love and support to our troops!

This photo was taken at Oregon’s first Open Call of the year. The girls were so excited to be with their Director, Matt Leverton and spread the good news about NAM, but they did take some time to put together Valentine Gift boxes for the troops! From left to Right: National Cover Model Isabella Conner, Jr. Pre-Teen Queen Ciara Wilson, Pre-Teen Queen Madeline Monlux, Jr. Teen Queen Madison Irving, Princess Queen DéjaFitzwater, Miss Queen Kyenna Leedom, National Cover Girl Kyra Walters.

Deja Fitzwater, 2011 National American Miss Oregon Princess Queen donates coats for Burlington Coat Factory and Good Morning America!

Deja Fitzwater, 2011 Miss Oregon Princess, donated 10 coats to the Burlington Coat Factory and Good Morning America Coat Drive…. hoping to give those comfort and warmth who would not otherwise have it.

Isabella Conner, Oregon Jr. Pre-Teen Cover Girl spends her time volunteering at her local Humane Society.

Isabella Conner, Oregon Jr. Pre-Teen Cover Girl, works hard with her Humane Society. She has been volunteering for the past several months working hard to help out in any capacity she is needed.

Oregon Jr Pre-Teen Cover Girl Isabella Conner volunteering at the Humane Society

Oregon Jr Pre-Teen Cover Girl Isabella Conner's community service at the Humane Society

Isabella Conner, Oregon Jr. Pre-Teen Cover Girl, works hard with her Humane Society. She has been volunteering for the past several months working hard to help out in any capacity she is needed. She always is willing to pitch in where needed and ask to help, always keeping busy. She would help to socialize the cats, which helps them to get adopted since they are more willing to be around people. She would take the dogs for walk giving them much needed exercise and love. She would even pitch in with the big piles of laundry, towels and bedding for the animals. She has been a great assest to their staff and volunteers.

National American Miss Oregon Jr. Pre-Teen Queen, Ciara Wilson, works hard to raise awareness for Juvenile Arthritis.

Ciara Wilson at Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run Kick Off Party

Ciara Wilson at Arthritis Foundation 2011 Jingle Bell Run Grand Marshals at kick Off Party Nike Headquarters

Ciara's Day of Dance Fundraiser for the Childhood Arthritis & Rheumatology Research Alliance

Ciara Wilson, Miss Oregon Junior Pre-teen Queen, has been busy raising funds to help find a cure for Juvenile Arthritis! Ciara, an active girl that enjoys competitive dance and ski racing was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis two years ago. This disease affects over 300,000 American children. Currently, she is doing well and enjoying her active lifestyle. Ciara realized that many kids with Juvenile Arthritis suffer with no cure in sight. As a result she has organized her own fundraiser called “Ciara’s Day of Dance” to support CARRA, the Childhood Arthritis & Rheumatology Research Alliance. She organized a dance party with her friends to support this great cause. Ciara raised over $400 to help find a cure for Juvenile Arthritis! Check out the website to see more!

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/ciarawilson/ciarawilsonsfundraisingpage?fge=thanks

In addition, Ciara attended the Jingle Bell Run Kick-Off Party which benefits the Arthritis Foundation of Oregon. The festivities were held at the Nike World Headquarters on October 23, 2011. The Jingle Bell Run takes place in downtown Portland, Oregon on December 4, 2011 . In the photos, Ciara is pictured with the Grand Marshall for the run, Annise Nassib, and the Youth Grand Marshall, Owen Dye. She looks forward to volunteering at the upcoming holiday event! Check out the website to see what took place!

http://portlandjinglebellrun.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=477709

Ciara plans to continue her volunteering and fund raising efforts in 2012 to help kids with Juvenile Arthritis!

Oregon Pre-Teen Queen, Madeline Monlux, working hard to shed light on gorilla conservation.

At age 11, Madeline Monlux who won her title in May has been working diligently to raise money for the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, an organization close to Madeline’s heart, as she would like to become a primatologist and follow in the footsteps of her idol, the late Dian Fossey.

She loves mountain gorillas and recently raised over $1000 to bring awareness and shed light on gorilla conservation. Helping her shed that light might just be the sparkling crown and sash she wears as Miss Oregon Pre Teen.

No stranger to volunteering, Madeline has given her time every weekend since June to a variety of charitable events and organizations. As Miss Oregon Pre Teen, Madeline has traveled throughout the state as an ambassador for Oregon, as well as speaking about her passion, the mountain gorillas.

Madeline came up with an idea to sell stuffed gorillas complete with special certificates, with all of the proceeds benefiting the Fossey fund. She partnered with the Fossey fund and TY (the beanie baby company) and the results were astonishing. Madeline named each gorilla individually after African namesakes meaning love, peace and other positive messages. She then tied a special bow on each gorilla and then it was time to get to work selling the gorillas.

“People wanted to buy the gorillas before they were even available”, says Monlux referring to an announcement made on social media site, Facebook.

“My friends and family, pageant people and people from all over supported this project. I have sold almost 100 gorillas and raised over $1000 for the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund,” exclaims a proud Monlux.

In early October, Madeline was invited as a special guest to the Dian Fossey Circle Luncheon in New York, where she had the opportunity to meet with her favorite actress, Sigourney Weaver, who portrayed Dian Fossey in the film, “Gorillas in the Mist”, talk with primatologists from Africa who work with the mountain gorillas and present a check to the organization’s CEO. A dream come true for a young woman who simply wants to help protect her gorilla friends.

Madeline had the most amazing time and has been offered so many wonderful opportunities from people she met there. They all loved her and she was even asked to be an honorary board member of the foundation. She has been invited to speak at an upcoming event at Pebble Beach, California and was also invited for a private tour of the gorilla habitat at the Atlanta Zoo.

Miss Oregon Pre-Teen Alison Kotila’s farewell.

It’s amazing to me that one year ago I was crowned Miss Oregon Pre-Teen. I was so honored that my 5 years of hard work, practice and patience, were fulfilled in one crowning moment.

It’s amazing to me that one year ago I was crowned Miss Oregon Pre-Teen. I was so honored that my 5 years of hard work, practice and patience, were fulfilled in one crowning moment. As Miss Oregon Pre-Teen, I have been privileged to represent NAM at many public appearances. My sister queens and I had fun appearing in parades throughout the area, from Sheridan to Gladstone! During my year, I had the opportunity to volunteer for various non-profit organizations. Including Providence Center for Medically Fragile Children and along with my sister queens, volunteered for the Ronald McDonald House.The highlight of my summer was going to the North California and Washington pageants as visiting royalty. They were a blast! I met so many great girls and had a lot of fun helping out. But by far my favorite part of the year was going to nationals. It was an action packed week. We toured Hollywood, and shopped on Rodeo Drive. We spent a day in Disneyland, exploring the park and met for a group photo in front of Cinderella’s Castle. I had fun at the themed rehearsals, and the black and white Thanksgiving banquet was fabulous. I was truly honored to win the National Best Resume. My week at nationals was a week I’ll never forget. I’ve made lifelong friends from all over the country. There are so many people I’d like to thank for making this past year a dream come true. To Matt, thank you for providing girls in Oregon the opportunity to participate in the best pageant system ever and supporting me throughout the year. To my sister queens, my Namily, I love you all to the ends of the earth. I will always be here for you and will cherish forever the memories we have made. To my friends and family, thank for all of your love and support. To my Lord and Savior, my life would be nothing without you. Thank you for guiding me through this past year’s journey. And last but not least, Mom. You have done so much for me and have stood right by my side through everything that has happened. I love you endlessly. You truly are the best mom ever. To my successor, this year will fly by so enjoy every moment of your reign. I was blessed with an amazing year.

For the last time I am your 2010-2011 Miss Oregon Pre-Teen, Alison Kotila