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

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

Cailee Calabrese is one busy NAM girl!

Cailee Calabrese is the National American Miss North Carolina Princess Queen. As you can see above she is one busy kid. Her activities this year have taken her from the national pageant in Disneyland to national talent competitions, and most of all her community service project of collecting DVD for soldiers.

She has spent the last ten months collecting DVDs for our troops serving overseas. Cailee will tell you that the reason she collected them is because “they protect us and she wanted to give a gift back for protecting us.” She collected $3,000 worth of DVDs and delivered them to “Give to the Troops” organization on November 14, 2009. Cailee is now a permanent volunteer and will receive a special volunteer award signed by the President of the United States at the end of the year for her contribution. It was very touching to see so many people volunteering their time to pack Christmas stockings and the essentials such as food, toiletries, and children including Cailee making cards to thank them and wishing them a wonderful holiday.

One of the most touching encounters of the day was to see the wall with all the stars that signified those who lost their lives. The dark wall was for the troops serving in Iraq and the blue wall was for the soldiers who lost their live in Afghanistan. Cailee has a long history of family who currently serves or has served including her dad who served with the United States Air Force.

Way to go Cailee!

Farewell Speech of Cailee Calabrese – North Carolina National American Miss Princess

I cannot believe how fast this year has gone. Never did I imagine that my name would be called as the North Carolina National American Miss Princess. It has truly been an honor and a wonderful opportunity. My year started as volunteering for the American Red Cross “Run for the Red.” I had such a wonderful time when I attended the Maryland state pageant reigning and meeting new friends. One of things I did was to launch my own community project called “Movies for Military.” I distributed my movies and volunteered at the Give 2 the Troops organization, which was truly a wonderful experience to see and meet so many people donating time to put together care packages and make cards to send to our troops serving overseas. I launched my own project because “I wanted to give a gift back to them for protecting us.” I have learned the importance of giving back to the community, meeting new friends and to always be a positive role model for other girls.

Another highlight of my year was attending nationals and our trip to Disneyland and Hollywood. I enjoyed getting to meet so many girls from different states. I was proud to receive the award of National Photogenic, Community Achievement, Volunteer Service Award and 3^rd runner-up for Most Promising Model. It is truly an honor to receive those awards with so many wonderful other girls. Thank you Matt and the wonderful staff at National American Miss organization for the greatest experience a girl my age could have. Lastly, I would like to thank my mom and dad for always loving and supporting me.