Samantha Sayar, 2015 Miss Georgia Pre- Teen, welcomes this years contestants.

Samantha Sayar Samantha Sayar.jpg2 Samantha Sayar.jpg3 Samantha Sayar.jpg4 Samantha Sayar.jpg5 Samantha Sayar.jpg6 Samantha Sayar.jpg7 Samantha Sayar.jpg8 Samantha Sayar.jpg9 Samantha Sayar.jpg10Dear 2016 Georgia NAM State Finalists,

One year ago, I was completely dumbfounded to be named Miss Georgia Pre-teen! It was my first year with NAM, so I am so excited to be an inspiration to contestants who are competing for the first time, in addition to those who have pursued their dream for years. I learned that with hard work, confidence, and a genuine heart, you can do anything!

A few of the highlights throughout my year have been a super fun rainy-day photo shoot with my sister queens, meeting the band 5 Seconds of Summer, volunteering at my church’s local soup kitchen, and making lasting memories with my family at Nationals, where I was blessed to place in the Top Ten.

I could not have achieved everything I did this year without my incredible support system. Huge thanks go out to Mr. Matt Leverton and his fantastic staff, my sister queens, Daddy and April, Momma and Greg, my sweet siblings, all of my wonderful grandparents, uncles, and most importantly God. It clearly takes a village to raise a child!

National American Miss has taught me about the importance of serving one’s community, and it has been an honor to use my title for that purpose. I have enjoyed every moment of this phenomenal experience; it is one that I will always treasure.

Cinderella’s advice is worth quoting: “Have courage and be kind.” With this, you can achieve your dreams.

Always and forever,

Samantha Sayar, Miss Georgia Pre-teen

2015 Miss North Carolina Jr. Pre-Teen Faith Anne Yeley says farewell.

As I look back on this amazing journey, I have so many people to thank.  My parents, who have been my support system, my guiding light through every year in life and with NAM, I love you and could not thank you enough.  All my supporters and sponsors through the years who have been there every year, I could not have done it without you.  Everyone who encourages me to keep moving forward toward my dreams, I will continue to make you proud.  Through my foundation in the works “Keeping Faith” I will extend my journey beyond my NAM reign and continue to serve others in need.  From Bullies 2 the rescue a Bulldog rescue organization or help to raise money for Rett Syndrome with the Ella Foard Foundation. And I will always have a special place for the Ronald McDonald house of Charlotte.  I was first introduced to RMH through NAM and have built a wonderful relationship through service.  My family and I have served the RMH several times this year but one very special night was this past Christmas Eve, my parents and two friends cooked and served dinner and dessert to everyone in the RMH. It was a very heartwarming experience. I am thankful for all I am blessed with in life, I will remember this journey forever and all the friends I have made along the way.

“In order to succeed, we must believe that we can.”

With love,

Faith Anne Yeley

Hunter Vaughn says farewell to her year as Miss South Carolina Teen.

United Way Bed Race - A fundraiser sponsored by United Way in which teams from local businesses and organizations redesign a hospital bed into a car.  The beds are pushed by 4 runners and have 1 rider. Beds are judged in 3 categories - Fastest Bed, Costume and Design, and People's Choice.  Beds race in pairs narrowing the field to the 2 fastest beds of the day who then face off for the WIN.
United Way Bed Race – A fundraiser sponsored by United Way in which teams from local businesses and organizations redesign a hospital bed into a car. The beds are pushed by 4 runners and have 1 rider. Beds are judged in 3 categories – Fastest Bed, Costume and Design, and People’s Choice. Beds race in pairs narrowing the field to the 2 fastest beds of the day who then face off for the WIN.
Food Donations to HOPE (Helping other people effectively) of Lancaster, a faith based, non-profit organization that provides short term emergency assistance to those in crisis.
Food Donations to HOPE (Helping other people effectively) of Lancaster, a faith based, non-profit organization that provides short term emergency assistance to those in crisis.
Lancaster Christmas Parade
Lancaster Christmas Parade
 Charleston Christmas Parade with sister queen Saylor Porcaro
Charleston Christmas Parade with sister queen Saylor Porcaro
Cards for Safyre - With the help of students from Erwin Elementary, we were able to send 22 Christmas cards to Safyre Terry for her card tree.  Safyre's family was killed in a fire on May 2, 2013.  She was critically injured in the fire.
Cards for Safyre – With the help of students from Erwin Elementary, we were able to send 22 Christmas cards to Safyre Terry for her card tree. Safyre’s family was killed in a fire on May 2, 2013. She was critically injured in the fire.
NAM Nationals - Won the title of National Most Promising Model, Photogenic 1st runner up, Casual Wear 2nd runner up, and Spokesmodel 4th runner up.
NAM Nationals – Won the title of National Most Promising Model, Photogenic 1st runner up, Casual Wear 2nd runner up, and Spokesmodel 4th runner up.
Story and a Snack at Erwin Elementary School - Reading "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" to Mrs. Nowicki's first grade class and sharing a healthy caterpillar snack made with cherry tomatoes and green grapes.
Story and a Snack at Erwin Elementary School – Reading “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” to Mrs. Nowicki’s first grade class and sharing a healthy caterpillar snack made with cherry tomatoes and green grapes.
Donating items to the Women's Enrichment Center, a ministry that provides a safe and caring environment for women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy.
Donating items to the Women’s Enrichment Center, a ministry that provides a safe and caring environment for women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy.
Salkehatchie Summer Service, a pioneering servant ministry at select sites in SC.  Students upgrade housing, motivate community cooperative efforts by helping people help themselves and provide all participants with opportunities for personal growth and service.
Salkehatchie Summer Service, a pioneering servant ministry at select sites in SC. Students upgrade housing, motivate community cooperative efforts by helping people help themselves and provide all participants with opportunities for personal growth and service.
Book Donations to Livi's Library, A book project in memory of Mary Olivia Pettit. Livi passed away in March of 2009 of viral myocarditis. Her passion was learning through books.
Book Donations to Livi’s Library, A book project in memory of Mary Olivia Pettit. Livi passed away in March of 2009 of viral myocarditis. Her passion was learning through books.

It’s truly hard to believe an entire year has already elapsed. My reign has been remarkable – from the second I was crowned to each and every day since. I have had the opportunity to partner with various charitable organizations and schools such as Livi’s Library, HOPE, United Way, Women’s Enrichment Center, and Erwin Elementary. I have attended many parades and I also participated in Salkehatchie Summer Service. Salkehatchie is a pioneering ministry at selected sites in South Carolina centered on youth as they upgrade houses, motivate community involvement, and personally grow in their faith. The highlight of my reign was Nationals in Anaheim, California. There, I stepped out of my comfort zone and found self-confidence and courage to be bold in all that I do. Being a NAM queen has allowed me to come out of my shell. I now take on all aspects of life with pride and gratification – two qualities I have gained through NAM. To all the contestants, best of luck during pageant weekend! Always remember – BE YOURSELF, let no one shape you into something or someone you aren’t. Radiate with confidence, make memories, and have fun!

Hunter Vaughn

2015  South Carolina Teen

Miss North Carolina Pre-Teen Jessica Johnson looks back on her year of service.

Jessica Johnson Jessica Johnson.jpg3 Jessica Johnson.jpg4 Jessica Johnson.jpg5 Jessica Johnson.jpg6 Jessica Johnson.jpg7 Jessica Johnson.jpg8 Jessica Johnson.jpg9 Jessica Johnson.jpg10 Jessica Johnson.jpg11 Jessica Johnson.jpg12 Jessica Johnson.jpg13 Jessica Johnson.jpg14 Jessica Johnson2My name is Jessica Johnson, the reigning Miss NC Pre-Teen Queen.  I am 11 years old, in the 5th grade at Highland Creek Elementary in Charlotte, preparing to graduate and attend Northwest School of the Arts, majoring in theatre.  Some of my school accomplishments include:

* News crew

* Safety Patrol

* Genius Hour

* Accelerated Reader

* A Honor Role

My hobbies are playing with our dog Miles, swimming, and traveling.

I aspire to be an actress & singer.

During my reigning year I have done many exciting things:

* Volunteered to help at a Benefit to honor those who lost their lives at Mother Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC.

* Gave backpacks out at a back to school drive

* Volunteered at The Ronald McDonald House

* Met Mayor Jennifer Roberts and Congresswoman Alma Adams

* Sister Queens & I participated in the MLK Jr. Parade in Charlotte

* Sister Queen Faith Yeley & I appeared on Good Day Charlotte & WBTV News

* My family & I traveled to Anaheim Ca., for Nationals and had an AWESOME time!

My advice to my successor is to live every moment to the fullest, have fun with this title because the year goes by fast.  Always be yourself, dream big, and work hard because if you do these things I promise you will go far.

I have truly enjoyed my year as your Miss NC Pre-Teen Queen.   I will never forget this time and I thank my Director Matt Leverton for all the experiences & opportunities my title has afforded me.

Miss South Carolina Princess Saylor Porcaro met the stars of Entertainment Tonight!

Saylorpost2 Saylorpost2x2Miss South Carolina Princess Saylor Porcaro met the stars of Entertainment Tonight!  Saylor met Kevin Frazier from Entertainment Tonight and got a shout out from Nancy O’Dell his co host and former Miss South Carolina.

2014 Junior Pre-Teen National Cover Girl Lacrissa Lamar volunteers once a month at St. Matthew.

Lacrissa Lacrissa2 Lacrissa3 Lacrissa4 Lacrissa5 Lacrissa62014 Junior Pre-Teen National Cover Girl Lacrissa Lamar volunteers once a month at St. Matthew. Lacrissa goes to St. Matthew every 3rd Sat to volunteer giving out food.

Miss Georgia Pre-Teen Spokesmodel Damácia Howard won the 2016 Prudential Spirit of Community Award!

Damácia Damácia2 Damácia3 Damácia4 Damácia5 Damácia6 Damácia7 Damácia8 Damácia9 Damácia10 Damácia11 Damácia12 Damácia13Miss Georgia Pre-Teen Spokesmodel  Damácia Howard won the 2016 Prudential Spirit of Community Award! Damácia was the state of Georgia Middle Level Winnder.  She in turn received several state level awards and recognition from President Obama, Governor Nathan Deal, Senator Donzella James, Secretary of State Brian J. Kemp, Georgia Superintendent of Schools Mr. Richard Woods, Congressman David Scott and Union City, GA Mayor Vince Williams will be honoring Damácia on April 19th with a proclamation declaring April 19th as Damácia Howard. Damácia will be traveling to Washington DC, to be honored with 101 others students at a banquet at the Smithsonian.  She’ll enjoy four full days of festivities.

Tennessee Princess Ava Lowe met with Senator Kerry Roberts.

Ava Lowe Ava Lowe.jpg2 Ava Lowe.jpg3 Ava Lowe.jpg4 Ava Lowe.jpg5Tennessee Princess Ava Lowe met with Senator Kerry Roberts. Ava received a special gift from Senator Kerry Roberts before going to Nationals as well as an invitation to be his special guest on the floor of the Tennessee State Senate.  The gift she received was a very special Tennessee Blue Book, the Blue Book is orange because it is dedicated to Pat Head Summit, former head coach of the University of Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team. She visited the Senate floor on January 25, 2016, although she was out of school for a snow day, she definitely got her history lesson in thanks to Senator Kerry Roberts and his wife Diane.  She received a wonderful tour of the capital, was introduced on the Senate floor as Senator Roberts’ special guest and she also got to sit in on a committee meeting.

South Carolina Princess Saylor Porcaro met with Congressman Mark Sanford.

Saylor Saylor2South Carolina Princess Saylor Porcaro met with Congressman Mark Sanford. He sent Saylor a really nice letter congratulating her before she competed at Nationals.  Saylor also had a chance to meet with all of the Florida  Queens when visiting Orlando.  They met during a visiting royality appearance and have been friends since! That’s what NAM is all about…making new friends and experiences.