pageants – Page 37 – Matt Leverton’s National American Miss (NAM) Pageants Blog

2009 National American Miss Georgia Teen Amber Lee Farewell

2009 Naitonal American Miss Georgia Teen Amber Lee Farewell

Dear National American Miss Family and Friends,

God has truly blessed my life. Last year I had no idea that on July 5, 2009 I would compete with over 120 of the most incredible girls in Georgia and be crowned the National American Miss Georgia Teen queen. Holding this prestigious title led me to many unforgettable adventures. Some highlights from my reign included when I presented the awards to the new members of the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Induction in Dawsonville, rode in festival parades, volunteered in my city’s annual Mountain Moonshine Festival which raises money for the Kare for Kids charity to provide for underprivileged children, traveled to Tennessee as visiting royalty, met Georgia’s governor Sonny Purdue, and made an appearance at Alma, GA’s annual Blueberry Festival. In November, my family and I traveled to Anaheim, California where I represented our state at the National pageant. Here I met many remarkable fellow queens from all across the USA. During this week my family and I toured through Hollywood, shopped on Rodeo drive, went to Venice and Laguna Beach, and since I am a current Walt Disney World cast member of course my favorite part of the week was going to Disneyland 3 times! It truly was one of my family’s favorite vacations ever and I am so thankful for the lessons I learned and the experiences I gained during Nationals.

I want to say thank you to all of my wonderful family and friends, every cast member at Disney, and all who are a part of National American Miss not only for your unconditional love and for making this year so spectacular, but for inspiring me to go after all the things I want most in my life and for making me a better, more well-rounded person. I truly hope that I will be able to inspire many people and that I am someone everyone can look up to, just as I look up to all of you. Being your queen has meant the world to me, and I have tried my best to live and represent you all the way a true princess would. Now that my royal duties and responsibilities as Miss Georgia Teen are coming to an end, I hope I have been able to uplift, encourage, and have been a role model you all can be proud of!

To my successor, really make the most of your time this year, and know that being a queen is really about what you have to offer the world, and how you can make a difference in it. To all the other contestants, just know that you do not need a crown to be a true princess, because being a respected role model, having morals and treating the world with kindness is what being a princess is all about! Look at Cinderella and Snow White, they do not even have crowns! To every one else, always remain true to yourself and never compromise who you are for anyone or anything. Know that dreams do come true, but only if they are meant to be, and someday you will look back on all the ones that did not come true and be thankful that they did not because they could have hindered you from reaching a dream even bigger that you did not even know existed yet! So continue to believe in yourself and seize every opportunity that comes your way. Instead of wondering about all the great things you will receive in your future, begin to look at the magic that is already gliding through your life at this very moment. Remember life is not always about making every single dream come true, but rather it is about celebrating the dreams that already have come true! Have fun in life and in everything you do celebrate you! It truly has been such an honor to serve you all this year. This is definitely not my happy ending, it is just my “once upon a time’’ beginning!

Forever your 2009/2010 National American Miss Georgia Teen,

Amber Paige Lee

Mary Katherine Kunz 2009 National American Miss South Carolina Teen Queen Farewell

I can’t believe that only one year ago that I was being crowned your

2009 Miss South Carolina Teen. Words can not even begin to describe what an honor it has been. This year I got to work with the Children’s Chance organization and help raise money for pediatric cancer. I got to have a photo shoot with all of my sister queens. But of all the things I did this year, nationals was definitely the highlight.

Weather it was roaming the streets of Hollywood, meeting princesses at Disney, or just those crazy late night dance rehearsals with the girls, nationals was a blast. I got to have fun catching up with old friends and make so many new ones with girls from across our nation. I want to thank everybody who has been here for me this year. Mom, none of this would have even been possible without you. Thank you for loving me, supporting me, and just plain putting up with me. I love you! Stephanie Hall,you are the best big sister queen I could have ever asked for. You are such a beautiful girl inside and out and I hope you never change! Staci Alden, I am so glad I got to share this year with you. I had a blast running around disney with you for the second year in a row! Sabrina, you are just absolutely gorgeous and so much fun to be around. Never lose touch of the beautiful person you are! Monika, Catherine, Riley, and Erin, you girls are the best sister queens. You all are absolutely adorable and I treasure each of you.

Matt Leverton, you are such a fun state director. Thank you for all that you’ve done and for making my National American Miss experience truly unforgettable. Girls, I am so proud of each you. If you do not take home the crown, take home the friendships and the skills you have gained here this weekend. To my successor, know that this crown is not just a title, but an honorable responsibility. Use this crown not for your own benefit, but for every other person who needs it. As my reign comes to an end I am sad, but I can not wait to see what the future has in store for me. So for the last time, I am your 2009 Miss South Carolina Teen, Mary Katherine Kunz.

Stephanie Hall 2009 National American Miss South Carolina Farewell

Wow, I am not even sure where to begin! The past year as your South Carolina miss queen has been the most exciting, enlightening, and rewarding time of my life. It’s hard to believe that time has passed so quickly, but I would not trade the experience for anything! My journey with the National American Miss organization began nearly five years ago, and I have been so impressed with every aspect of the pageant. It has been such a huge honor to represent you all here and at the national competition in California!

My year of reign has been full of exhilarating experiences! I made many new friends during my visits to Skylan Retirement Home. Being involved with the March of Dimes event in Columbia, the Special Olympics in Greenville, and the Carolina Pregnancy Center in Spartanburg could not have been more rewarding.

My platform, raising cancer awareness among young adults, was inspired by my mother’s battle with breast cancer. I can’t tell you how much having this title at this specific time has helped me. Being able to share my family’s story with people and walking in memory of my mom at various Relay for Life events was such a humbling experience. I had the chance to reach out to people I might never have been able to reach otherwise. What a blessing!

Of course, none of this would have been possible without my amazing support group. First I want to thank my family for always believing in me, no matter what. Matt, you are the best state director I could ever hope for! Thanks so much for all your advice and support, (and for making me try sushi–it wasn’t so bad after all!). Mrs. Kunz, thank you for being my “pageant mom,” I don’t know what I would have done without you and MK. I’ll never forget the crazy memories from Nationals! Erin, Riley, Catherine, Monika, Sabrina, and Mary Katherine, we will always be sisters. I love you guys with all my heart!

Lastly, I want to wish all of the contestants the best of luck. Remember, you are winners just for making it this far. You guys are so talented, smart, and beautiful from the inside out. Never let anyone tell you otherwise! And to all the new queens, make the most of every second of your reign. It will be a year you’ll never forget!

Love always,

Stephanie Hall 2009 National American Miss South Carolina

2009 Jr. Pre-Teen NAM Cover Girl Catherine Dixon Farewell

Dear Contestants,

Congratulations and welcome to the 2010 North and South Carolina State Pageant! My experience with National American Miss has been phenomenal!

The National American Miss family has been so nice to me. Thanks for letting me have this opportunity! I would like to send a big shout-out to my family for all their love and support! Thanks you guys! And most of all, I thank God for letting me have this opportunity of a lifetime!

Every part of the pageant was rewarding, but my favorite parts were the personal introduction and interviewing with the judges. Getting on stage and telling them how my first grade teacher called me her Renaissance Girl because she knew I liked “doing it all” was very exciting! I felt privileged to be on the stage as your 2009 Cover Girl! My advertising sponsors were truly impressed with the motto and purpose of National American Miss and I am so pleased to be a part of this family oriented organization!

Nationals was so fun! It was an honor to be crowned as National Cover Model in Anaheim, CA! There were so many exciting events! At rehearsals, we “pumped up the party” with fun attire such as pajamas, crazy hair and patriotic clothing! I even got to meet and take a picture with Ms. Kathleen Mayes and Ms. Dawn Lee Costa. We went to Hollywood and even went on a tour, but the part I liked best was meeting girls from across the country! I was amazed by how much we had in common. These are all memories that I will keep close to me forever!

I am positive you will have an extraordinary experience with National American Miss! I enjoyed raising money for Boys Farm, a Christian home for boys and Berkeley Citizens in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, that supports children with special needs. It was very rewarding to help people. Just remember: In South Carolina, there are smiling faces and beautiful places, but no matter where you are, you should always let your inner beauty shine through! Good luck and I hope you enjoy your wild journey with National American Miss as much as I have!

Your 2009 Jr. Pre-Teen Cover Girl

Catherine Dixon

2009 National American Miss North Carolina Teen Queen Staci Alden Farewell Letter

Hello 2010 Contestants & Families!

It is hard to believe that a year has gone by already! Being crowned the 2009 NAMiss North Carolina Teen was thrilling! After the pageant, I did not take my crown or banner off until maybe midnight…yes, I was ecstatic! That night was so surreal, and though it is sad to see my reign come to an end, I know that the memories of this past year will stay with me forever.

During my reign, I was able to volunteer with many charity organizations like the Great Dane Rescue of the Carolinas, Bray’s Love, and the American Cancer Society. I also received the opportunity to appear in several parades, including the Azalea Festival parade in Wilmington.

Making an appearance at the Expressions Dance “Wishes Come True” summer camp for young girls was an amazing experience. I signed t-shirts and even got to dance with the girls during their final recital!

I threw out the first pitch at a Charlotte Knights game and I am ashamed to say that the ball did not make it to the catcher…even though I was standing in front of the pitcher’s mound.

The National Pageant in California was easily one of the highlights of my reign. Representing North Carolina was brilliant! I met so many girls and made friends to last a lifetime. Disneyland was a blast! Riding roller coasters with my sister queens and beating my parents in Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin was all too wonderful. I will never forget the memories or the friendships from that week.

My year could not have been possible without the support of many people. A big thanks goes out to all my family and friends for their love and support. They have always been my number one fans and I am lucky to have them in my life! To Matt Leverton, you are awesome! Thanks so much for all your support and for being such a great director! To the NAM Staff, I am so appreciative of everything you have ever done for me…you rock! To my sister queens, this year has been wonderful getting to know all of you. I love you girls!

To all the 2010 North Carolina contestants, I hope you have the weekend of your life! Nothing is impossible. I truly believe that any dream is attainable once you set your mind to it. Like my hero Walt Disney once said, “All dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” National American Miss will be one of the best experiences of your life so enjoy every moment!

Sincerely,

Your 2009 National American Miss North Carolina Teen

Staci Alden

2009 National American Miss Pre-Teen Cover Girl – Briahna Wick – Farewell

Dear contestants and families,

    Congratulations girls, you are now involved in an outstanding pageant system! Just last year I was given the tremendous honor of being crowned your 2009-2010 National American Miss Oregon pre-teen Cover Girl, and what a fun, exciting and truly amazing year it has been! As my state’s pre-teen Cover Girl I was able to do many spectacular things with my title. Such as ride in my hometowns annual Beachcomber Days Parade, go to the Washington state pageant as visiting royalty, volunteered to wrap presents for the South Lincoln County Childrens Christmas Program and volunteered at the 19th annual R.S.V.P. Chocolate Classics. I was very privileged to be able to have such a great time meeting new people and making a difference in my community. It was a great opportunity to be able to represent my state and National American Miss and I thank everyone that has helped me out along the way.
    Thank you so much to my sponsors and to those who gave me all the support. Thank you so much to my family, I cannot even begin to explain how much I appreciate what you have done. You have allowed me to make the most of my year and not only that, but have given me the greatest opportunity to follow my dreams and support me in whatever I choose to do. You are truly the best.
    Believe me when I tell you pageant weekend will be full of long lasting friends and fun memories. You will learn so much about yourself and learn skills that will help you in life with whatever you choose to do. I want you to always remember, no mater what the outcome, that you should always follow your dreams and keep trying, because you can do anything, no challenge is impossible.

Good luck and best wishes,

-Briahna Wick

2009 National American Miss Oregon Teen Queen – Kelli McBee – Farewell

Hello Miss Oregon Teen contestants and families!

I can’t believe it’s been a year since I was crowned Miss Oregon Teen and my incredible journey began. During my reign, I spoke at club meetings and retirement centers, read books to children, rode in parades, hosted a Queen’s Day at our local Children’s Museum, served food at the Ronald McDonald House, helped at the National Night Out, and went to Vegas to watch Miss America with my mom and grandma.

I had a blast competing and meeting new friends at the National Pageant in California! After an exhausting but fun-filled week, I placed third in the Top Model competition and won the prestigious Golden Achievement in Service Award for my Books for Soldiers drive, for which I mailed 1500 books to soldiers overseas.

None of my accomplishments this year would have been possible without the loving support of my family. Mom and Dad, you are the foundation of my life and I owe so much to you. Brian and Patrick, you two are the most supportive brothers a girl could have; thank you for being troopers at all of these girlie competitions. I love you all and appreciate your influence in making me the woman I’ve become.

To my grandparents, friends, and Ben, thank you for making this year so memorable with your love and support. Matt Leverton and NAM staff, thank you for hosting a pageant that truly influences girls’ lives. To my sister queens Summer, Alex, Madeline, and Gabriella: you girls are the best! I’ve had such a blast on all our adventures with each of you this year and will miss our get-togethers!

To all of the contestants, this weekend will bring so many gifts to you. Embrace each opportunity and challenge yourselves to become your personal best. The skills you will learn over pageant weekend will be useful for the rest of your lives! And to my successor, have fun taking advantage of all the opportunities that this honor presents; your year will fly by and fill your life with memories. Keep shining your light on the world!

I have had the time of my life representing Oregon for the past year.

Your Miss Oregon Teen 2009,

Kelli McBee

2009 National American Miss Pre-Teen Queen Alexandra Perry- Farewell Letter

2009 National American Miss Pre-Teen Queen Alexandra Perry- Farewll Letter

Dear Miss Oregon Pre-Teen Contestants,

Welcome to an exciting and fun-filled weekend! All your hard work and planning will soon pay off. The way to make the most this experience is to truly be yourself, and smile! I can’t wait to meet all of you! This past year has been full of fun and amazing adventures. It has been an honor representing the wonderful state of Oregon. My favorite memories include going to Nationals, volunteering with my sister queens, attending Miss America with my friend Miss California, and traveling to California and Washington as visiting royalty. My trip to Nationals in Disneyland was one of the greatest times of my life. I learned so much from the other competitors from all across the country. I was thrilled to win the National Golden Achievement Award!

Disneyland, late nights with sister queens, and making new friends wasn’t bad either. Volunteering with my organization, Cook for Cancer, has been a great learning experience. I have met so many kind and welcoming people. I enjoyed the time I spent preparing, cooking, and delivering the meals. Working with breast cancer patients has made me realize that I can make a difference in the world, but the first step is volunteering.

Thank you to all of my family for their love and support. I realize how lucky I am to have such a great cheering section. A huge thank you to our Oregon state director Matt Leverton for your encouragement and help every step of the way! To my sister queens, it has been a privilege getting to know you. Thank you for being great role models for me and the many other girls who look up to you. I have learned so much this year about myself and how I can make a difference. Remember it all starts with a smile.

Best Wishes,

Alexandra Perry

2009 National American Miss Oregon Jr. Pre-Teen Queen Madeline Monlux Farewell

Hi Girls!

Get ready for an exciting and fun filled pageant! It seems like only yesterday that my reign began! My year as Miss Oregon Junior Pre Teen has been a blast and an honor. When they called my name as Miss Oregon, I was so shocked and thrilled at the same time.

This year I have traveled throughout the state of Oregon, participated in parades and festivals and volunteered for many different organizations and community groups. One of my favorite activities this year was being invited as a special guest to the Oregon Humane Society “America’s Next Top Dog Model” competition, where I got to sell raffle tickets and talk on the stage. I also enjoyed volunteering for the Oregon Humane Society by making handmade dog biscuits.

Attending nationals in California was awesome! I met some great new friends and got to go to Disneyland!! I spent a day on the Hollywood tour and we went to the Walk of Fame, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica beach! At nationals, I competed and placed in the top five in the Actress and Spokes model competitions! I had a blast and will never forget nationals!

My year would not have been so fantastic without my sister queens- you girls rock and don’t forget, we are all the “Juicy Couture Girls”!!! Matt Leverton, thank you for all of your support and kindness- you are the BEST! To the NAM staff- You make everyone feel like a STAR- thank you for putting on such a wonderful program. Oma and Papa- thank you for your unending support and love. Bailey- Thank you for always cheering me on and making me laugh. Mom and Dad- You always believe in me and you are the best parents ever!

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, remember that the true mark of a winner is she who works hard, tries her best and celebrates the success of all contestants! Make the most of this weekend and be proud of your accomplishments!

Love,

Madeline Monlux,

2009 National American Miss Oregon Junior Pre Teen

2009 National American Miss Oregon Princess Gabriella Torkornoo – Farewell

Wow! Thank you National American Miss, this had been an exciting year! Being Miss Oregon Princess Queen 2009/2010 gave me so many great memories and changed my life. Here are just some of my memories: My sister Queens and I served lunch at the Ronald McDonald house. I was a Greeter for the Oregon State Fair on opening day and in the evening I had the honor of giving out blue ribbons at a horse show. I also served food to the homeless in Eugene during an event called “Under the Bridge”. Going to the Nike Campus was a true honor. I even got to meet Mr. Phil Knight the president and co-founder of Nike, and do my personal introduction for him! These are just a handful of wonderful experiences I had while representing National American Miss and my great State of Oregon.

To all of the Girls at this years pageant, I am so looking forward to meeting you all! National American Miss is so fun and exciting and the experience is one that can change your life. Last year I learned a lot through my experience including how to present myself on stage, how to be interviewed, and so many more life skills that have already come in handy even at age 5. I hope all of the best for you, please remember to have fun, and most importantly be your true self because everyone is made to be unique.

Sincerely,

Gabriella Torkornoo

Miss Oregon Princess 2009/2010