Each year the 12 national queens for National American Miss Pageants descend on Houston for the Official Photo shoot. This is a time not only to have thousands of photos taken, but also to make memories, have fun as sister queens and plan for a summer of fun as visiting royalty. Check out the video below to see the highlights from this year’s photo shoot.
Tag: pageants
Madeline Monlux Speaks Her Mind To Portland’s Mayor
Madeline Monlux Speaks Her Mind To Portland’s Mayor
- National American Miss Pageants
Recently Madeline Monlux, National American Miss Pageants Portland representative met with Mayor Tom Porter to speak about the importance of youth volunteering.
Even at a young age Madeline is very passionate about volunteering and getting both kids and adults involved in their towns, cities, and communities.
Jurnee Jackson-National American Miss Jr. Pre-Teen Oregon Cover Girl honored by the City of Redmond
Jurnee Jackson-National American Miss Jr. Pre-Teen Oregon Cover Girl honored by the City of Redmond
Jurnee 
Jackson, National American Miss Pageants Jr. Pre-Teen Cover Girl from Oregon was recently honor by her home city of Redmond, Oregon for a month long volunteering campaign she did with the local fire department. In a letter of appreciation sent to Jurnee, the Redmond Fire Marshal wrote:
“Jurnee, you were always polite and excited to be here; and we all appreciated your help and eagerness. It was especially nice to see your outgoing manner 
while working.” “You are a bright young lady and it is easy to see why you were crowned.”
This past summer Jurnee participated in the 4th of July parade, met with her county commissioner and continues to promote fire safety in her communities and surrounding areas. We are all so very proud of Jurnee!
~Matt
National American Miss South Carolina featured in American Girl
National American Miss South Carolina featured in American Girl
Our 2007 National American Miss Princess Queen, Aria Surka, has recently been featured in the American Girl catalogue. Aria is a fantastic kid and was a great representative for her state at our national pageant. Not only does Aria model, but she is very involved in her school and volunteers in her community.
Most recently she was featured as the cover model for Smile Makers a division of the Staples office supply company. 
Friends, Family and More at National American Miss
Friends, Family and More at National American Miss
When I speak with people who are unfamiliar with our program, I tell them how National American Miss is about so much more than crowns, banner and trophies. Its about letting these kids know that no matter what, they have our unconditional love and support. We should take every opportunity to raise these kids up, to celebrate them and truly show them how special and wonderful we think they are. When I speak at orientation, I talk about the three goals that we have for each of the kids: 1) To gain self-confidence and self-esteem; 2) To have a family fun weekend; and 3) To make new friends.
As I have written in the past the best part of my job is seeing the contestants faces light up with pride and joy. When they come off stage they are standing taller feeling more confident, knowing that they tried their best! The letters the I receive from parents and contestants alike speak of amazing pageant stories. Parents tell me how their daughters are more out going now and are ready to try new things.
In a time when none of us have enough free time its easy to let the things that we take for granted fall by the wayside. Whenever we get crunched on times, what’s the first thing that most of us cut out: family time. We live a hectic, fast paced society where kids are busier now than they ever have been in the past. Its school, then practice, then dinner at the drive thru, then dance class, just for her to end the day falling sleep while doing homework. Our goal at the pageant is to create moments for the family to have fun together: go to the pool, have dinner together, take a family picture.
This past January I was invited to a wedding of a former contestant. While at the wedding I quickly realized that her maid of honor was a former contestant as well. Years ago while at the Washington State pageant these two women met. They fostered that relationship and over time it grew into an enduring friendship. This is just one of the many stories that I have and have heard of the years. Many of the kids that have participated in our program have made life-long friends at National American Miss. I like to say that you have the chance to meet your college roommate or even your maid-of-honor!
~Matt
National Amerian Miss-Facebook, YouTube and MySpace
National Amerian Miss-Facebook, YouTube and MySpace
Here are some great places to meet other families that have participated in National American Miss from all over the country. Feel free to leave a comment, post a question or show us your pictures from NAM.
Click here to see our Facebook Page
Click hereto see our MySpace Page
Click here to see our YouTube Page
Is National American Miss A Beauty Pageant?
I get a lot of phones each, some from people who are familiar with our program, others who are not. Over the next few days I am going to post some thoughts about the questions that I get asked the most.
Is National American Miss a Beauty Pageant?
Definitely not! You are scored 30% on your Personal Introduction, 30% on Formal Wear Poise and Appearance, 30% on Communications Skills in an Interview, and 10% on Participating in a Community Involvement Project on Pageant Weekend.
The community service project is the easiest. Simply bring a stuffed animal or children’s book to pageant weekend and you will receive full credit for the community involvement competition. We will then take all of the books and bears and donate the items to charity. Through this competition we are introducing and reinforcing the concepts of community involvement and volunteer service which we hope will be taken from the pageant and into your community.
The personal introduction competition is where each contestant will stand on stage with a microphone and say their name, age, hometown and ambition. Our goal here is for each contestant to feel comfortable on stage delivering a speech. As well all know, public speaking, for most people, is their biggest fear and is one that gets easier the more you practice.
The interview is where each contestant will sit down with each judge and they will ask questions to get to know the contestant’s personality. They will not be asking questions that have a right or wrong answer, rather questions that allow each contestant to let her personality shine through. This is a great competition because it allows you to learn the valuable interviewing skills that will be invaluable in the future.
The formal wear portion is where each contestant is presented on stage in her formal dress. Here our desire is for each contestant to gain poise, self-confidence and shine on stage. Then take that confidence into their homes, schools and communities.
All of these competitions will teach each contestant skills that you will use later in life!! Public speaking and job interviews will be much easier for you after competing in the National American Miss Pageant.
To see more and answers to other questions, see our FAQ page. Click here to go there.