Special Olympics Tennessee partners with The American Girl Doll Company each year for a fundraising event. This event includes 4 fashion shows where young girls ages 6-10 model outfits that match the time period of the doll they are representing. This is a fun event for the community where they serve “tea party” style snacks. Proceeds from sponsors, an auction, ticket sales, and donations go to support Special Olympics in Tennessee.
As one of the emcee’s of this year’s event, Madison had the privilege of introducing the various dolls and the models. American Girl dolls are rich in history and tell a unique story. This introduction included describing the time frame in which this doll lived, describing her clothing and what life was like where she lived. As emcee, she engaged the audience in learning about the history of the dolls and actively engaging them in the show.
When she wasn’t on stage, Madison loved being able to walk around and simply provide encouragement for the young girls who served as models with the dolls. She was also able to serve as a greeter and talked with young guests about NAM, American Girl Dolls, and Special Olympics.
There was much work to do to prepare for the event. Madison learned a lot about the history of our great country. Madison said “it was a fabulous experience.” She can’t wait until the summer when she can help on the field or on the court with her favorite Special Olympics athletes.
Located in Burlington, North Carolina, Loaves & Fishes is an organization that distributes food donations from the community to families in need throughout the surrounding six counties. The mission of the non-profit institution is to “offer assistance, encouragement and empowerment of persons in need through the distribution of food and limited financial assistance”. Those in need may receive donations from the distribution center, or via home delivery by a Loaves & Fishes volunteer. This philanthropy also organizes several special events throughout the year to give back to the city, such as Make a Difference Day and the Thanksgiving Lunch.
Loaves & Fishes is an organization that is close to Kacey’s heart, since the entity exemplifies the importance of a caring community, and the impact one person’s contribution can make. Hunger and poverty in the United States are issues that affect many families within each county. According to www.feedingamerica.org, one in six Americans are food insecure, and 43.6 million Americans were in poverty in 2009. Adequate nutrition is a necessity to one’s total well being; the effects of malnutrition can be severe, especially for children. Many who are struggling with hunger are hardworking citizens who simply cannot make ends meet despite the desire to provide for his or her family. This national issue of hunger can be combated one neighborhood at a time through charity projects such as Loaves & Fishes. Having a role in an organization that provides resources and encouragement to families in need has been a rewarding experience for Kacey. She has seen how a community can work together to make a positive impact. She hopes to encourage others to support those in need in their hometown by donating or volunteering at their local food bank. Together, we can make a positive impact by helping our neighbors overcome poverty.
S.W.E.E.T. (Supporting with Education, Encouragement and Togetherness) Revenge Diabetes Support Group has given parents and their children a chance to meet others in the same situation and time to talk about the issues that many families deal with. Each month there is a planned topic and often a guest speaker. Rachel Earley was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes in June, 2005, and has been an active member of the support group since 2007. She has contributed over 200 hours of organizing, planning, and speaking. To recognize her efforts, she was promoted to Youth Director as of January 2010. She was the honorary guest speaker for the month of October, where she shared her troubles and triumphs, and the importance of responsibility with diabetes from the perspective of a patient. She also coordinated and hosted an informative “November is National Diabetes Awareness Month” booth in the Family Network Center of Mission Children’s Clinic in her hometown of Asheville, North Carolina, promoting awareness for the disease. Currently, she is working on a Child Mentoring program that creates a buddy-system for teens and children with diabetes. In doing so, this will provide a trustworthy atmosphere for parents to leave there children with diabetes in the hands of an experienced and responsible diabetic during activities such as babysitting and overall support with the disease.
Alajah went to two nursing homes and participated in singing to the residents during their activity time. She sang 5 songs for the residents and assisted with bingo, helping the residents find the number and place the chips on the numbers for the bingo games. The residents enjoyed her and she had a wonderful time performing for the elderly.
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
Community service is a big part of Alison’s life! It gives her the chance to have fun and make a difference at the same time. Community service is great because she gets to leave her world for a while and see what it’s like in someone else’s. That’s why Alison loves volunteering at the Providence Center for Medically Fragile Children.
The Providence Center is an amazing place! It’s a place where kids with serious medical limitations live. None of the kids can walk or talk. The goal of Providence is to help these children have a better life.
As a volunteer, her job is to help brighten the life of kids and to help them have fun. She has been asigned a “buddy”. Alison’s buddy is just about her age and they have fun painting finger nails, playing games and reading. Her buddy was introduced to her as a “princess”. She has a princess doll and a tiara. Perfect match! They both wear their tiaras as Alison reads princess stories.
Recently, she had the opportunity to help set up a haunted house. Alison got to take several kids through the house and help them feel “monster’s eye balls” (peeled grapes). It was great to see their reactions and laughter.
This past weekend Alison got to help at the Providence “Opportunities for Joy” Radiothon. The radiothon was to raise money to support their Augmentative Communication Program. The augmentative communication boards literally give kids a voice. Each board costs $15,000. They raised over $30,000. Two more kids now get to talk.
So far, Alison has had a blast volunteering at Providence. Everytime she visits the kids she feels her life is brightened as well. Alison says she couldn’t ask for a better community service opportunity and she plans to volunteer there for a long time.
Jada was able to participate in a weekend long activity that involved cleaning up the South Carolina beaches. Early one morning, Jada and her family went out to the beach and did their share to clean up some of the pollution and trash that is ruining their beautiful beaches. She was surprised to see how many other people cared enough to commit some time to clean up. It was nice to go to the beach and see how their hard work had paid off.
Kristen spent time volunteering at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina in Charlotte, NC. Second Harvest strives through education, advocacy, and partnerships to eliminate hunger by the solicitation and distribution of food. They provide a regional distribution warehouse and branches that supply food and grocery items to charitable agencies that assist people in need. Second Harvest service area population lives in poverty, including almost 170,000 children and seniors. In order to get this food into the community, Second Harvest relies on community volunteers to help sort and prepare food for distribution.
During her day of service, Kristen helped to organize the different food items and place them in the appropriate distribution bin. She was trained how to identify damaged food items and remove them from distribution. She also helped clean up the warehouse when the work was done. It was a lot of hard work, but very rewarding. The best part of volunteering is about helping people in need with this effort. Kristen loved serving her community and knowing that the day’s activities is essential to feeding families and children. She looks forward to serving again throughout the year.
Through her title as, National American Miss Tennessee Preteen Queen, Macy has volunteered with my community’s Boys and Girls Club. When she goes to volunteer, she donated over two hundred books to the kids. She really enjoys her visits. It gives Macy the opportunity to share her love of books and reading.
When she volunteers at the Boys and Girls club, she donated books through her charity, Macy’s Books for Friends. Macy collects gently used books in her community from friends and others who donate them. Each visit she takes over two hundred books so that each child can get at least 2. All of the kids get so excited about reading and search for the books they’re interested in. By the looks on their faces, you can tell they enjoy reading. They understand the importance reading, which is what Macy’s Books for Friends is all about!
Macy loves going after school and seeing their smiling faces! She also likes talking to the kids about school and their other interests. It is important to Macy for the kids to know she cares! It is so fun for Macy to feel like she is making a positive impact on their lives. She has made 3 visits so far and plans to continue her visits by going twice a month. The kids are so grateful for everything they’re given. It’s amazing how wonderful each and every kid is!
National American Miss Kentucky Jr. Teen queen, Lydia Allen had an interview with Laura Grant, owner of Beneath the Crown Salon & Boutique and Tracey Johnson, host of Cincinnati’s Fox 19 News Morning Xtra Show.
Turkey Rama is McMinnville, Oregon’s longest tradition, a time for not only the city to come together but a time to raise money for our citiy’s organizations. To go along with Turkey Rama, the McMinnville Downtown Association puts on The Biggest Turkey! A competition where a person can raise money for a local organization. This year there were three competitors, they each chose a organization to represent , they were to raise money at events put on by the MDA, and also on their own as well. They also competed in a lipsinging contest to win points toward the crown, which is televised. This year Brittany Thomas, assisted with the first event, the Trash N 2 Fashion, as a judge and award presenter. The weekend of Turkey Rama, she also called bingo, passed out prizes donated by all the local businesses in McMinnville, assisted with kids competitions like cupcake walk and a hula hoop contest, sold raffle tickets to raise money for the MDA, painted kids faces, started and emceed the Turkey Trot, judged the Lipsync Contest, and was even honored to crown this year’s Biggst Turkey! A title her grandma, and great uncle had at one time. Not only is Turkey Rama about giving back to the community but about helping our local organizations. This year we raised 28,000 dollars for The Willamete Cancer Foundation, Homeward Bound Pets, and The Henderson House. McMinniville is a small town with only 32,000 people, but are a tight community and everyone looks forward to this annual event. For Brittany, being able to be a part of the 50th anniversary was both an honor and a blessing!
Kristen participated in the 9/11 National Day of Service. She baked and delivered homemade chocolate chip cookies to some local fire departments in Charlotte. She volunteered through the Bank of America Community Volunteers which provided the contact information. She called several fire departments to arrange delivery of their cookie trays. She picked stations in four different parts of town in order to cover a wide area. The project gave her an opportunity to share one of her favorite things to do and bring a smile to someone else. She was able to meet firefighters at each station and thank them for all their hard work and dedication to keeping the community safe. She was able to sit in one of the trucks which was she thought was really cool. Kristen said it was good to see their smiles when delivering the cookies to them. Kristen said it was great to show our local heroes how much they are appreciated.
Kristen’s second activity was as a rescue dog handler for Project H.A.L.O ( Helping Animals Live On). Her duties included event set up, handling rescue dogs during the event and providing for its needs, speaking with potential adoptive parties, and encourage support of the organization to event visitors.
Hello everyone! From Tennessee I am Kirsten Verble your 2009-2010 National American Miss Junior Pre-Teen Queen. Get ready to have lots of fun at the pageant this year. There will be an awesome “get aquainted” party where you will get to meet all the staff and make new friends. Just remember through the busy weekend to stop and enjoy the moment. Becoming a state finalist is such a great accomplishment and that not everyone who applied made it to this level.
As you can see from my pictures it has been a very busy year. I got to meet governor Bredesen and volunteer time with a special education class at a school near my home. I also spent time visiting the elderly at the nursing home and met Stephanie Wittler, Miss Tennessee 2009. Even if you do not win the title of junior pre-teen 2010 you can still take time out of your life to volunteer and change another person’s life.
I would like to wish each and every one of you good luck for the upcoming pageant. I know you must be nervous but remember to be yourself and everything will be fine. Encourage each other, be friends and support one another. Only one girl will win the title this weekend but everyone can gain life-long friendships and skills. You will learn confidence, poise and grace and you will never forget this experience.
I couldn’t believe it when they called my name last year and I feel very fortunate to have had this experience in my life. What a wonderful event to add to my journey. If you do not win don’t be discouraged or give up, there is always next year. Keep the lessons you learned and the friendships dear to your heart, God has put you here for a reason. Good luck to everyone and God bless you and your family, I can’t wait to meet you!
I would first like to congratulate you for making it this far! You have already accomplished so much by simply deciding to attend this year’s pageant! This shows bravery, strength, and a desire for greatness. I would like you to know that I understand all the feelings you may be experiencing. I can fully remember all of the butterflies, excitement, and anticipation. I have stood in your shoes five times before.
National American Miss is such a wonderful pageant! I have made many life-long friends and memories through this organization. I cannot wait for you to experience all of the fun of pageant weekend!
As I said before, I have competed in this pageant five times, and trust me, every year I walked away with an important life lesson. When I began my journey at NAM, I was an eleven year-old girl with panic attacks. I had no idea what to expect, I just wanted to do something that would get me outside of my comfort zone. I left that year with a newfound confidence and amazing friends! I continued coming back four years. Although I didn’t always win, I always had a blast!
Girls, this experience is so amazing. Please take advantage of every opportunity. I encourage you to introduce yourself to other contestants! Make it your goal to meet a new friend, who can go through this journey with you. Friends make this pageant so much fun! I met my best friend at the pageant in 2005, and now we see each other every summer!
My advice to you is to have fun! Don’t get caught up in the stress and miss all of the fun! Be yourself and relax! God has brought you to this point for a reason! Remember that God’s plans are perfect! Good luck and have fun! God bless!
First off, congratulations on being a state finalist. What an honor! This weekend has a lot in store, from rehearsals to competitions and even a party. Get to know the other contestants and make new friends. I can’t wait to meet each and every one of you this weekend!
Nationals were amazing. While I was honored to be second runner up, one of the funnest things we did was tour Hollywood. And what fun we had at crazy themed rehearsals!
As you compete this weekend, never forget to have a smile on your face and your shoulders held back. No matter what the outcome this weekend I know God has a plan for each and every one of you. While at times it might be hard to know this, it’s very true. We must be patient and wait. Remember this weekend is but one step along the path God has chosen for you.
My sincere wish for each of you is that you will make memories that you can share all your life. I hope you know you are a winner simply for being here, so hold your head high and take with you experiences that will help shape you into the person you can be.
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.
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
Welcome!! My name is Erin Marie McCracken and I am very proud to be your 2009 National American Miss South Carolina Princess Queen. It seems like only yesterday I was standing where you are today, full of hopes and dreams.
I want to congratulate you for making it as a National American Miss state finalist. What an accomplishment! This will be such an amazing experience and you will make so many new friends! So treasure each moment – it will go by way too fast!
This year has been the most amazing year a girl could ever wish for. I have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people and make so many great friends! I attended the National pageant in sunny California with my beautiful sister queens and we had a BLAST! Not only did we have a day in Disneyland and tour Hollywood, we got to go shopping on Rodeo Drive! Wow!!! I also got to represent NAM and our beautiful state of South Carolina at various pageants and parades and Open Calls. I will never forget this great year I’ve experienced with National American Miss!
Girls, be EXCITED! This is the experience of a lifetime! So good luck and remember to have fun and cherish every moment! You ROCK!!
Serving as your National American Miss North Carolina Preteen Queen 2009-1010 has truly been a blessing and the most rewarding experience of my life. National American Miss has provided me with so many opportunities in this past year. I have had the chance to touch the lives of many, and make a difference in one way or another. I have made lifelong friends that I will forever treasure and overall, I have grown as an individual. This organization is not only dedicated to promoting America’s greatness and encouraging its future leaders, but it is also an outlet for young women to gain confidence, experience and communication skills as they reach out to their communities.
I know Nationals held in sunny Anaheim, California is a week I certainly won’t forget. I made a ton of new friends, and did some sightseeing. I went to Disneyland and met the unthinkable creatures and characters that I had once read in a storybook. The Hollywood Tour was just as breathtaking. My family and I went to the Walk of Fame, Santa Monica Beach, and did some window shopping on the streets of Hollywood. It is truly amazing how an experience like this can be both exhilarating and humbling all at once.
To my sister queens, it has been a privilege to know you. You have all made such great role models and I know for a fact, that one day, you will reach the hills of success. To whom this year would have never been so fantastic or even possible without the one and only, Matt Leverton. Matt – thank you for all of your support and kindness- you ROCK! To the National American Miss Faculty: Thank you for putting together such a wonderful program for us girls. Out of all of the pageants I’ve been in, this one has simply been the best! Situ- Thank you for always cheering me on, making me laugh and simply just being my sister. You make everything seem so easy and fun and with you by my side, nothing is impossible. Mom and Dad- I can’t express how much you mean to me and I don’t think I ever will be able to. You have always been there for me and given me something to look forward to. I am who I am because of you. Thank you for your unconditional love, and support.
As I prepare to turn the page on this chapter in my life, I look back on my Miss NC experience as one of personal growth, opportunity and a foundation on which I will build my future. As my year comes to an end, I know my journey as only begun. Riding in parades, making appearances, and doing community service with my embedded crown and banner is something I will miss doing, but I will not forget that this title has opened many doors. I look forward to the upcoming journey with great anticipation. To the people of North Carolina, thank you so much for a wonderful year. I am truly grateful and blessed to have represented you in every step I take. Last but not least, to my fellow contestants. You are ALL winners and no matter what happens this weekend, look on it as a learning experience. To my successor, have a wonderful year and use this title wisely. For the last time, I am your reigning National American Miss North Carolina Preteen Queen 2009-1010.
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
On June 3rd, The Miss Oregon Queens made their first appearance together in the Rose Festival Junior Rose Parade which is the largest children’s parade in the country. Gabriella Torkonoo (Princess Queen), Madeline Monlux (Jr. Pre Teen Cover Girl)
National American Miss Oregon Queens Make Their First Appearance!
and Summer Pilcher (Jr. Teen Queen) walked the three mile parade route, waving and enjoying time spent together as sister queens!
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.
