Farewell from our 2010 National American Miss Georgia Teen Queen, Amanda Moreno.

To this day, I vividly remember having my name called as the new National American Miss Georgia Teen. After years of hard work, it all payed off and I knew all eyes were now on me. Being Queen was my dream and I was ready to work hard to be the best teen representative I could be.

To this day, I vividly remember having my name called as the new National American Miss Georgia Teen. After years of hard work, it all payed off and I knew all eyes were now on me. Being Queen was my dream and I was ready to work hard to be the best teen representative I could be.

Nationals was one of the best weeks of my life. Meeting all my sister queens, touring Hollywood and meeting my future boss, Mickey Mouse, were just a few of the highlights. There I was, standing in front of the Disney castle… yet I was the one being honored as a Princess. From the late night girl talks, to the early morning dance rehearsals… our Teen Queen representatives from across the nation are the best! On finals night, I was honored as 1st Runner Up to the National Queen’s title! I was so excited for my ranking, and ready for a nap!

The title of Miss Georgia opened up so many doors for me. Whether being featured in Champions Magazine, or being the emcee/host for the annual Boys & Girls Club Super Saturday Night… my year was dedicated to inspiring others. My favorite volunteer opportunity came from creating the True Beauty Movement (www.facebook.com/TrueBeautyMovement). The movement was created in order to help girls find their inner beauty and understand that “beautiful” is who you are… not what you look like. I was so honored and shocked to see that within one week of creation, we had over 200 girls post their picture to our page with the “no make-up, white t-shirt, jeans” look and many made videos to inspire others.

My year would not have been possible without the love and support of many. Mr. Matt and NAM staff, you all produce a life changing experience for girls all over the country. From helping me fix my hair back stage, to spending hours perfecting my intro… you all were always there with open arms and just the right final touches. Miss Meredith Boyd, you always knew just how to make me look like a Princess and make me feel like one, too. Don Baker, my accomplishments at state and nationals would not have been possible without your coaching. You have always believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself – and for that I am forever grateful. To all my sister queens, what a year we have had! You all are so beautiful and I know that you will always have a special place in my heart. Sarah, my big sister – my journey would not have been as memorable without you! Whether we were celebrating your “birthday” at the Hard Rock, or planning for your wedding…. you always stood as my role model and hero. Momma and Daddy, can you believe that this year has gone by so fast? I am so blessed to have such a supportive team like you two. Not only are you always the biggest fans on Team Amanda, but y’all always know the right thing to say, and are always there helping me be the best Amanda I can be. I will always be your little girl. Most of all, I would like to give my thanks to God – for without Him, none of this would have been possible. I have been taken on an amazing journey, and with God’s guidance I have grown into the young lady I am today.

Contestants, get ready! It is your time to shine, and I know you can do this. Spend the next few days enjoying the journey – and focused on the blessings ahead of you. National American Miss is like no other and I am so glad to welcome you to our family. The crown will only last for a year, but the friendships you make will be forever. I challenge you to always strive for your best and remember that with hard work and in due time… all our dreams can become reality. To my successor, I can tell you that there are simply not enough days in a year. Throughout your year, you will be referenced to as a “princess,” and a true princess comes from within. It’s not the bend of your hair, the size of your dress, or the color of your eye shadow that you will be remembered for…. you will be remembered for the memories you make and the influences you make on other’s life. It is a hard job, but it is worth it each and every day. You now represent every girl in your state – a big responsibility, but an even bigger blessing. Work hard, stay humble, always smile, and inspire many. Now… all eyes are on you.

God’s Love,
Amanda Moreno

Madison Wheat, Tennessee Jr. Teen Queen, served as a Master of Ceremonies for the 2010 American Girl Doll Fashion Show benefiting Special Olympics Tennessee.

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.

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.

2010 Miss Tennessee Kacey Stark works with Loaves & Fishes Christian Food Ministry, Inc.

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.

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.

National American Miss North Carolina Jr.Teen Queen, Rachel Earley works with S.W.E.E.T. Revenge Diabetes Support Group.

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.

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.

2010 National American Miss Tennessee Princess Queen Alajah Gilbert spends her time at a nursing home.

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

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.

Miss Oregon Pre-Teen Alison Kotila’s farewell.

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.

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

National American Miss Oregon Pre-Teen Queen Alison Kotila works with Providence Center for Medically Fragile Children.

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.

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.

South Carolina Jr.Pre-Teen National American Miss Queen Jada Orr participates in Beach Sweep.

Jada was able to participate in a weekend long activity that involved cleaning up the South Carolina beaches.

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.

North Carolina National American Miss Pre-Teen Queen Kristen Johnson volunteering at Second Harvest Food Bank.

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.

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.