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

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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.

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* 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.

Hannah Jacks, Miss South Carolina Jr. Teen Queen, says farewell to her year of service!

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Dear Contestants,

Congratulations, and welcome to the Miss South Carolina Pageant! I am truly looking forward to meeting each and every one of you. This weekend is going to be very exciting and an adventure you will always remember!

Being Miss SC Jr. Teen has been such a blessing to me. It allowed me the opportunity to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House Charities, making pop tab bracelets, which helped to raise money for the organization. I also volunteered for Big Brothers Big Sisters at their Bowl for Kid’s Sake and helped at the spring 2015 Special Olympics. All the while, meeting some amazing people along the way!

Going to Nationals in California is an experience I will never forget! From competing with the best of the best to touring the streets of Hollywood, my time at Nationals is something I will treasure forever! I can honestly say I have made friendships that will last a lifetime.

Remember to always smile, have fun, and make as many new friends as you can. Above all else, believe in yourself. You are already a winner!

As my journey comes to an end and a new one begins for one of you special girls, I wish you all the best life can bring!

Wishing you the Best Always,

Hannah Jacks

Farewell from your 2013 Miss North Carolina Princess, Niyah Marie Smith.

Farewell from your 2013 National American Miss North Carolina Princess, Niyah Marie Smith.

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TeachBoysandGirlsSuccessProgramWow! Being the 2013 Miss North Carolina Princess has been an experience like no other. From the moment I first arrived at the 2013 NAM pageant last year, I knew that I would forever be changed. I met the most amazing girls, had a great time, and met friends that would last a life time.
During this past year, I have been able to give back to my community and volunteer my time reading to young children at the Jordan Center, assist with the book mobile, travel to Charlotte, to work with the Teach Boys and Girls Success program, volunteer at the light the night walk for the leukemia and lymphoma society, meet the governor of North Carolina, march in the MLK parade, attend the North Carolina open calls and training sessions, and get to know my wonderful North Carolina sister queens.
My trip to the National Pageant in Anaheim, California was amazing! I got to meet girls from all over the US, go to Disneyland for the first time, tour Hollywood, and hang out with my new friends. I even made it to the top ten finalists. Not bad for my first nationals ever!
To each and every one of you, I want to say, shoot for the stars, no one can stop you from reaching your full potential, and to my successor, enjoy your year of reign, you will never be the same.

I am your 2013 Miss North Carolina Princess, Niyah Marie Smith.

2013 Miss Georgia Jr. Teen, Olivia Landrum, looks back on her year.

2013 National American Miss Georgia Jr. Teen Queen, Olivia Landrum, looks back on her year.

Abraham Lincoln once said, “It’s not the years in the life, it’s the life in the years.” Believe me when I say that no amount of pageant or interview preparation could have prepared me for the amazing journey this title has taken me on. From the outpouring of love and support from strangers, friends and loved ones, to the countless community volunteer hours I logged, my journey was a fulfilling and rewarding one.
First I collected all of the books and school supplies donated at the pageant last year and distributed them throughout my community. A couple of months later, I was able to collect household supplies from the students at my school and donate them to the troops and their families at the Fisher House in my hometown. Next, I made a trip to the capital to meet out governor. Throughout my reign I also participated in parades with my sister queens, helped out with the NAM staff and traveled 2,052.48 miles across country to compete at Nationals held in Anaheim, California. I cannot help but believe that my overall experience this year was God’s way of truly preparing me for the rest of my life’s journey.
It’s not the crown that defines you, but what you have inside that counts. Remember girls, ‘the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams,’ so dream on.

With Georgia on my mind,

Olivia Landrum
2013 Miss Georgia Jr. Teen

Megan Ebert, National American Miss North Carolina says farewell.

Megan Ebert, National American Miss North Carolina Miss Queens says farewell.

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Megan Ebert.JPG11My year as the National American Miss North Carolina is one that I will never forget. I was able to spend time and get to know some of my sister queens and other state royalty at open calls for NC and SC, as well as at Nationals.
Having the privilege of meeting our Governor Pat McCrory and the Burlington Mayor Ronnie Wall. I had a blast volunteering and helping raise funds for the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure with two of my sister queens, as well as delivering bears and other personal items to the Ronald McDonald house for the families. I was able to enjoy a beautiful summer evening with some of sister queens at a Greensboro Grasshopper Baseball Game at their annual Princess Night. Nationals was an experience I will never forget. Placing in the top 10 at Nationals was a true blessing and the friendships made during that week will last a lifetime!
To my director Matt and his wonderful staff, thank y’all so much for all y’all have done for me and my family. It’s hard to believe that nine years ago I stepped foot on the National American Miss stage for the very first time as a shy pre-teen, and very soon I will stand on the same stage for the last time as a confident, growing young woman!
To every young lady who competes in National American Miss, no matter what age division your in or what state you reside in. Always remember that you are fearfully and wonderfully made, and you are beautiful just they way you are! Never given up your hopes and dreams, because if you can dream than you can achieve it!
I look forward to meeting all the NC contestants this week!!
Much love always,
Megan Ebert
Miss North Carolina

2013 Miss Kentucky Jr. Pre-Teen Hannah Martin says farewell to her year as Queen.

2013 National American Miss Kentucky Jr. Pre-Teen Queen Hannah Martin says farewell to her year as Queen.

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Miss Kentucky Jr PreTeen- Hannah Martin - Volunteers of America book donations

Miss Kentucky Jr PreTeen - Hannah Martin - volunteer service at Volunteers of America

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Hannah_Martin_KY_Jr_Preteen_Governor_BrashearAfter five years of hard work and dedication, I was overwhelmed with emotion to be crowned your 2013 Miss Kentucky Junior Preteen. It has been an incredible year with many wonderful experiences. I was truly honored to represent my state for National American Miss.
I had the opportunity to meet several community and state leaders. Touring the state capital with my sister queens and meeting Governor Brashear was a great experience.
I loved supporting my community at festivals, parades and fundraising events. I was excited to raise over $1,000 for breast cancer awareness with my NAM bake sale. I also collected books and helped comfort children at the Volunteers of America emergency shelter.
The national pageant in California was amazing. I had so much fun with the contestants and their families at Disneyland. I think my parents had fun too! Seeing the stars on the Hollywood walk of fame and shopping in Coconut Grove was a blast!
I was honored to place second runner up in casual wear modeling and first runner up as the most promising model at nationals.
I made so many new friends this year. Olivia, Miss Indiana, and Maddie, Miss Kansas, you will be my life-long friends. To my sister queens, Aaniyah, Brooke, and Savannah, I am so blessed to have shared this journey with you and you will always have a place in my heart.
A very special thanks to my mom and dad for supporting my dream. You are always encouraging me to do my best and never give up. Thanks to my friend, Gracie, who is more like a big sister. You are always there and even made the trip to California to cheer me on.
Thanks to Matt Leverton for being a wonderful state director and role model for so many young girls. I will remember this year forever.
To my successor, embrace this year and enjoy every moment.
Until next time,

I am your 2013 Miss Kentucky Junior PreteenHannah Martin.

Tennessee Pre-Teen Anna Grace Smith says farewell.

Tennessee Pre-Teen Queen Anna Grace Smith says farewell.

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Anna headshot2013Just one short year ago, I started the most amazing journey when I was crowned your National American Miss Tennessee Preteen queen. I had no idea at that special moment how much fun and what an honor the following year of service would be. Meeting Governor Haslam, and volunteering over 700 hours with Boys & Girls Clubs, Second Harvest, The Multiple Sclerosis Society and my own organization, Queens for a Cure and making appearances all over the great state of Tennessee with my sister queens have been times I will always cherish. Nationals in California were a fantastic experience where I walked the famed streets of Hollywood, met Mario Lopez at the Farmers Market, enjoyed Disneyland with my NAM Preteen besties, Lauren, Claire and Gracie and of course competed for the National American Miss Preteen title. All the rehearsals and parties were so much fun and Mr. Matt, you truly are the most fun and awesome state director EVER! You don’t know how much I appreciate you dressing to match my formal dress at nationals (even if it wasn’t planned) and I will never forget seeing you dance on stage at nationals! Ava, you are my cute little Princess. Taylor, I love to watch you dance, and our spontaneous swim parties are so much fun. Alex, you are such an inspiration to me and I love singing, volunteering and just hanging out with you. Sarah, you are an amazing role model. You are all amazing and fun sister queens, and you all inspire me to do more in my community and be a better person. I love you all! I am thankful for the best parents, grandparents and sisters a girl could have. Thank you for always supporting me and cheering me on at everything I do. Mom, you are my biggest inspiration because you are always there encouraging me to reach for the stars and you do so much to help others. Olivia, Macie, Kate, Kelsie, Sarah, Cade, Tyler, Ms Christa and Mrs. Jennifer, you are such wonderful friends and inspirations to me. I am blessed and love you all! Most of all I thank my Lord and Savior because I could not do any of this without Jesus Christ. It is through Him that all things are possible. To my successor – enjoy every minute of your year of service and remember that it is an honor and a privilege to wear this crown. You are a role model and an inspiration to everyone you meet. You will make many new friends and have experiences you will remember always. Take lots of pictures because this next year will go by faster than you can blink. You have the most awesome director and team, so take all the advice they offer. Have fun! Thank you Mr. Matt and the whole Tennessee NAMILY and staff– you are all so much fun and I have truly had the time of my life this past year. For the last time, I am your 2012 Miss Tennessee Preteen, Anna Grace Smith.