A final word from your 2010 National American Miss South Carolina Teen Queen, Kelsey Nyman.

National American Miss has given me the opportunity of a lifetime and I feel extremely blessed to have been a part of such an incredible organization. Thank you for allowing me to represent NAM and serve you this year as your Miss South Carolina Teen Queen.

I cannot believe that my reign as your South Carolina Teen Queen is coming to an end. Time as flown by and I have thoroughly enjoyed representing South Carolina and this incredible organization that makes girl’s dreams come true.

Recently, my family adopted a 12 year old boy from Ukraine. I soon felt compelled to reach out to orphans. Teaching dance to abandoned kids in Children’s Homes in South Carolina has been a huge blessing in my life. I have seen these children given the opportunity to escape their challenges and find a hope in expressing themselves through dance. I have also had the privilege of working with many nursing homes. My life has been blessed as I have spent time building friendships with these elders and children this year.

The National pageant in Anaheim California was an experience that I will never forget. I soon realized that NAM girls are women whose beauty is reflected from their heart rather than just their appearance. I met some amazing girls at nationals whom I respect and know will make a huge difference in this world.

As for my sister queens, you are all amazing and beautiful girls who inspire me everyday. Thank you for partnering with me to help represent South Carolina. Megan and Marissa, Nationals was a blast and I’m so thankful for our friendship. Astoria, thank you for being my other half in this journey and helping me represent the Carolinas. You make me want to be a better queen. Matt, I couldn’t have asked for a better director. You always add so much joy and life to this organization and we are lucky to have you guide us along our amazing journey as queens. To my supportive family, thank you for being my biggest fan club and always cheering me on, especially making the extra trip to California. Lastly I thank my Lord and Savior for giving me the opportunity to bring him glory through NAM.

To my successor, I already know that you will be an incredible queen who will make both NAM and myself very proud. Remember to take every opportunity that comes your way because it will be gone in a flash. Know where your true beauty lies and seek to share that with others. I’m so excited for your new journey!

National American Miss has given me the opportunity of a lifetime and I feel extremely blessed to have been a part of such an incredible organization. Thank you for allowing me to represent NAM and serve you this year as your Miss South Carolina Teen Queen.

Always Your NAM South Carolina Teen Queen 2010-2011,

Kelsey Nyman

2010 National American Miss North Carolina Staci Alden says farewell.

This year has gone by so fast! It’s hard to believe that just one year ago, I was named the 2010 National American Miss North Carolina.

This year has gone by so fast! It’s hard to believe that just one year ago, I was named the 2010 National American Miss North Carolina. I began competing in pageants when I was 12 years old, and my very first pageant was NAM. I instantly fell in love with the organization and have become a better person because of it. I owe many thanks to National American Miss and all it has done for me. These past 12 months I stayed very busy with my title doing many things. I have volunteered with the American Cancer Society, New Hanover Girl Scouts, B.R.A.Y.S. Love, and a few other charitable organizations. I have been met so many wonderful people whom I will stay friends with forever. Representing North Carolina at the National pageant in California was a blast! Best of all, I have been able to speak out about a topic that is very near and dear to my heart, self esteem and having a healthy body image. It wasn’t until I competed in National American Miss that I began to gain a healthy body image and I wanted to share that message with other young women. Therefore, I chose to give a speech in the Spokesmodel competition at the National pageant about body image and share my story. I am honored to say that I ended up winning the title of National Spokesmodel! As the outgoing North Carolina Miss queen, it is my last year competing in the National American Miss system and I often reflect on everything NAM has taught me. Aside from the obvious skills one gains in National American Miss (interview, public speaking, poise, self esteem, etc.), I have learned more than that. I have learned that a crown does not make you a winner. I have learned how to lose. I have learned that everything happens for a reason. I have learned how to be a leader. I have learned that no matter how distant a dream may seem, it is always within reach. I owe National American Miss everything and I will forever be grateful. To the NAM staff, and especially Matt Leverton, a million thanks for everything! You all are truly the best!! To the 2011 contestants, you are about to have the time of your life! Take in every opportunity to try something new, make friends, and have fun because it goes by too fast! Come pageant weekend, the most important thing is not whether you take home a crown and banner. It is about the intangible that you take home: memories, new skills, friendships, and a newfound self confidence. Good luck to each and every one of you! Smile and have fun! “To love someone is great. To love oneself is even greater.”

Love, Staci Alden
2010 National American Miss North Carolina