teen – Matt Leverton’s National American Miss (NAM) Pageants Blog

2016 Miss Georgia Teen Imani Johnson speaks at Georgia American Legion of Woodstock

On August 18th, 2016 Miss Georgia Teen, Imani Johnson spoke to Veterans and students on behalf of her experiences at the Georgia Girls State summer program, which she attended on a full scholarship presented by the Woodstock American Legion.

2016 Miss Georgia Teen Imani Johnson American Legion

Imani was awarded for her accomplishments during her week of study. Imani was also the only young woman from her district the attend this summer program, so it is her mission to get more young women involved in Georgia Girls State program under the Opportunities category of her platform The C.O.N.Q.U.E.R.O.R. Movement.

2016 Miss Georgia Teen Imani Johnson raises money for Habitudes Leadership Curriculum

On November 12, 2016 Miss Georgia Teen Imani Johnson hosted a benefit dinner theatre to raise money for the Habitudes Leadership Curriculum to go to students in India.

2016 Miss Georgia Teen Imani Johnson Habitudes Leadership Curriculum

The Habitudes Leadership Curriculum is a series of books written by Dr. Tim Elmore that teach students about setting goals, not giving into peer pressure, and learning from failures.

The dinner was sponsored by RRHS Beta Club, KOTRT, Big Girls Catering, and the Cherokee Theater company who performed a play called “Death by Chocolate.”

2016 Miss Georgia Teen Imani Johnson Donates School Supplies to Y.E.L.L.S.

2016 Miss Georgia Teen, Imani Johnson, donated school supplies to Yells Organization.

2016 Miss Georgia Teen Imani Johnson Yells

Y.E.L.L.S. stands for Youth Empowerment through learning, leadership and service.

Imani will also be speaking to the students involved with the program in the coming weeks about believing in themselves.

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

Samantha Sayar Samantha Sayar.jpg2 Samantha Sayar.jpg3 Samantha Sayar.jpg4 Samantha Sayar.jpg5 Samantha Sayar.jpg6 Samantha Sayar.jpg7 Samantha Sayar.jpg8 Samantha Sayar.jpg9 Samantha Sayar.jpg10 Dear 2016 Georgia NAM State Finalists,

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

Gabrielle Buchan, looks back on her amazing year as Miss Georgia Junior Teen.

Gabrielle farewell Gabrielle farewell.jpg2 Gabrielle farewell.jpg3 Gabrielle farewell.jpg4 Gabrielle farewell.jpg5 Gabrielle farewell.jpg6 Gabrielle farewell.jpg7 Gabrielle farewell.jpg8 Gabrielle farewell.jpg9 Gabrielle farewell.jpg10 To get something you’ve never had, you must do something you’ve never done.

One year ago, I stole the judge’s hearts, and the crown. My year had just started. I volunteered with many organizations across Georgia. I donated school supplies to DFCS, judged local pageants, worked with my platform KARE, and even partnered with the First Lady of Georgia on her ‘Get Georgia Reading’ program.

The saying is true; time really does fly when you’re having fun. Before I knew it I was on a plane to Anaheim, California. Nationals were nothing short of amazing! I toured the famous streets of Hollywood, spend a day at Disney, and eat dinner with my friends from all across the country. The 50 state Jr. Teen Queens were not just competition, they grew to be my best friends.

Thank you Matt and the NAM staff for turning my dreams into a reality. Gracie, Hannah, Samantha, and Chandler, thank you for showing me what a sisterhood is like. The future holds big things for you all. Mom, thank you for being my coach, hair stylist, and makeup artist. Thank you dad for being my, well, bank account.

To all the Georgia Jr. Teen contestants, you don’t realize how far you can grow in just one weekend. No matter the outcome, you’re doing something remarkable. Hold your head up high and be confidently beautiful.

To my Successor, this year will no doubt be one of the best years of your life. You’ll meet people who will change your life forever, cherish every moment, and take LOTS of pictures!

For the last time, I am your 2015 Miss Georgia Junior Teen, Gabrielle Buchan.

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.

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.

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.

Jessica Johnson.jpg3 Jessica Johnson.jpg4 Jessica Johnson.jpg5 Jessica Johnson.jpg6 Jessica Johnson.jpg7 Jessica Johnson.jpg8 Jessica Johnson.jpg9 Jessica Johnson.jpg10 Jessica Johnson.jpg11 Jessica Johnson.jpg12 Jessica Johnson.jpg13 Jessica Johnson.jpg14 Jessica Johnson2 My name is Jessica Johnson, the reigning Miss NC Pre-Teen Queen. I am 11 years old, in the 5th grade at Highland Creek Elementary in Charlotte, preparing to graduate and attend Northwest School of the Arts, majoring in theatre. Some of my school accomplishments include:

* 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.

Miss Kentucky Teen and Pre-Teen attend the 5th annual SHINE Disabilities Formal.

Miss Kentucky Teen and Pre-Teen attend the 5th annual SHINE Disabilities Formal. Miss Kentucky Pre-Teen Landry Feldmeier and Miss Kentucky Teen Becca Osborne were among the celebrity guests on the red carpet for the 5th annual SHINE Disabilities Formal. They had the pleasure of greeting guests who came from miles around to attend this special night for adults with developmental disabilities. The evening allowed for photos, dancing, dinner, games, karaoke, a salon, and a whole lot of fun designed to help make each and every attendee feel special and have a night to SHINE! Each year the event grows and this year was no exception with over 1000 in attendance. Landry and Becca thought it was such a pleasure to see the smiles on everyone’s faces as they truly had a blast!

Miss South Carolina Jr. Pre-Teen Tymia McCullough collects and donates books!

SC2 Miss South Carolina Jr. Pre-Teen Tymia McCullough collects and donates books! Tymia had been collecting book and had the opportunity to give them to her local pediatric office for the kids. While she was there it was brought to her attention that her local pediatric office did not offer books for a variety of ages, so she decided to make this her mission in giving back. Tymia was able to help children pick a book that they would like. Tymia was able to inform the staff on how important it is in helping children find a book to better their education.