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Mary Katherine Kunz 2009 National American Miss South Carolina Teen Queen Farewell

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.

2009 Jr. Pre-Teen NAM Cover Girl Catherine Dixon Farewell

Dear Contestants,

Congratulations and welcome to the 2010 North and South Carolina State Pageant! My experience with National American Miss has been phenomenal!

The National American Miss family has been so nice to me. Thanks for letting me have this opportunity! I would like to send a big shout-out to my family for all their love and support! Thanks you guys! And most of all, I thank God for letting me have this opportunity of a lifetime!

Every part of the pageant was rewarding, but my favorite parts were the personal introduction and interviewing with the judges. Getting on stage and telling them how my first grade teacher called me her Renaissance Girl because she knew I liked “doing it all” was very exciting! I felt privileged to be on the stage as your 2009 Cover Girl! My advertising sponsors were truly impressed with the motto and purpose of National American Miss and I am so pleased to be a part of this family oriented organization!

Nationals was so fun! It was an honor to be crowned as National Cover Model in Anaheim, CA! There were so many exciting events! At rehearsals, we “pumped up the party” with fun attire such as pajamas, crazy hair and patriotic clothing! I even got to meet and take a picture with Ms. Kathleen Mayes and Ms. Dawn Lee Costa. We went to Hollywood and even went on a tour, but the part I liked best was meeting girls from across the country! I was amazed by how much we had in common. These are all memories that I will keep close to me forever!

I am positive you will have an extraordinary experience with National American Miss! I enjoyed raising money for Boys Farm, a Christian home for boys and Berkeley Citizens in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, that supports children with special needs. It was very rewarding to help people. Just remember: In South Carolina, there are smiling faces and beautiful places, but no matter where you are, you should always let your inner beauty shine through! Good luck and I hope you enjoy your wild journey with National American Miss as much as I have!

Your 2009 Jr. Pre-Teen Cover Girl

Catherine Dixon

Jocelyn Ganzert 2009 National American Miss North Carolina Pre-teen Cover Girl Farewell

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Hello National American Miss Pre-teen Contestants!

I believe the memories made at the NAMISS pageant have not only helped me build the confidence and skills I needed to grow, but also helped me create lifelong friends, and meet some extremely, amazing people in the process!

My reign as North Carolina Pre-teen Covergirl began at the State Pageant last summer and continued to Nationals, where I was crowned National Pre-teen Covergirl in November 2009. This year has been absolutely amazing! I loved going out there and representing my home state at Nationals in Anaheim, California and meeting so many great girls and their families. Being a representative of NAMISS, I also was given the opportunity to really give back to my community through volunteering. I was honored to volunteer with the ALS Association – Catfish Hunter Chapter. I started my own Walk Team to defeat ALS, which is also known Lou Gehrig’s disease, and my team raised thousands of dollars. It felt extremely wonderful to be given a chance to help raise money to fight that terrible disease.

First, I would like to thank God and my family for helping me to create these memories. I also want to especially thank my sister Aidan, for supporting me through it all – I wouldn’t have a leg to stand on without you! Also, special thanks to my friends for supporting me throughout State and Nationals! Thank you to Matt Leverton for all you do for this pageant and thank you to all who supported me along the way!

Most importantly to all the contestants this year, it’s your time to truly shine! I encourage you to make this weekend something you will never forget! Good luck to all!

Yours Truly,

Jocelyn Ganzert

National American Miss

North Carolina Pre-teen Cover Girl

2009 National American Miss North Carolina Teen Queen Staci Alden Farewell Letter

Hello 2010 Contestants & Families!

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

Staci Alden

Sabrina Lercara 2009 National American Miss South Carolina Jr. Teen Farewell

I truly loved being a queen. I have had a wonderful year as National American Miss Junior Teen Miss South Carolina. I had the opportunity to meet new people and experience new things. I made a lot of appearances during my year and my favorite ones were going to see Governor Sanford, going to see our soldiers deport for Kuwait from Eagle Aviations and visiting the elderly at Lexington Medical Extended Care Facility. Seeing the smiles on their faces when they saw me made me feel so good; this was truly the most rewarding thing in my life thus far. It has been a privilege to have been able to work in my community. It has given me a sense of accomplishment seeing that I can make a difference. I also had a blast at Nationals in California. We went to Disneyland and toured Hollywood. I even got to meet “Johnny Depp”! I can’t wait to do it all over again soon. I want to thank all of my family members; especially my mom and dad. Mom: I will always love you no matter how big I get for my gowns, so to speak. I know at times I have tried your patience and pushed your buttons. I know now that you are tireless as a Mother and you are my role model. You always encourage me to do my best and when I am disappointed you lift me up. Dad: thank you for always coming to support me and putting up with all the drama and finding a way of getting my gowns bought no matter the cost. From the bottom of my heart I thank you both, you are my heroes. To the newly crowned Junior Teen Miss South Carolina, the next year of your life will be amazing. This title has meant so much to me and I hope that it will find the same happiness that it has brought me. Have fun during your reign and enjoy your pageant family. Chase your dreams, not someone else’s. Enjoy your year because it truly does go by in the blink of an eye. To all the contestants, you are all truly winners. No crown proves that each and every one of you are beautiful in a million ways. Always stay true to yourself and never give up. And finally a huge thank you to Matt Leverton and everyone at National American Miss, you guys are phenomenal!

2009 National American Miss South Carolina Princess Queen Erin McCracken Farewell

Hi Girls!

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!!

With love,

Erin McCracken

2009 National American Miss Pre-Teen Shivali Patel Farewell

Hello Everyone,

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.

Sincerely,

Shivali Ashvin Patel

2009 National American Miss North Carolina Teen Queen Staci Alden Farewell Letter

Hello 2010 Contestants & Families!

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.

Sincerely,

Your 2009 National American Miss North Carolina Teen

Staci Alden

2009 National American Miss Pre-Teen Cover Girl – Briahna Wick – Farewell

Dear contestants and families,

    Congratulations girls, you are now involved in an outstanding pageant system! Just last year I was given the tremendous honor of being crowned your 2009-2010 National American Miss Oregon pre-teen Cover Girl, and what a fun, exciting and truly amazing year it has been! As my state’s pre-teen Cover Girl I was able to do many spectacular things with my title. Such as ride in my hometowns annual Beachcomber Days Parade, go to the Washington state pageant as visiting royalty, volunteered to wrap presents for the South Lincoln County Childrens Christmas Program and volunteered at the 19th annual R.S.V.P. Chocolate Classics. I was very privileged to be able to have such a great time meeting new people and making a difference in my community. It was a great opportunity to be able to represent my state and National American Miss and I thank everyone that has helped me out along the way.
    Thank you so much to my sponsors and to those who gave me all the support. Thank you so much to my family, I cannot even begin to explain how much I appreciate what you have done. You have allowed me to make the most of my year and not only that, but have given me the greatest opportunity to follow my dreams and support me in whatever I choose to do. You are truly the best.
    Believe me when I tell you pageant weekend will be full of long lasting friends and fun memories. You will learn so much about yourself and learn skills that will help you in life with whatever you choose to do. I want you to always remember, no mater what the outcome, that you should always follow your dreams and keep trying, because you can do anything, no challenge is impossible.

Good luck and best wishes,

-Briahna Wick

2009 National American Miss Oregon Teen Queen – Kelli McBee – Farewell

Hello Miss Oregon Teen contestants and families!

I can’t believe it’s been a year since I was crowned Miss Oregon Teen and my incredible journey began. During my reign, I spoke at club meetings and retirement centers, read books to children, rode in parades, hosted a Queen’s Day at our local Children’s Museum, served food at the Ronald McDonald House, helped at the National Night Out, and went to Vegas to watch Miss America with my mom and grandma.

I had a blast competing and meeting new friends at the National Pageant in California! After an exhausting but fun-filled week, I placed third in the Top Model competition and won the prestigious Golden Achievement in Service Award for my Books for Soldiers drive, for which I mailed 1500 books to soldiers overseas.

None of my accomplishments this year would have been possible without the loving support of my family. Mom and Dad, you are the foundation of my life and I owe so much to you. Brian and Patrick, you two are the most supportive brothers a girl could have; thank you for being troopers at all of these girlie competitions. I love you all and appreciate your influence in making me the woman I’ve become.

To my grandparents, friends, and Ben, thank you for making this year so memorable with your love and support. Matt Leverton and NAM staff, thank you for hosting a pageant that truly influences girls’ lives. To my sister queens Summer, Alex, Madeline, and Gabriella: you girls are the best! I’ve had such a blast on all our adventures with each of you this year and will miss our get-togethers!

To all of the contestants, this weekend will bring so many gifts to you. Embrace each opportunity and challenge yourselves to become your personal best. The skills you will learn over pageant weekend will be useful for the rest of your lives! And to my successor, have fun taking advantage of all the opportunities that this honor presents; your year will fly by and fill your life with memories. Keep shining your light on the world!

I have had the time of my life representing Oregon for the past year.

Your Miss Oregon Teen 2009,

Kelli McBee