This is a video of two different clips from Showbiz Tonight where AJ Hammer and our favorite Inside Edition correspondent, Megan Alexander :-), are talking about the issue girls face today with body image. It's great to have someone out there in the media giving us some positive press about this topic - too often I feel like the message given to girls today is that they have to look a certain way to be successful; so not true!
I received a phone call just yesterday from a young lady who was interested in doing one of the National American Miss state events this year; she was worried that we would not allow her to compete because she has facial acne. On one hand it's hard to get those phone calls because it reminds me of the pressure girls face; on the other hand I'm glad to get those calls because I get to tell girls like her that no, you don't have to look a certain way to be in the NAM program! It's great to be able to tell girls that you are great just the way you are, don't change, be confident in who you are and how you look.
Take a listen and hear what Megan had to say during these interviews:
You can see Megan every night on Inside Edition, www.insideedition.com and frequently on Showbiz Tonight as well.
These e-mails always make me smile! I just got this from one of the girls in last year Miss Alabama NAM pageant:
Hello! This was my first year in NAMiss and I REALLY LOVED It!!! I made so many new friends, not only in the Jr. Teen category, but in the Pre-Teen and Teen too!! I loved meeting everyone!! Before NAMiss, I was the shy, quiet kid who was always to herself and never got up and spoke in front of the class or anyone. Since I participated in the Miss Alabama pageant, my confidence has risen and I'm not afraid to talk to anyone. I am ready to do it again this year!
That's what we are all about over here at NAM - it's so fun to hear the girls say it themselves. Have a great weekend everyone!
Hello! This was my first year in NAMiss and I REALLY LOVED It!!! I made so many new friends, not only in the Jr. Teen category, but in the Pre-Teen and Teen too!! I loved meeting everyone!! Before NAMiss, I was the shy, quiet kid who was always to herself and never got up and spoke in front of the class or anyone. Since I participated in the Miss Alabama pageant, my confidence has risen and I'm not afraid to talk to anyone. I am ready to do it again this year!
That's what we are all about over here at NAM - it's so fun to hear the girls say it themselves. Have a great weekend everyone!
I just uploaded a bunch of new pictures to my NAM Picasa albums. Here are a few of the pics from your Miss California Olivia Jensen at Nationals last year. Check out the albums over at http://picasaweb.google.com/nationalamericanmiss to see more!
I pulled a few fun pics from some of our NAM girls facebook pages. Check out the great picture of Katie Stam, last years Miss America, right after she was proposed to by her boyfriend! That's pretty cool! Great job to your Miss California, Taylor Longbrake, for hustling over to get a picture in the moment. (it's NAM paparazzi!)
There's a fun picture with three of your reigning Miss CA girls, Crystal Navarrete, Danielle Walker and Taylor Longbrake plus the big picture on the bottom is NAM Miss Indiana, Katie Marak. I just thought it was such an awesome photo of Katie Marak that I had to post it over here!
Check our our entire photo stream over on flickr at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/national_american_miss_-_scam/
There's a fun picture with three of your reigning Miss CA girls, Crystal Navarrete, Danielle Walker and Taylor Longbrake plus the big picture on the bottom is NAM Miss Indiana, Katie Marak. I just thought it was such an awesome photo of Katie Marak that I had to post it over here!
Check our our entire photo stream over on flickr at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/national_american_miss_-_scam/
Megan Alexanders interview with the new Miss America, Caressa Cameron in NYC:
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Catch another part of the interview on Inside Editions website: http://www.insideedition.com/videos.aspx?videoid=363
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Catch another part of the interview on Inside Editions website: http://www.insideedition.com/videos.aspx?videoid=363
My wife, Megan Alexander, gets some pretty cool interviews with her job at Inside Edition; this morning she spent time with the new Miss America, Caressa Cameron from Virginia. You can see the full story tonight on Inside Edition - check http://www.insideedition.com/ for times in your city.
Megan said she even let her wear the crown.... but only for a minute! Here's a picture of Megan and Caressa in the Inside Edition studio's here in NYC.
I saw some new pics posted by your Miss Indiana NAM Pre-Teen Queen Bailey J. Perez. Here are a few of the pics, if you are friends with Bailey on Facebook you can see the entire album on her page. Also, be sure and find us on facebook! NAM Brian-Megan Cournoyer - send us a friend request.
Here's Bailey!
Here's Bailey!
Sydney Ricks, your National American Miss Northern California Jr. Pre-Teen Queen, has been out there doing some pretty cool things! Her mom sent over a few pictures that I wanted to share here with you.
"We spent the day at Disneyland with Merrill Diddy and her mom, who we met at the Southern California Pageant (She's Ms Iowa JTP). The girls who participate in this program dream big and I think this photo shows it!!
Sydney visited the American Cancer Society today to donate $178.50 from her Coins for the Cure fundraiser. She received permission from the admimistration of a local high school to speak to the students and get donations during their lunch break. She is planning another Coins for the Cure drive at her school next month and has started a Relay for Life team in honor of her late Uncle Alvin Ricks and her 4 year old friend who is receiving treatment for cancer."
You can check out her blog at http://www.sydneyannricks.com/
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| From Pictures - 1 Jan '10 |
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You can check out her blog at http://www.sydneyannricks.com/
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| From Pictures - 1 Jan '10 |
This is the true meaning of Christmas.....
Olivia Jensen Miss So. California Jr. Pre-Teen was so excited to deliver new bicycles to families that were in terrible need of assistance this Christmas. She writes "I was able to have 10 bicycles donated through the United States Navy to this cause. Together with the US Navy, Toys for Tots, and my Dad and Mom, I made the deliveries Christmas Eve to several different families in San Diego. The experience has given me a whole new meaning to Christmas!
My family and I ended this terrific evening by attending our Christmas Eve Mass and I sang "Do You Hear What I Hear" for the congregation.
I am planning a March for Babies walk April 23-25 in San Diego so please join my team and help save a baby. My team last year raised over $12,000.00 I am pushing for $24,000.00 this year. Also, I am planning to attend the 3 day walk for Susan G. Komen dates will follow soon.
On January 31, 2010 I will be receiving the President's Volunteer Award for my Community Service and also receive the President's Pin. This will be awarded to me here in San Diego. I will post the pictures as soon as the ceremony is completed. Should be great pictures of the President and myself. (I hope so) I know I have been working very hard for several years with my community service to obtain this award."
Many Many Blessings,
Olivia Jean Leigh Jensen
Miss California Jr. Pre-Teen 2009-2010
Morgan Pyfrom, one of our NAMiss All-American Queens from last year was featured on her local news in Louisiana. I got a hold of the clips and uploaded them to YouTube for everyone to see. Here's the footage - nice work Morgan!
Remember a few weeks ago the fun picture of the two girls holding up the big check for the Susan G Komen foundation? I've got a couple more pictures of the two young ladies who did the fund raiser, Victoria Knight - 2009 NAMiss Washington Teen Queen and Kennedy Miller - 2005 NAMiss Washington Princess Queen.
Victoria and Kennedy co-founded a program called Queens for a Cure. (cute title!) The event they held raised $10,111.07 for Susan G Komen for a cure. Victoria and Kennedy had set a goal of $5,000.00 and said "we were overwhelmed when we saw the final amount raised. We had survivor's at the event and they were all recognized and given a pink rose. It was so moving to see the crowd of people with tears in their eyes when the Big Check was brought out with the total."
One Journalist at the event said, "The money is going to the Susan G. Komen for the cure. When the announcement was made I stood up and clapped along with the rest of the audience and my eyes filled with tears. All of this love and support for women they've never met -- hoping someday there will be a cure. That is my hope, too. "Michelle Millman-KIRO News.
National American Miss and Washington are so proud of these young ladies. I'll keep you posted on their next event!
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National American Miss and Washington are so proud of these young ladies. I'll keep you posted on their next event!
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| From NAM - National American Miss Blog |
You will remember a few posts back in October and November in regard to Halie Hite. She was a fantastic Indiana representative who tragically passed away in October of 2009 in a car accident.
I was just forwarded the video below and I had to share it with everyone. Halie was an amazing young lady who I think all of the girls in National American Miss can relate to - this video gives you a great picture of who Halie was. Great job to the friends of Halie's that put it together. Enjoy and always remember this special young lady:
I was just forwarded the video below and I had to share it with everyone. Halie was an amazing young lady who I think all of the girls in National American Miss can relate to - this video gives you a great picture of who Halie was. Great job to the friends of Halie's that put it together. Enjoy and always remember this special young lady:
National American Miss girls are joining in the fundraising effort for Haiti. Here are some pictures we just received from your New York Teen & Miss Queens. They held a fundraiser for Haiti yesterday at the military commissary where they had a bake-sale. In addition to cash donation they also collected canned foods and clothing.
Jazzmin said "We had a great response, as we were able to raise $150 in just two hours! We will be doing this again next weekend!"
Nice work ladies - all proceeds will be going to the UNICEF Haiti Relief Fund.
Jazzmin said "We had a great response, as we were able to raise $150 in just two hours! We will be doing this again next weekend!"
Nice work ladies - all proceeds will be going to the UNICEF Haiti Relief Fund.
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I found a great blog this morning by your 2009 National American Miss New York Kayla Sulla - here is a post from her blog that I copied over here. This is a link directly to her blog if you want to check it out: http://missnewyork2009.blogspot.com/
NAM National Pageant Day 1
I am so sorry for the delay in updating, things have just been rather hectic lately. Over Thanksgiving, I flew to the other side of the country to compete in the National American Miss Pageant which was held in Anaheim, CA for a week. I proudly represented my state and left with quite a few honors and an entire suitcase of trophies.
Day 1:
I had an interesting start to my day. At 7:00 am the fire alarm went off in my hotel (figures the one day I actually could sleep in a little bit!) As it turns out, the sprinkler was set off in the room right across the hall from me. Thankfully, there was no fire but there was a whole ton of nasty stagnant pipe water pouring into the room. Unfortunately, it was my sister queen's room - Miss NY Jr. Teen. My father and I ran in and tried to salvage as much of her stuff from getting ruined. We got out the important things and then turned our attention to chocking the valve to stop the water.
We tried everything in the kitchen, but nothing worked. About ten minutes later, the hotel maintenance guy arrived with the shut off valves which he conveniently dropped on the table then ran out of the room. I gave them to my father and he was able to shut off the sprinkler. We were both soaking wet and covered in debris that had collected in the water while it sat in those pipes for god knows how long. When I left the room the water had run across the hall and was flowing into our room. I told my mom to grab the towels, sheets, anything to absorb the water (this ended up including the very expensive and comfy mattress pads).
To make things worse, my parents shipped all of their clothes before we left so that we could carry my stuff on the plane and the box was conveniently lost by UPS so when we ran into the room with the sprinkler, my dad had on the only clothes he had and had to go down to the lobby and do laundry in his pajamas. Long story short, we ended up having to switch rooms and I ended up getting to registration a little late. I had orientation and got to meet all of my sister queens from the other states. Then competitions started up right away.
I competeted in the optional Spokesmodel competition where I gave a speech about how pressured women feel to look perfect all of the time which has resulted in unnecessary, expensive and painful plastic surgery. I offered a solution that involves confidence building. I didn't place in the top 5 for this competition but I did really well and I got a very high score.
I also had the Top Model Competition which was a photo shoot that took all of 5 minutes. I did really well and was 1st Runner-Up in this competition! Here are just two samples from the shoot:
The night concluded with a 70s Disco Themed Party. Here's a shot of me with my NY sister queens:
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| From NAM - National American Miss Blog |
NAM National Pageant Day 1
I am so sorry for the delay in updating, things have just been rather hectic lately. Over Thanksgiving, I flew to the other side of the country to compete in the National American Miss Pageant which was held in Anaheim, CA for a week. I proudly represented my state and left with quite a few honors and an entire suitcase of trophies.
Day 1:
I had an interesting start to my day. At 7:00 am the fire alarm went off in my hotel (figures the one day I actually could sleep in a little bit!) As it turns out, the sprinkler was set off in the room right across the hall from me. Thankfully, there was no fire but there was a whole ton of nasty stagnant pipe water pouring into the room. Unfortunately, it was my sister queen's room - Miss NY Jr. Teen. My father and I ran in and tried to salvage as much of her stuff from getting ruined. We got out the important things and then turned our attention to chocking the valve to stop the water.
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| From NAM - National American Miss Blog |
We tried everything in the kitchen, but nothing worked. About ten minutes later, the hotel maintenance guy arrived with the shut off valves which he conveniently dropped on the table then ran out of the room. I gave them to my father and he was able to shut off the sprinkler. We were both soaking wet and covered in debris that had collected in the water while it sat in those pipes for god knows how long. When I left the room the water had run across the hall and was flowing into our room. I told my mom to grab the towels, sheets, anything to absorb the water (this ended up including the very expensive and comfy mattress pads).
To make things worse, my parents shipped all of their clothes before we left so that we could carry my stuff on the plane and the box was conveniently lost by UPS so when we ran into the room with the sprinkler, my dad had on the only clothes he had and had to go down to the lobby and do laundry in his pajamas. Long story short, we ended up having to switch rooms and I ended up getting to registration a little late. I had orientation and got to meet all of my sister queens from the other states. Then competitions started up right away.
I competeted in the optional Spokesmodel competition where I gave a speech about how pressured women feel to look perfect all of the time which has resulted in unnecessary, expensive and painful plastic surgery. I offered a solution that involves confidence building. I didn't place in the top 5 for this competition but I did really well and I got a very high score.
I also had the Top Model Competition which was a photo shoot that took all of 5 minutes. I did really well and was 1st Runner-Up in this competition! Here are just two samples from the shoot:
The night concluded with a 70s Disco Themed Party. Here's a shot of me with my NY sister queens:
This was just posed on YouTube and it's too dang cute not to share! This is one of the opening dance numbers from the NAM National Pageant in California. Enjoy!
There is a competition at National American Miss called the Golden Achievement award. So many of our girls do a lot of community service and this is our way to recognize them for it. This was the letter that Karli Bernett turned in at last years show. Karli was the NAM Georgia Teen Queen - great work Karli!
Golden Achievement Essay
Since winning my title as National American Miss Georgia Teen, one of the community service activities that had an impact on me was my work for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. I began by volunteering at the Jerry Lewis Telethon, where I answered phones to collect donations and presented a check for the two thousand dollars I raised myself. It was at the Telethon that I met Laura Beth, a girl who was not much older than me and living with muscular dystrophy.
It was through this chance meeting that the Muscular Dystrophy Association began to hold a more personal and unique place in my heart. Although she was not diagnosed with the disease until the age of eleven and could walk up until six years ago, Laura Beth actually felt blessed. She knew what it felt like to be able to dance, run, and do gymnastics, unlike most kids with MD. Despite her disability, Laura Beth is still ambitious and feels the sense of duty to be a leader.
Laura Beth's story was so inspirational that I was moved to participate in the MDA Walk of Hope. It was an amazing day to see the positive spirit and contagious energy of the people there. I walked on Laura Beth's team and was so glad to be supporting her in whatever way I could. I went on to inform my school and friends of the Association and the crucial role it plays in MD research and support, and they became proud donors and sponsors to the cause.
I would love to continue to work with the Muscular Dystrophy Association in the years to come and volunteer my time and services in the pursuit of a cure. Everyone has goals, dreams, and aspirations in life. Everyone also has their own obstacles that they are presented with, but it is the courage and determination to rise above them that truly makes a person great.
Golden Achievement Essay
Since winning my title as National American Miss Georgia Teen, one of the community service activities that had an impact on me was my work for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. I began by volunteering at the Jerry Lewis Telethon, where I answered phones to collect donations and presented a check for the two thousand dollars I raised myself. It was at the Telethon that I met Laura Beth, a girl who was not much older than me and living with muscular dystrophy.
It was through this chance meeting that the Muscular Dystrophy Association began to hold a more personal and unique place in my heart. Although she was not diagnosed with the disease until the age of eleven and could walk up until six years ago, Laura Beth actually felt blessed. She knew what it felt like to be able to dance, run, and do gymnastics, unlike most kids with MD. Despite her disability, Laura Beth is still ambitious and feels the sense of duty to be a leader.
Laura Beth's story was so inspirational that I was moved to participate in the MDA Walk of Hope. It was an amazing day to see the positive spirit and contagious energy of the people there. I walked on Laura Beth's team and was so glad to be supporting her in whatever way I could. I went on to inform my school and friends of the Association and the crucial role it plays in MD research and support, and they became proud donors and sponsors to the cause.
I would love to continue to work with the Muscular Dystrophy Association in the years to come and volunteer my time and services in the pursuit of a cure. Everyone has goals, dreams, and aspirations in life. Everyone also has their own obstacles that they are presented with, but it is the courage and determination to rise above them that truly makes a person great.
Bittleston Madison - NAM State Finalist from Oregon; volunteered her time throughout her community before last years NAM National Pageant. Her mom Sheila sent over these pics and told us a bit about what she did:
I went to ABC Daycare and preschool before I went to regular school, it was really fun. I made lots of friends, played in the gym, and got to play in the sand box if I was good. Last summer the river flooded and destroyed some of the park. This also caused the weeds to get out of control. Teacher Geri said that I could help out by pulling weeds on the playground. It was really fun. I started at the waterfall and worked down to the park area. I got to work with teacher Colleen. When we were done, there was a big pile of brown, dead weeds. I felt hot, but good. I liked being able to help out ABC.
I went to ABC Daycare and preschool before I went to regular school, it was really fun. I made lots of friends, played in the gym, and got to play in the sand box if I was good. Last summer the river flooded and destroyed some of the park. This also caused the weeds to get out of control. Teacher Geri said that I could help out by pulling weeds on the playground. It was really fun. I started at the waterfall and worked down to the park area. I got to work with teacher Colleen. When we were done, there was a big pile of brown, dead weeds. I felt hot, but good. I liked being able to help out ABC.
Note from Elainey Bass, 2008 National American Miss Virginia Princess Queen:
I volunteered with the leukemia society for the Light the Night walk Program. We raised money to help kids with leukemia; I worked at the kid’s corner. We did face painting, sidewalk games, and colored pictures. It was fun to help with the kids while the parents signed up. Everyone was so happy to see my pretty crown and me. We walked around the town center with red-lighted balloons. It was exciting to be seen from the news helicopter and on TV. It makes me feel really good to help someone. I was kind of sad to see some of the sick children but they were having fun and that made me happy. God bless us all no matter who we are and we are always in his hands.
I volunteered with the leukemia society for the Light the Night walk Program. We raised money to help kids with leukemia; I worked at the kid’s corner. We did face painting, sidewalk games, and colored pictures. It was fun to help with the kids while the parents signed up. Everyone was so happy to see my pretty crown and me. We walked around the town center with red-lighted balloons. It was exciting to be seen from the news helicopter and on TV. It makes me feel really good to help someone. I was kind of sad to see some of the sick children but they were having fun and that made me happy. God bless us all no matter who we are and we are always in his hands.
These are pictures from Gabrielle Allen's community service project for last years National pageant. She was the 2008 National American Miss NJ Princess Queen.
For my project, I knew I wanted to make sick children happy. I know that some kids have to stay in the hospital for a long time, so I wanted to find a way to make that stay more enjoyable. I came up with the idea for “Gabrielle’s Get Well Goodie bags”. I set up a booth at our “East Greenwich Fun Day”; to let people decorate goodie bags with get well wishes, and collect donations (we raised $121). I also, set up collection tubs at my dance studio and gymnasium for coloring books, markers, and crafts, to put in the bags. We took the bags to the Ronald McDonald House and the children loved them! Also, at the Ronald McDonald House we baked cookies, and I hosted an ice cream party where the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of my town came to help scoop ice cream for the children.
For my project, I knew I wanted to make sick children happy. I know that some kids have to stay in the hospital for a long time, so I wanted to find a way to make that stay more enjoyable. I came up with the idea for “Gabrielle’s Get Well Goodie bags”. I set up a booth at our “East Greenwich Fun Day”; to let people decorate goodie bags with get well wishes, and collect donations (we raised $121). I also, set up collection tubs at my dance studio and gymnasium for coloring books, markers, and crafts, to put in the bags. We took the bags to the Ronald McDonald House and the children loved them! Also, at the Ronald McDonald House we baked cookies, and I hosted an ice cream party where the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of my town came to help scoop ice cream for the children.
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