Raising the Sponsor Fee for NAM

I've heard of a lot of different ways that girls go about raising the required sponsor fee to participate in NAM - this one however, is my favorite one yet!!  As you know, the total sponsor fee for NAM is $480.  We encourage girls to go out and talk to local businesses in their community and ask for support as a tax deductive advertising expense for the businesses.

And of course, there's always friends and family to talk to!  We recommend asking 10 people to donate $48 and then you are done!

Here is a video I just found on youtube.  This video was made by the contestant and her family (I'm assuming) and used to e-mail to potential sponsors.  So CUTE!!  Enjoy

NAM - Time for Formal Wear

It's that time of year for everyone - choosing your outfits for pageant weekend and practicing for the competitions.  Here is a great video that just got posted on YouTube - it's simply one contestant doing the formal wear competition but it's a good one to watch.  Great dress, great smile, very natural; over all, very nice job.  I'm guessing she received a high score.

Good luck, hope this is helpful!

2013 Miss California South Open Calls

The 2013 NAMiss California South Open Calls started last night in San Diego!  Check out the full schedule online at www.namiss.com/misscalifornia.  See you there!

Contestants in the News

Send out those press release flyers that you receive with your NAM State Finalist Acceptance Packs.  Here's an article that was just published for Madison Lee out in Alabama.  See you pageant weekend!

http://hooversun.com/articles/national-american-miss/

Victoria Johnson speaking at a Relay for Life event

Victoria Johnson, last year’s 2nd runner up to California Jr. Teen Pageant, was honored to be asked to be a spokesperson and the featured speaker for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for life. She sent me a link to the video of her giving the speech and her mom gave us a little background on how this all came about.  Thanks for sharing!  

"This has been her project for 8 years now and something she has worked very hard to participate in. Over the last 8 years as a team member her and her team have raised over $8,000 yearly. She was also thrilled to win the NAM Volunteer Service Volunteer award at the pageant last year. Her father and Victoria spend many hours volunteering together for many different originations. Her father is Victoria’s and our families hero by becoming a bone morrow donor giving the gift of life to a young man with leukemia."

It's great seeing the NAM girls out making a difference like this and volunteering their time. Here's the video:

National American Miss California Queens, Maile Montillano and Kaysee French (aren't they the cutest in their matching yellow outfits!) helped collect donations for a local goodwill fundraiser.  All of the money raised is going towards an orphan hosting program for the non-profit organization, International Christian Adoptions.  www.4achild.com

We love seeing the NAM banners out there at events like this that make a difference in the communities. Thank you ladies for giving your time and energy to a great organization like the International Christian Adoptions Agency.

NAMiss Maryland featured on the cover of Action Line Magazine

Action Line Magazine is a teacher's magazine printed in Maryland.  This months cover story is about the ever so hot topic of bullying in schools.  Your former NAMiss Maryland Princess & Jr. Pre-Teen Queen Nya Vasquez was featured in the article as well as on the cover of the magazine!  As we always say, it's so COOL to see where NAM girls are making a difference in their communities.

Bullying has become such a popular platform for girls and a hot topic amongst educators and parents in the past 5 years.  I am always proud to see NAM girls out making a big impact in this area.  My personal belief is that a good dose of self-confidence and a support system made up of true friends is the best defense against bullying.  Girls that know who they are and are not just comfortable with themselves but PROUD to be the way they are, just exactly the way they are, have the foundation to better deal with any bullying situation.  Combine that with true friends that feel the same and you're no match for a bully.

If there was ever a better answer to the question, "why should I participate in a National American Miss  pageant?"  Isn't that the best answer?!  Making friends and gaining the confidence through actions in your own abilities by being on stage for NAM competitions and experiencing the workshop, rehearsals, and friendship building parties.  I love what NAM is doing for girls and am so PROUD of girls like Nya in Maryland and others around the country like Jordan Fowler out in California or Amanda Moreno out in Georgia just to name a few.

Keep it up NAM girls!  See you at the Open Calls happening now and looking forward to the pageants this summer!

You can view the entire article in Action Line Magazine online at:  http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/f91c92f8#/f91c92f8/14

Famous in her Own Mind: B.U.L.L.Y. Presents "Project Media"

Bullying has become such a hot topic these days; many girls are taking it up as a platform and doing some really great things for kids around the country.  This morning I found this program called "B.U.L.L.Y. Presents "Project Media".  It just so happens to be run by one of our NAMiss California State Finalists moms!

Famous in her Own Mind: B.U.L.L.Y. Presents "Project Media": Project Media was born under the direction of Courtney O'Steen to show how the media is one of the largest bullies we face today. With the stigmas media produces to be "unrealistically thin" or that gossip is what we should believe. Students explore tabloid magazines and are asked to look for negative stories, negative phrases and anything that is considered harmful to someone's self esteem. Students work in small groups to determine what is fact and what is gossip, they cut out their examples and create media boards to present to their peers. Not only are students able to identify how gossip can lead to bullying, they are also learning to develop public speaking skills that they can foster for future opportunities. 

Miss California is in the new Kia Sorento Commercial

You've probably seen this commercial already and not even realized that your Miss California is one of the girls in the back seat of the car!  Check it out below - NAMiss California Pre-Teen, Ariana Guido.  Ariana has been in quite a few commercials but this is the first one played nationally.

It's always fun seeing where NAM girls pop up.  :-)

Keep up with Ariana - if you can!
facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/anapearlgirl?fref=ts
Twitter:  @thearianaguido
IMDB:  http://www.imdb.me.arianaguido

NAM State Finalist working for Autism Awareness

Great picture we received from the Sterkowitz family - Kacey is out raising money for Autism Awareness.  Great job Kacey - thanks for being part of the NAMily!

Hi guys!  I just wanted to say how much we enjoyed the pageant this year and are already looking forward to next year!  Our daughter, Kacey was featured on your blog from her newspaper articles (Kindergartner excited for first pageant).  She made it to the top ten this year - her first pageant and she is so excited!  I must say that the leadership and communication skills she learned this year are outstanding!  She not only donated 10% of her pageant donations to charity, but also this past month held a charity lemonade sale for Autism!  She is always looking for new innovative ways to give back to the community and is so proud to have been a National American Miss contestant.  It was a great experience and we are so proud of the little lady she has become!!  Thanks !!

National American Miss - Hoang-Kim Cung

Your reigning National American Miss Queen, Hoang-Kim Cung is a senior at the University of Texas in Austin.  Every so often she has been posting video-blog (vlog's) about what's happening in her life during the year of her reign.

One of her first video's is posted in the sidebar of this blog - here's the latest installment!  Thanks Hoang-Kim, it's really nice to get to know you and what's happening in your day-to-day life.  Keep 'em coming!

NAM Girls Making Moves in the Music Business

Former National American Miss New York JP Queen - Dylan Collins, now know as Dylan Jenet, is starting to make waves with her music!

She was recently one of 9 out of 11,000 girls chosen to be featured on the Daily Unsigned website.  Here's the write up - click below to hear her music!

Last month, we received over 11,000+ artist submissions (we listen to all submissions) requesting to be featured on Daily Unsigned and out of all those requests….only 9 artists made the cut. Yes, we are uber picky on who gets chosen.

Today’s Fresh Pick on Daily Unsigned, Dylan Jenet is one of the nine artists selected out of 11,000+ submissions and we couldn’t be more proud. Dylan Jenet has a very well developed star quality and her vocal talents are beyond her age.

If you are a fan of Pop music….you need to listen to Dylan Jenet!

- Rob Daily

The Brazil Times - Indiana State Finalist Chosen for NAMiss

I saw an article this morning that ran in the Brazil Times out in Indiana.  It's a press release announcing Carlee Ann Lynch as a State Finalist in the National American Miss Indiana Pageant for 2013!  Great job, Carlee - I copied the online article below, here's a link as well:  http://www.thebraziltimes.com/story/1931513.html

Carlee Ann Lynch, 10, the daughter of Tara and Jeff McCullough and the late Joe Lynch, has been chosen as a state finalist in the National American Miss Indiana Pageant (NAM).

The pageant will take place Saturday, July 6, at the Marriott in downtown Indianapolis.

The NAM pageants take place for girls ages 4-18, with five different age divisions. Lynch will compete in the pre-teen division.

The winner of the pageant will receive a $1,000 cash reward, a crown and banner, roses and air transportation to the national pageant in California where she will receive a complimentary tour of Hollywood and two V.I.P. tickets to Disneyland.  NAM Pageants are dedicated to celebrating America's future leaders and equipping them with life-long skills.

Each year, the pageant nationally awards $1.5 million in cash, scholarships and other prizes.

Additionally, these pageants strive to keep activities and competitions age appropriate by not allowing girls under the age of 12 to wear makeup, nor do they hold a swimsuit competition.

Emphasis is on self-confidence, inner-beauty, good sportsmanship and setting and achieving goals.

Lynch is a student at Jackson Township Elementary school where she is involved with many activities.

She enjoys gymnastics, dance, swimming, volunteering with the Special Olympics and competing in NAM pageants.

This will be her second year competing.

"Beyond The Spotlight" by Megan Alexander

If you haven't noticed in the last two issues of Pageantry Magazine, there is a new column being written by our very own Megan Alexander!  The new issue just arrived at our apartment in NYC.  I will post a link to the article here as soon as the digital edition is available on Pageantry Magazines website.

Here is a link to last months feature about Jamie Hilton, former Mrs. Idaho, titled "Believe in Miracle".  Online Article

You may remember seeing the story on TV about the accident Jamie suffered while fishing with her husband and her near death experience.  Megan chronicles the story of this mother of 3 overcoming all odds and making a recovery.  Take a look and make sure to pick up your issue of Pageantry!

Miss American 2013 Lifestyle & Fitness Winner - Mandy Schendel

First off - Congratulations to the new Miss America, Mallory Hytes Hagan, crowned last night!  She kicks off her media tour today here in NY so I'm sure you will be seeing her on all the morning shows.  

Closer to home for us, I wanted to say a big congratulations to our very own NAM girl, Miss Washington America Mandy Schendel!  Mandy was the preliminary lifestyle and fitness award winner and then during the final pageant, was the surprise judges pick to make it as a semi-finalist.  

We are super proud of you Mandy, way to represent the great state of Washington!!

NAMiss Volunteering at the Oakland Childrens Hospital

"Yesterday I had the honor of delivering 26 stuffed animals and 20 barbies to Oakland Childrens Hospital. One of the most inspirational and beautiful moments was delivering a stuffed dog to the girl in the photo, she wants to be a doctor one day.  Her mom, her aunt and her grandma were all nurses and she wants to give back to a place where she was saved.  Thank you NAMISS for giving me this type of opportunity!!"

~Stephanie Behring
NAMiss Danville

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year NAMily!!

~Brian & Megan Cournoyer
State Directors

Get ready for 2013

It's the last Friday before the New Year!  Are you ready for 2013?  We sure are here at NAM; all of next years pageant dates are finalized and posted online at www.namiss.com/findyourstate.  I will add a link to each of the states here on the blog later today for reference.

Our final state to finalize this year was the Southern California show.  If you are a CA girl, make sure and take a look because we changed the date as well as the location.  We are now at the end of June at the Hilton in Costa Mesa.  There were just too many other groups at the Anaheim Marriott on the same weekend as the pageant, it would have been too crazy and families would have had trouble getting a hotel room at the discounted rates.

For our returning girls, you should have all received your special offers for 2013 by now.  We will be starting open calls in January so if you would like to attend one, please e-mail your director.

This is always one of my favorite times in the pageant season because we don't have a lot of new girls signing up yet and it gives me a chance to catch up with our returning contestants.  It's always exciting to see where life has taken the amazing girls in our NAMily.

Fun pics for the day;  Steve Drury is a photographer out in CA that takes some really great pageant pics.  He posted a few new ones of last years Miss California Olivia Jensen.  Here's a sample but you can see them all on his site or on our Flickr feed: (my favorite is the one in the purple!)

NAM Girls Volunteer for the Holidays

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of our NAM Families across the country.  I hope that everyone is having a wonderful Holiday Season.

Many of our NAM Queens have been out volunteering over the Holidays.  That's such a great part of NAM to see these girls out giving back to their communities.  These events are not required for the girls and are not set up by their NAM offices; the girls put these together themselves because they love getting involved.

Here are a few pictures I rounded up this morning:

NAMiss Washington Brooklyn Hodge volunteering her time on Christmas Eve at the Spokane Veteran's Hospital.
  NAMiss California Athenna Michaels singing Christmas Carols to the elderly at The Carlton Plaza
  NAMiss California Queens Danielle Walker and Amanda Starrantino volunteered their time at the Anaheim Boys and Girls Club and helped serve spaghetti dinner.

NAM State Directors - GangNAM Style!

We decided to spice things up a bit for our last orientation of the 2012 National Pageant.  For the State Directors introduction we rolled out...... GangNAM Style!

NAM Nationals Check-Ins

NAM Nationals is moving right along!  It's always so much fun to be here at Nationals and meet the families from all across the country.  Here are some pics from check-in - check out the NAM Flickr account to stay up to day by the minute!

NAM National Pageant Begins!

Welcome to Anaheim, California and the 10th Annual NAM National Pageant!  We are so excited to be here with our families from all across the country.  This year marks our 10th birthday as National American Miss.  Stay tuned all week for pictures of all the fun!

Also, make sure and follow us on twitter @namissblog and @ntlamericanmiss.  We just finished our staff meeting and are starting the first check-in!

Happy Halloween Week!

Our NAM California girls kicked off Halloween week by representing in the Boulevard BOO parade out in Cali.  I haven't figured out exactly what they dressed up like but I think it's something to do with being the Queen!  :-)

Can't wait to see what everyones costume is later this week - happy Halloween week!

As Miss Indiana i am a proud supporter of theTrue Beauty Movement !!! On a daily basis i embrace who i am and what defines me beautiful. Never afraid to attend class without makeup or wearing sweatpants

Proud of who i am and what i look like ♥

NAM True Beauty Movement

Two years ago Amanda Moreno started the True Beauty Movement. TBM focuses on empowering girls to feel comfortable in their own skin. True beauty can not be bought at a make up store or gained by hair products, it's what comes from inside. Take a picture of your self with natural hair and no make, and join the movement.  Here is a picture posted by National American Miss Washington, Brooklyn Hodge.

http://www.facebook.com/TrueBeautyMovement?fref=ts

NAM Girl, Miranda Soong singing National Anthem at the Orioles Game

Check out former National American Miss California, Miranda Soong, singing the National Anthem at the Orioles baseball game.  GO GIRL!!

National American Miss Ohio, Emma Moore, with VP candidate Paul Ryan

National American Miss Ohio Jr. Pre-Teen, Emma Moore, had a chance to attend a local GOP rally near her home town.  This is a great picture of her with Vice Presidential candidate Paul Ryan.  Maybe the white house needs a Queen to stop by now and then??  Great job Emma!

Miss Iowa on INSIDE EDITION

A great story ran on Inside Edition last week about a former Miss Iowa.  Megan Alexander had a chance to sit down and talk with Jamie Hilton, who after falling and hitting her head on a rock, had to have one-quarter of her skull removed to relive pressure on her brain.  

She has a great story of over overcoming a major challenge and showing the world what she is really made of!  

Here's the story as seen on Inside Edition:

Jamie Hilton of Boise, Idaho, is a former beauty queen who held the title of Mrs. Idaho, but if there is a woman in America who knows that beauty is only skin deep, it is this 36-year-old mother of three.

"I am full of gratitude that I am even alive," Jamie told INSIDE EDITION.

Her current hairdo isn't something you ever see at beauty pageants. Half her head had been shaved for reasons you won't believe.

A home video captured the drama of her lying unconscious after a 12-foot fall and hitting her head on a boulder last June.

"When I got down there she was not breathing. She did not have a pulse," said her husband.

It took three hours to get her to a hospital, where one-quarter of her skull was removed to relieve pressure on the brain. Now, brace yourself for what happened next.

Jamie said, "I had a severe brain injury. They told me, 'You hit your head. We had to remove a piece of your skull.' Then, they gave me the news, 'They put it in your stomach.' So I looked down and then saw the bump."

That's right, a piece of her skull was implanted in Jamie’s belly to keep it sterile and nurished.

For 42 days, that piece of skull remained in her abdomen, protected and nourished while the swelling in her brain slowly went down, then at last, the skull bone was re-attached to her head.

"It was righ under my rib," she showed INSIDE EDITION.

Now, the mother of three is grateful the amazing procedure saved her life—a life she came so close to losing.

Read the story at:  http://www.insideedition.com/headlines/5130-doctors-implant-part-of-patients-skull-in-abdomen-between-brain-surgeries

NAM State Directors Meeting

It's that time of year - NAM National Pageant is coming up next month!  The National American Miss State Director team is gathered to prepare and getting things ready for the 2013 season as well.

If you have any ideas on what NAM could be doing different, now is the time to share.  Thank you to a few of my California families that have written me with some great suggestions.

National American Miss is the largest pageant in the United States, we didn't get here by ignoring what you have to say, we love to hear it!  brian@namiss.com - @namissblog

2012 NAM Queen and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

The 2012 National American Miss Teen State Queens and I are so excited to share our new mission with all of you. With the help of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, we have officially started our own nationwide campaign in honor of all those diagnosed with Diabetes! At the website below, you can visit our page and donate money directly to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and support your State Queen. With your help, we will promote Diabetes Awareness while striving to be positive leaders in our communities. In honor of Diabetes Awareness Month, we will also be holding a Walk to Cure Diabetes from November 1 - November 14. Please go to link below for more information. On behalf of all of the NAM Teen State Queens, thank you so much for supporting us in our efforts to "Walk to Cure Diabetes." 
http://jdrfevents.donordrive.com/campaign/namiss