It's been a great year for The 2010 National American Miss Ohio Titleholders !!!

This weekend is the 2011 National American Miss Ohio Pageant !!! Its been a great year for the 2010 Titleholders! Take a look at who will be crowning their successors this weekend !

Brynne Mayne The 2010-2011 National American Miss Ohio Teen

Kacey Gallup The 2010-2011 National American Miss Ohio Jr Teen



Kristen Nguyen The 2010-2011 National American Miss Ohio Pre-Teen



Kristen Nguyen

2010 Miss Ohio Pre-Teen

Meet The 2010-2011 National American Miss Pre-Teen Lexi Collins!

Lexi Collins The 2010-2011 National American Miss Pre-Teen

Tiffany: What was your first reaction when you won your national title?

Lexi: I wasn't sure if they called my name or not!!! I was really shocked when they said "Lexi you won!" I was walking off of the stage thinking that I was first runner up.

Tiffany: How did you get involved in NAM?

Lexi: My older sister, Caroline competed in NAM before I did - she was first runner up last year and she won the PA title this year with me.  I watched her pageants and took notes, knowing that one day I would get the chance to be on that stage!!

Tiffany: How did you prepare for Nationals? 

Lexi: My sister and I would always ask each other questions in the car so that we were prepared for interview.  I wrote a good personal introduction and practiced it in the shower!!! Then I got to pick out a beautiful gown!



The Crowning Moment



Tiffany: What do you want to be when you grow up? 

Lexi: I would love to be in the fashion industry!!

Tiffany: What do you like to do for fun? 

Lexi: I love to go to the pool in the summer, sleepover my frieinds' houses, go to amusement parks and ride roller coasters and of course go shopping!!

Tiffany:What activities are you involved in?

Lexi:  I gave up cheerleading at my school to concentrate on dance.  I am on Krystie's Dance Academy's National Competition Team and they are one of the top rated studios in the country - so I put a lot of time into dancing - but I also golf and model.

Lexi is a champion dancer.

Tiffany: What is your best quality

 Lexi: My teachers always tell my Mom that I am friends with everyone - I really believe that friendliness is an important characteristic.

Tiffany: How would your friends describe you?

Lexi: My friends say that I am always smiling!!  They also say that I have BIG DREAMS

Tiffany:Where is your favorite place to shop? 

Lexi: I like H & M because they have top fashion at great prices.

Lexi Collins 2010-2011 National American Miss Pre-Teen

 Tiffany: Finish this sentence.People would be surprised to know...

Lexi: That I like to sew!!

Tiffany: What is your favorite childhood memory? 

Lexi: My favorite childhood memory is going to Disney World and seeing the beautiful princesses.

Tiffany: If you had three wishes what would you wish for?

Lexi: I would like to be famous, meet Justin Bieber and live happily with my family forever!!

Lexi with her parents after winning Miss Pennsylvania Pre-Teen

 Tiffany: If you could trade places with anyone for a day who would it be?

Lexi:  I would like to be Selena Gomez for a day so that I could be on the Disney Channel!

Tiffany: If I gave you 1 million dollars what is the first thing that you would buy? 

Lexi: I would buy a new fancy car!!

Tiffany: What is your favorite quote

Lexi: "Be a leader, not a follower"

Lexi also the national Top Model Competition

 Tiffany: What is your all time favorite movie? 

Lexi: Dear John

Tiffany: What is your most prized possession? 

Lexi: My sewing machine - so that I can create things!!

Tiffany: What is your favorite book? 

Lexi: Justin Bieber:  First Step 2 Forever: My Story

Lexi having fun on the beach at the National Pageant

 Tiffany: Who is your role model? 

Lexi: Julianne Hough, from Dancing with the Stars, she is a great dancer with good morals

Tiffany:What do you hope to accomplish as The 2010-2011 National American Miss Pre-Teen?

 Lexi:  I would like to reach out to other preteens and show that NAM is a great experience. I would also like to volunteer as much time as I can to help other kids!

Tiffany: If you had to pick between your cell, computer or TV what would you pick?

Lexi:  I would pick my cell phone because I like to interact with my friends and family

Lexi having fun at Disney Land!

 Tiffany: What is the best advice you have ever received ?

Lexi: I believe that you should Never say Never!!!!

Tiffany: What is your favorite and least favorite subject in school?

Lexi: language arts if my favorite and social studies the least!

Tiffany: If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be ?

Lexi:  I would choose Nutella!!

Lexi Collins The 2010-2011 National American Miss Pre-Teen.

Lexi with former national Pre-Teen Titleholders



Lexi working it for the camera!



Meet The 2010-2011 National American Miss Princess Jenissa Varela

Jenissa Varela The 2010-2011 National American Miss Princess

Tiffany: What was your first reaction when you won your national title?

Jenissa: OMG, I was so shocked when they announced CT as the winner! At first I didn't even realize that I won, until I saw the reaction on my parents and aunt's face. I have never ever seen them look so happy! I couldn't believe it. Goes to show, if you want something so bad, you need to give it your all to achieve your goals.

Tiffany: How did you prepare for nationals?

Jenissa: Oh man!! Preparing for nationals was something I will NEVER forget. First, we went over all of my state scores and comments to see where improvement was needed, That helped to know exactly what we really needed to focus on. My mom contacted my sister queen Amaryllis Roodriguez, who took much time out of her busy schedule to make sure I was well prepared for nationals. Every car ride, my mom would ask me interview questions. After a few questions I would then have to say my intro 2 to 3 times. Needless to say, we go lots of places. So when we got to national, I was WELL prepared.

Jenissa with her family right after she won the national title!

Tiffany: What do you want to be when you grow up?

Jenissa: When i grow up i want to major in becoming a medical scientist. I would to research and find cures for diseases. I would also like to minor in dance. One day i would love to own my own dance studio.

Tiffany: Where is your favorite place to shop?

Jenissa: My most favorite place to shop is at Justice. i absolutely love that store. I think their clothes are super stylish, and their accessories are extra cute! When i wear clothes from Justice, i know i'm always in style. I'm HUGE on fashion.

Jennissa in the opening dance number

Tiffany: What is your favorite color?

Jenissa: My favorite color is green. I love the color green because that is the color of the signal light to go, which means shorter car rides. I don't like traffic!

Tiffany: What do you like to do for fun?

Jenissa: I like to play my guitar,that I just got for Christmas. Go to dance class, and go to the movies with my parents.



Sister Queens!

Tiffany: Finish this sentence: People would be surprised to know...

Jenissa: People would be surprised to know that I've never liked barbies or baby dolls, but I do LOVE my skateboard

Tiffany: If I gave you 1 million dollars what is the first thing you would by?

Jenissa: If you gave me 1 million dollars, the first thing i would buy would be a huge house for my mommy! i would make sure the house had a huge pool and an enormous workout room.

Jenissa with her spirit stick at the National Pageant

Tiffany: What is your all time favorite movie?

Jenissa: My all time favorite movie is the AVATAR. I can watch that movie over and over again. I can answer any question anyone would ever have about that movie! I suggest everyone watch it!

Tiffany:If you had to pick between your computer or TV what would you pick?

Jenissa: If I had to pick between my computer or the tv I would definitely pick my laptop. I can watch the same shows on my computer as I would watch on tv. I enjoy surfing the web. I can stay on my laptop all day and never get bored. I also enjoy researching different types of animals on a daily basis and playing Pixie Hallow!



Jenissa in the formal wear competition

Tiffany: What is your favorite subject in school?

Jenissa: My favorite subject in school is english/writting. I enjoy reading books and making up my own personal stories. Since the first grade I have received 100% on all of my spelling test. 

Tiffany: If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be?

Jenissa: That's tough! If i could only eat one food for the rest of my life i would have to say it would be mac & cheese. I prefer baked, but I'll settle for any!

Tiffany: How would your friends describe you?

Jenissa: Most of my friends would most likely describe me as playful,caring,and definitely funny! I'm an outgoing kid with lots of energy!

Jenissa also won the Top Model Competition at the National Pageant!

Jenissa with her Dad !



Kimberly Jester, The 2010-2011 National American Miss Jr. Teen, is an Example for Teens Everywhere!!!

Click for the story on Kimberly!

NAM Connecticut Titleholders Give Back !!!

The 2010 National Ameircan Miss Connecticut Titlesholders, donated their time to raise awareness for The ALS Association. The ALS Association's Mission is to lead the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research and nationwide advocacy while also empowering people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support.

The 2009-2010 NAM Miss Indiana Pre-Teen Bailey Jaclyne Perez is on a Mission to HELP KIDS Smile !!!

“So far, I’ve raised $6,500 for the Smile Train and helped pay for twenty-six surgeries. My goal is to get one hundred surgeries, and I hope the Miss Indiana title helps me get to that goal.” Bailey Jaclyne Perez

During each of her reigns, she has supported the Smile Train, an international charity that provides cleft lip and cleft palate surgery to children in need. The organization sends her posters and she helps raise awareness and money for the organization.

Click for the full Story on Bailey !!!

 



Did you know NAM is on YouTube ?

Click for the NAM Channel !!!

For SUPER FUN NAM vidoes check out our YouTube Channel, My NAMiss!!! Meet Past National Titleholders, plus a fun look at the National Pageant Held in California !!!

'Believe in yourself,' says new 'Miss California Teen'

Click to read full article !!!

By Paula Doyle

Once a shy youngster, 18-year-old Amanda Starrantino relishes the opportunity to bolster the self-esteem of little girls as the new Miss California Teen.



The recent Chaminade High School graduate emphasized in her "I believe in pink" speech at the National American Miss Pageant in Anaheim last month that it's especially important for girls to discover who they are and believe in their potential.



"I would really like to be a positive role model," said Starrantino, who has always wanted to be a broadcast journalist. A figure skater from the age of three who loved performing, she felt tongue-tied talking to people and joined the National American Miss organization to improve her self-confidence and public speaking.



In a phone interview with The Tidings conducted during her freshman orientation week at Chapman University in Orange where she is a film student, Starrantino said the time management she learned as a high school figure skater getting up for 4 a.m. practices has helped to balance her college and pageant activities.



Since she was crowned the state's Miss Teen on Aug. 8, she has distributed books and stuffed animals at Casa Pacifica children's and families agency in Camarillo as well as at the Children's Hospital in both Los Angeles and Orange counties.



One of five volunteers in a recent "Queen for a Day" activity giving makeovers to ill patients at Children's Hospital in Orange, Starrantino was moved to tears by the experience. Memories are still fresh from the January cancer death of a Chaminade dance team member classmate, Susie Beazley, who was the sister of a close friend.



The night Beazley died, Starrantino and a core group of high school friends went to the beach and honored their classmate by bringing roses. The tragedy bonded the teenagers, and about 20 of them were present when Starrantino was crowned.



Cancer awareness is part of Starrantino's pageant platform, and she will participate as a greeter at the Sept. 10 Avon walk for breast cancer in Santa Barbara. "I'll be there cheering on everybody and talking to people," said Starrantino.



She is grateful for the support of her parents, Maurice and Karen, and her 15-year-old brother, Adrian, who races go-karts. Adrian usually acts as her pageant escort, and patiently listens while she practices her speeches.



"My brother is my best friend. We make skype calls almost every day. I always go to him for boy advice," she confides.



Her mom, she says, is her best cheerleader who drove her to figure skating practices from their home in Simi Valley to ice rinks in El Segundo and Lake Arrowhead for years. The hard work paid off as Starrantino was ranked as a professional skater by the U.S. Figure Skating Association this year.



Growing up, "skating came before silly things. It's an independent sport, so it made me an independent person," said Starrantino, who might do a summer tour in an ice show in the future. Right now, her priorities are her studies and preparing to compete for the national Miss Teen title Nov. 22 in Anaheim.



Her faith in God, nurtured at St. Rose of Lima in Simi Valley where she attended the parish school and ministered as an altar server and lector, is a source of constant strength. She wears a cross every day, including one pinned on the inside of her gown when she won the state title.



"Having God with you makes you a stronger person. You always have someone on your side. I'm thankful to my parents for raising me with faith," said Starrantino. Her title, she adds, is not just for her benefit, "It's also to benefit others" with messages of hope and encouragement, especially for young girls.



As she says in her pageant speech: "The strength obtained by accepting and realizing one's inner beauty is essential for a girl to conquer the obstacles and challenges that prevent her from fulfilling her dream, a strength that every girl possesses, but often does not show. Any dream has the potential of becoming reality, it only depends on believing in oneself to obtain that ultimate goal."

Miss New Jersey PreTeen 2009-2010 Leslie Merced

Check out the farewell video of Miss New Jersey Preteen 2009

What does National American Miss mean to you ?

     Get the inside scoop from NAM girls and find out just what NAM means to them !!!

Juliana Wynkoop California - "National American Miss is one of those events I look forward to the the day after state pageant is over. Having participated with NAM since 2005 in Northern California I have not only made lifetime friends, but have embarked on a continuous journey to follow my dreams. Before National American Miss I was not exposed to the world of volunteerism and most certainly didn't know what it meant to be a leader. I will never forget my first pageant: I was in the preteen division and had no idea what to expect. I was shy, afraid of public speaking, and did NOT feel comfortable on stage! I find it funny how I've flourished from that...into a confident leader involved in her community! I truly owe it all to NAM! They have motivated me to ALWAYS try my hardest in school, volunteer, be myself, and set goals! I no longer have a fear of public speaking...I even won the Spokesmodel title in 2009 at my state! National American Miss has given me the confidence to spread their message to girls around the nation. Thank you so much NAM for all you have done for me...you certainly have impacted my life for the better!"



Elizabeth Terrazas Texas - "NAM means a time to spend with your family and friends as you find sponsors or do fundraisers together. A time you get to have fun trying to prepare for all the different categories. While participating in NAM I learned that confidence is the key to success because every girl had her own confidence which made them shine in their own way. "

Kayla DaCruz  New Jersey-NAM means a chance to show others what I can do and the power that I hold as a confident young girl! NAM gives me a chance to be more out going and has given me more confidence. NAM has also taught me to DREAM and my DREAM is to be crowned. This will be my 3rd year competing and I have not given up on my DREAM to win the crown! I will make my DREAM come true by being the best that I can be, always! I have learned to never give up on a dream! NAM has tought me to be the best that I can be and to present myself with confidence always! Thanks NAM!



Shellye Echeverria -"NAM, it's about developing relationships, and having the best time of your life! I learned that I am capable of doing anything Iput my mind and heart into doing. If I have a dream, I should follow it, because I can do what ever I want because I am a girl with power, motivation, and poise. "

Tasia Davis Ohio - "National American Miss taught me how to be confident in myself and taught me how to make new friends. I can do whatever I want to if I just put my mind to it because of that pageant I can actually believe in myself and can put my mind to it and I'm going to do the pageant next year , because I liked this year. It may have been my 1st year but I loved it and it was so awesome! It helpd me with my own furture goals that want do when I get older and I'm going to keep doing pagents because I loved it ! Thank you very much for everything! "



Sidney Robertson Texas - "NAM means so much to me because, at first I was scared about being the first pageant and I didn't know what was going to happen. As I started to grow, I learned new things like not being nervous, to be yourself, and speaking skills. The next year, I wasn't shy anymore. I was brave enough to stand at the podium and speak about my dreams and what I believe in, then sitting in a interview answering questions from people I never met and the judges loved it, now that was amazing. As my life goes on and continues to change I finally know what NAM has done for me.......NAM has taught me how to be a lady and how to be a good volunteer with children and the elderly. That is something I do like to do as a young girl. It is important to me helping others in need. That is why one of my biggest dreams in life is to help our nation by protecting it by being apart of the FBI and making America a safe place to live. Thanks NAM for helping me continue to grow up and become the best at everything I want to be.

Sammi Mazza  New Jersey - "I first competed in NAM when i was 10 or 11... I  remember being a jr.preteen so nervous about what others thought of me. I wasn't very outgoing or confident in myself. As time went on that all changed. I am now your 2009 2010 National Cover Girl. Through this great oppurtunity, I realized that National American Miss is more then a pageant. It's a learning experience for girls of all ages. You don't walk into pageant week/weekend aiming for the crown, you walk in with your head held high and open arms. Through NAM i have made so many friends that will last a lifetime. The National American Miss System isn't just another pageant, it's a way of life, a place where dreams really do come true, and a place where miracles happen! "



Trisha Colwell (Mom of Contestant) Ohio  - As a parent , NAM means great strength and courage. The amount of change in one weekend (for the better) is amazing. The shy quiet girl walks away from NAM feeling confident and ready to face the world with courage thanks to an AWESOME Organization.I am soooo very Proud of My National American Miss Ohio Pre Teen Talent Winner, Mikayla Colwell. 4th Overall in Spokesmodel (that one makes me the most proud). 4th Overall in Actress. And the best part Top 20...Woooo Hooo. She walked away with even more confidence and she is already anxious to go back next year and see everyone and do better than this year.... She is learning more and more every year.

We are definately National American Miss Family for life! Thank you to everyone involved at NAM! You are all Truly Amazing!

Shelby Mcintosh Ohio- NAM to me means opportunity. NAM gives each and every one of us the opportunity to learn new things, experience new friendships and most of all the opportunity to dig deep and find out who we are as girls. My experience with NAM taught me soo many things. From how to present myself during interviews, taking volunteer work and turning it into work experience to just relaxing and being "me". NAM is for every girl...not just the "it" girl. NAM gives us all self-confidence and lets us be proud of who we are and our accomplishments giving us that little nudge of encouragement along the way. I am proud to be a 1st runner up for my State as well as my State Ambassador representing NAM

 

Courtney Bearer The 2009-2010 National American Miss Princess takes the defintion of a "Pageant Girl" to a whole other level !!!

Click for the full article on Courtney !!!

Talia Stewart The 2006 -2007 National American Miss New York Jr Teen says YES to JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY!!!

Talia Stewart the 2006-2007 NAM New York Jr Teen is WAY MORE than just a pretty face!!! Talia is a straight A student that is making sure she has the job of her dreams!!! Talia is a senior in high school, so college is in her close future. Being at the top of her class Talia got accepted to some of our leading universities including; Boston University, Johns Hopkins, Northeastern University, SUNY Genseo, and The University of Michigan!!! I'm pleased to announce that Talia has decided to go to Johns Hopkins University, where she will be a Pre Med Student Majoring in Spanish !!! Her ulitmate goal is to become a world renowned plastic surgeron !!! Way to go Talia!!

Crowning Moment !!!

Winning NAM New York Jr Teen 06-07

Fun at the National Pageant, where Talia placed in the top 5 !!!

Sarah Summers The 2009-2010 National American Miss Jr Teen Gives Back in a Big Way !!!

Sarah Summers is putting her NATIONAL title to use !!! She took time out of her busy schedule to collect donations and make 50 blankets to give to Project Linus! Project Linus is a non-profit organization thats mission is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.” Way to go Sarah !!!

Click for more information on Project Linus!!!

Meet Danielle Walker The 2009 National American Miss California Teen !!!

Let's meet Danielle Walker the beautiful young lady that took home the 2009 National American Miss California Teen title !!! Danielle placed in the top 10 at the national pageant as well as taking home the National Spokesmodel title and placing in the top 5 for Talent and Casual Wear Modeling !!! Danielle has an amazing voice and some day soon she will be Broadway bound !!!

Tiffany: What does your title mean to you?

Danielle: My title is very meaningful in my life. It is a goal that I set for myself and accomplished. I am very honored and proud to be my states representative. I try my best not to take it for granted because I know how many girls dream of being Miss California. I feel grateful and blessed to be apart of the namiss family.

Tiffany: What activities are you involved in?

Danielle: Currently I am a full time student. I participate in my school's voice and dance program. I'm practicing for three concerts at this moment. The first is a mixed vocal concert, the second is opera, and the third is a dance perfromance for afro-carribean and standard ballroom. My ballroom partner and I are also very interested in competiting, soon we will start preparing for that.

Tiffany:What do your future plans include?

Danielle:After I graduate college with a degree in music performance I plan to apply for grad school. My ultimate goal is to become a professional singer and entertain international audiences.

Tiffany: What community service activities are you involved in?

Danielle: I've had many wonderful opportunites this year to work with charitable organizations. Some of the most memorable were Kids Helping Kids; an event to raise money for Haiti, Toys for Tots, and the Alzheimer's association. At this moment I'm working to collect prom dresses for girls who's families can't afford to buy one.

Tiffany:What is your defintion of a "NAM" girl?

Danielle: NAM girls have many definitions; friendly, ambitious, talented, caring...just to name a few. I personally believe that each name girl redefines what it means to be a queen. Each girl is so different and brings so many positive things to this world that it would be impossible to create a very accurate description.

Tiffany: What is the best advice you have ever received?

Danielle: The best advice that was given to me is simple, "DO NOT GIVE UP." I have failed more times that I have succeeded in life but no one ever seems to notice. They only awknowlegde my accomplishments. This fact gives all of my failed attempts a true purpose. I may not succeed the first time I try something new but, my failures keep me humble and give me great appreciation for the goals I do accomplish.

Tiffany: What is your favorite NAM memory?

Danielle: My favorite nam memory is when the pageant finalists are sang to on stage. It is a perfect moment. As I stand on stage waiting anxiously for the results, I think of everything that I went through to prepare for the pageant. It's the happiest time for me because I tell myself, "What's done is done, I've tried my best." To me it's an indescribable feeling of personal achievement.

Tiffany:What advice do you have for future NAM contestants?

Danielle: My advice to them would be to slow down as much as possible during pageant weekend. Just look around an be happy to be where you are at any given time during the pageant.

Tiffany: What is your favorite part about NAM?

Danielle: My favoite part about NAM is that they aren't looking to crown a girl that fits into a certain mold or persona. We are able to showcase who we really are during competitions. The staff is always friendly and encourages each contestant to have fun just being herself.



Tiffany:What is your most prized possession

Danielle: My most prized possession is a ring that my grandmother gave to me when I was a little girl. It holds a lot of sentimental significance. My grandmother is my personal role model and is someone I continuously look up too.

Tiffany: How would your friends describe you?

Danielle: My friends say that I'm happy all the time. I would agree with them. I love life and try to take everyday for what it is, good or bad. I'm just thankful for all the things and people that God has blessed me with. I try to let everyone know how much they mean to me and that I love having them in my life.

Tiffany: If you could eat dinner with anyone who would it be ?

Danielle: If I could eat dinner with anyone, it would be with Sutton Foster. I love to sing her songs for talent competitions because I think she has an amazing voice. She seems like a very genuine person, also someone who can give me some advice about singing.