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 !!!

It is Time to Start Packing for NATIONALS 2009 !!!

I can't believe nationals is here again !!! Where does the time go ? Its seems like just yesterday the 08 national queens were being crowned ! I leave tomorrow morning for Los Angeles!! I will start up dating as soon as I can ! I'm sooo excited to see all of my NAM friends, I can NOT wait ! Its time for me to start packing YIKES, that could be a scary process !!! I wonder if they will let me take an extra suitcase haha !!

Here is a packing list you can go by, you don't want to forget anything !!!

1. Your formal dress

2. Interview suit

3. Opening Number Shirt From State

4. Shoes for every outfit

5. Casual Clothes for rehearsals

6.Everything you need to your hair

hair spray, shampoo, hair clips etc

7.Camera to capture all your pageant memories

8. Make up ( for Jr Teen, Teen and Miss)

9. Sewing kit ... just in case

10. Opening Number outfit

11. For anything else you might need there is a Target across the street haha

I can not wait to see all you again and meet new friends ! It is such a blessing to be able to spend this holiday week with such talented and beautiful girls !! My flight leaves bright and early so I better finish packing !! See you all in Sunny California !!

Tierra Gonzalez-Hammonds National American Miss PreTeen 2008-2009

It's time to get to know your reigning National PreTeen Queen Tierra Gonzalez-Hammonds ! I first met Tierra when she was just a Princess contestant, I knew then that she was something special ! It has been an honor to watch Tierra grow into a beautiful young lady. Tierra is a straight A student, an awesome dancer and has stage presence like no other. Tierra has dreams of impacting the world as an elected official and even one day becoming President of the United States. Tierra is the definition of hard works pays off. I'm so excited to see what this talented and beautiful young lady will do next. You never know, I might be saying I know the first women president !!!

A word from Tierra !

I am a 13 year old, 8th grader at Pacific Beach Middle School in beautiful San Diego, California. Science is my favorite subject in school this year, but I really enjoy American History and PE, too. Even though I am a typical girlie-girl (pink is my favorite color), I love flag football. I feel blessed to live one short block from the water, and like every Southern California girl, I love the beach! Most of my time outside of school is spent at my dance studio, Mystic Steppers. I started at age 3 as a gymnast, switched to competitive cheerleading at age 6 and settled on dance a few years ago. We preform all types of dance, but compete mainly in hip-hop. Now my big decision is what I will pursue in High School next year.

I am lucky to have a mom who is also my best friend. Sometimes I think she is a little crazy, but I realize that I definitely inherited that trait from her. My little brother Antonio is 6 years old, and has been my biggest fan for as long as I can remember. My Grandpa also lives with us. As a family, we like to go camping, play games, and go to one of Southern California's last drive-in theatre. And, we go to Disneyland about once a month!

We are also very active with our church and community. Civic participation is something I was taught at a very early age. I have had the opportunity to meet just about every elected official who represents us: from my City Councilman to the President of the United States. I used to want to become a political reporter because I noticed that reporters don't always ask the tough questions that I want answers to. But, now, I think I could do more by becoming an elected official, and answering those questions before a reporter has to ask!

Tiffany: How has your life changed since winning your national title ?

Tierra:Well, in some ways it hasn't. I still have to clean my room, do my homework and help watch my little brother. But, I have had the opportunity to travel to places that I never thought I would see, meet amazing people and take more pictures than most people take in a lifetime.

Tiffany: What do you like to do for fun ?

Tierra: I love to do anything that puts me on stage. I have a passion for dance, I love to tumble and perform. I also really enjoy doing volunteer work. It is a blast to hang out with friends and do something good for other people.

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

Tierra: I used to want to be a political reporter for CNN. However, the historic election of Barack Obama inspired me to want to make news, not just report it. Now, I want to have a career in law and politics. I plan to become a District Attorney, then run for higher political office. I eventually would like to be the President of the United States.

Tiffany: What makes your state special?

Tierra: Everything! It is California, after all!

Tiffany: If you could only tell me one thing about yourself what would it be ?

Tierra: That I love my life.

Tiffany: How would your friends describe you ?

Tierra: They would say that I was kind and loyal, and a little bit of a drama queen.

Tiffany: What is your favorite pageant competition?

Tierra: My favorite part of competition is the interview. It is not always my highest score, but I always have so much fun speaking with the judges. Interview has taught me to look people right in the eye when I talk with them and to always be myself.

Tiffany:Who is role model?

Tierra: My mom. She is a single mom who is crazy busy but always has time for me and my brother. She is also my best friend. Even though a lot of people think she has an important job, she never treats anyone like she is more important than they are.

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

Tierra: I am deathly afraid of Mr. Potato Head.

Tiffany: What three words best describe you ?

Tierra: Caring, ambitious, and quirky

Tiffany: What was the first thing you thought after you won your national title?

Tierra: I really can't remember. I was really in shock. In both the 2003 Princess NAM Nationals and 2006 JPT NAM Nationals I had made it down to the final two. The emcee always says "And then there were two." Twice, I heard my name called out as the first runner-up. So, naturally, when Joy Saprano said "And then there were two," I expected California to be announced as first runner-up. When she said the first runner up was Florida, I was almost confused. I was so excited, the next thing I remember was about 10 minutes later when I was signing my contract with Mr. Mayes.

Tiffany: How did you prepare for the national pageant

Tierra: My mom would make me do my introduction on the way to school every morning, and then we would talk about things that may come up in interview. We talked about my hometown, what I like to do, our family - just to get me thinking about various questions that come up in interview.

Tiffany: What is the best advice you can give to a future NAM contestant?

Tierra: Listen to your mom, she is probably right. Sometimes girls our age think some things are cool or not cool. Our parents may think differently. The key is, the judges are more likely to be like our parents than like a preteen. Perfect example: wearing nude pantyhose with your interview suit. I hate nude pantyhose, but my mom convinced me that it was proper for pageant interviews. I think she was right. But for the record, not even my Mom wears nude pantyhose with her suits in real life!

Tiffany: What is your favorite quote ?

Tierra: Go Big or Go Home! - In other words, if you aren't going to put 100% in what you do, you shouldn't even be doing it!

Tiffany: What do you want your legacy to be ?

Tierra: I hope people will remember me as the National American Miss Preteen who never gave up.

Tiffany: If you were stuck on a deserted island what three things would you bring with you ?

Tierra: Food, my cell phone and my mom. I am a very practical person.

Tiffany: What is your favorite book, TV show and Movie ?

Tierra: I love all of the Harry Potter Books, it is the nerd in me. My favorite TV show is "America's Best Dance Crew." My favorite all time movie was "Over the Hedge," which brilliantly taught kids about environmentalism and urban sprawl, but the remake of FAME was a close second.

Tiffany: What activities are you involved in ?

Tierra: At my school,I am a member of the Video Club. We write, produce, direct and star in the school news every week. I am also very active in the Builders Club, which finds and promotes relevant volunteer activities for our middle school. I dance about 15 hours a week with a competitive dance team called The Mystic Steppers. We do all types of dance: ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop and some gymnastics. I also do a volunteer work. I have donated over 100 hours to the United Way's Food Pantry this year, volunteer for my church's homeless shelter, and work on a number of food drives. I have been a member of the Surfrider Foundation for 5 years, and help at beach clean-ups many times each year.

Tiffany: What is the best advice you have received ?

Tierra: You will miss 100% of the shots you don't take.

Tiffany: If you had to eat one thing the rest of your life what would it be ?

Tierra: Sushi!!!

Tiffany: If you wrote a book about your life, what would the title be ?

Tierra: The Best is Yet to Come

Tierra and her sister queens!

Beautiful!

Tierra's Modeling Shot

Tierra and her little brother

Your in for a real treat, its time to meet Tierra's inspirational mom Lorena! Lorena and Tierra have a very special bond, if you ever have a chance to meet them you will see just how dynamic this mother and daughter duo are. Lets get some words of wisdom from a pageant queen herself, thats right Lorena too has graced the stage as a title holder.

Tiffany:What life skills had your daughter learned from being involved in NAM?

Lorena: Tierra has learned so much from NAM, including how to interview, how to speak in public and how to present herself in front of adults. But I also think she learned a valuable lesson that boys often have many outlets to learn and girls far fewer: How to win with humility and lose with grace.

Tiffany: What is your favorite Pageant memory of Tierra ?

Lorena: Of course, it is hard to beat the moment she won the National Preteen title. She had worked so hard, and wanted it so bad, I just cried watching her finally fulfill her dreams on stage. For months beforehand she would say, ever single day, "But mom, you don't understand how much I want this." It was amazing to watch her win it!

But, I also remember taking her to breakfast the morning of the National Finals her Princess year. She was only 7 and I had been blown away by how great all of the queens had been all week long. I tried to have a discussion with her about how proud I was of what she had done that week, and how much I loved her and would be so excited just to watch her on stage that night. I told her it didn't matter if she even made top ten, she was a winner to me. She looked up from her pancakes and said, "Mom, I know you didn't see it, but I did really well in interview. I think I might win." All I could do was laugh because I was so worried she was too young to understand what was going to happen that night. She was much more aware than I had given her credit for. That evening she came very close. After she was named first runner-up she did cry, but then she hugged the winner and told her congratulations and how beautiful she was. I was just so proud of watching her develop emotionally.

Tiffany:Would your recommend NAM to other families?

Lorena: Absolutely. This pageant has not only been such an amazing way for Tierra to grow and flourish, but has really allowed us to grow closer as mother and daughter, too.

Tiffany: What will Tierra take away from her NAM experience?

Lorena: Along with memories to last a lifetime, she has built friendships that I know will continue long after she has given up her title.

Tiffany: What advice can you give to future NAM parents and contestants?

Lorena: Read your magazines, prepare, practice and practice some more BEFORE you get to the pageant. But, once you are there, just have fun. Use pageant week to do everything offered, and build a lifetime of memories. At the end of the day, the pageant goes by too fast. And, parents, don't forget to hug your daughter and tell her how well she did. That is what will mean the most to her!

Tiffany: As a parent how have you seen Tierra change after wining her national title?

Lorena: I think she really believes no dream is too big. I have watched her try new sports, switch schools, and revamp her career ambitions. It is like she now knows she can achieve anything she sets her mind to doing

Tierra with her sister queen Kaydianna and her gorgeous mom Lorena !

Meet The 08-09 National All-American Miss Teen Kristin Gilbart

Have you ever wanted to get to know the Nationals Queens just a little bit better ? Well now is your chance! Here is an exclusive interview from Kristen Gilbart , Its your chance to know that national queens are just like you! Find out Kristin's favorite food to what her plans for the future are!
A Word From Kristin :
I was born in Newport Beach, CA, and have lived in Southern California my whole life – which I totally love. Outdoor fun with my friends and family are my favorite spare time activities – especially wake-boarding at Big Bear Lake or Lake Havasu. My other interests include reading, movies, politics, shopping, and volunteering at Birth Choice of Temecula and teaching the toddler Sunday School class at my church. I graduated from Calvary Chapel High School, in Murrieta, in 2007, where I was active in cheer, and then attended Azusa Pacific University as a freshman in 2008. I completed my sophomore college year at Mt. San Jacinto College. This year I transferred to Chapman University to complete my undergraduate degree, where I’m majoring in Broadcast Journalism – and I absolutely love it! Classes in my major are challenging and work-intensive, but they’re so much fun. In addition to my school work, I joined Delta Gamma sorority, and am active with the Action in Africa club. I did my first pageant at the age of 13 when I received an invitation from NAM in the mail to enter the Jr. Teen Miss California pageant. Little did I know what a fun and life-changing experience that would turn out to be. On my 3rd try, in 2005 I was crowned NA Miss California, Jr. Teen at the age of 15. I then entered Miss California in the Teen division in 2007 and 2008, resulting in my going to nationals in 2008 and being crowned National All-American Miss Teen. Representing NAM nationally this year has been a complete blast, especially the fun I had with my sister queens at the state pageants I visited this summer. I’m looking forward to meeting all the girls coming to Nationals next month and wish everyone the very best!

Kristin's Interview !!!

Tiffany : How has your life changed since winning your National Title ?

Kristin : Since winning my national title my life has changed in so many wonderful ways. Not only have I been given a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent National American Miss nationally, but I have formed so many amazing friendships along the way with my beautiful sister queens. Additionally, I was able to travel across the country this summer and visit numerous state pageants, were I got to meet so many talented young women. This year will be one I will forever cherish.

Tiffany: What do you like to do for fun ?

Kristin: For fun, I enjoy several activities. During the summer, my favorite sport is wakeboarding. I also enjoy spending time in the water whether it’s my pool or at the beach. This year, I got to experience zip lining, which was a ton of fun, and I would love to do it again. Aside from outdoor activities, I love shopping and baking. Lastly, I am involved in my sorority, Delta Gamma, and love going to Disneyland, since it’s only ten minutes from my school!

Tiffany: What do you want to do in the future ?

Kristin :After I graduate college, I hope to enter into the field of political reporting. Next summer I hope to intern in New York City where I will get some first hand experience with my desired career.

Tiffany: What makes your state special ?

Kristin: California is special for numerous reasons. It’s one of the few states where you can drive two hours and be in the desert, then drive two hours the other direction and be in the snow. Not to mention we have a gorgeous coastline of oceans, several desired vacation spots, including San Francisco and San Diego. And what makes it extra special is that this is where NAM nationals are held, where all of the queens and contestants visit Hollywood and Disneyland together!

Tiffany: If you could tell me only one thing about yourself, What would it be ?

Kristin: If I could tell someone just one thing about myself it would be that I try my best everyday to take a moment and notice something new, like how beautiful a flower can be or the unique shape of a cloud in the sky.

Tiffany: What is your favorite pageant Competition?

Kristin: My favorite competition is probably interviews, even though it’s the one I usually am most nervous for. But I love it because once you sit down face to face with the judges, the nerves go away and it’s great to be able to have a personal talk with each of the judges so they get to know a little bit more about each girl and what makes her special.

Tiffany: How would your friends describe you ?

Kristin: My friends would probably describe me as very outgoing, talkative, a good listener, and a trusted friend.

Tiffany: Who is your role model?

Kristin: My role model is my Grandpa. Ever since he was a young boy he was a very hard worker and always paid attention to the needs of others. He never had the opportunity to go to college, but didn’t allow that to stop him from being successful. He has been a profound influence in my life, and I am so proud to be his granddaughter and I miss him very much.

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

Kristin: People would be surprised to know…that I have been Polynesian dancing since I was 6 years old!

Tiffany: What three words best describe you ?

Kristin: Three words that best describe me are: caring, optimistic, and vivacious.

Tiffany: What was the first thing you did or thought after you won your national title?

Kristin: My first thought after I won my title was “Oh My Gosh, I can’t believe it!!!!”.I was filled with excitement and shock, and I couldn’t wait for the amazing year I had ahead of me.

Tiffany: How did you prepare for nationals ?

Kristin: The way I prepared for the National pageant, wasn’t really any different then how I prepare for the state pageant. I brushed up on my personal introduction and reviewed interview questions. Other than that I was just excited to see all my friends and see what the week had in store. Little did I know I would be walking away with the national title!!

Tiffany: What is the best advice you can give future pageant contestants?

Kristin: My advice for a future NAM contestant is to have fun! Don’t let your nerves or anxiety about the competition take away from all the wonderful things you can gain from participating in the pageant. I promise after just one pageant, you will be a NAM girl forever :)

Tiffany: What is your favorite quote?

Kristin: “Never give up, never give in, and never stop giving”.

Tiffany: If you were stuck on a deserted island what three things would you bring ?

Kristin: If I was stuck on a deserted island and could only bring three things with me, they would probably be my Bible, my BlackBerry, and sunscreen.

Tiffany: What is your favorite book, TV show and movie ?

Kristin: It’s hard for me to narrow it down to just one favorite book, movie and TV show, but the top of my lists include Memoirs of A Geisha for books, “The Holiday” for movies, and “24” as my TV show.

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

Kristin:“In all you do, do your best”.

Tiffany: If you had to eat one just one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be ?

Kristin: If I had to eat just one thing for the rest of my life it would probably be any type of Asian food. I love Pei Wei, Panda Express, and P.F. Changs!

Tiffany: If you wrote a book about your life what would the title be ?

Kristin: If I had a book written about my life, the title might be “Carpe Diem”, which is Latin for “seize the day”, since that’s what I try to do each day.



All you MOM'S out there, this interview is for you !!! Here is some helpful advice from Kristin's wonderful mom, Julie. Check out our one on one interview on just what it is like to be the mom of a national queen !

Tiffany: What life skills has your daughter learned from being involved in NAM?

Julie: So many…! From the very first pageant she did at age thirteen, Kristin learned how to properly dress for an interview (business suit, heels) and conduct herself in an interview situation, which will certainly serve her well when she is doing real-life job interviews in the near future. She can converse easily with adults and articulate her thoughts in a focused and engaging manner. Likewise, the stage presence she developed through her pageants has given her a great sense of self-confidence, which I think has helped her feel competent in everything she does.

Tiffany: What is your favorite Pageant memory of your daughter?

Julie: On Thanksgiving evening last year at Nationals, Kristin started feeling sick. (That is not the favorite memory!) She had a sore throat, felt achy, and, worst of all, she lost her voice. With the final pageant 2 days away, this was a catastrophe, since if she made the top 5 at the final pageant (as of course we hoped she would) we knew she would have to redo her introduction. To stave off disaster, I went to the store and returned to stuff her with mountains of lozenges, gargles, throat spray, etc. Meanwhile, she tried to rest between rehearsals the next day and, hoping her voice would return, did not speak at all – including during the rehearsals (not an easy feat!) Finally, the pageant arrived. When she made top 5 and they handed her the microphone to do her introduction, I had not heard her speak for 1½ days. I held my breath and silently prayed. Miraculously, she did it with just a teensy voice break that most people would not have noticed. When they called her name as queen, there were a lot of happy and grateful tears from both of us!

Tiffany: Would your recommend NAM to other families?

Julie: Without hesitation, I’d recommend NAM – and often have.
I tell moms that NAM is a pageant you can feel good about having your daughter participate in. It not only helps young women to develop personal skills, such as confidence and poise, but it encourages them to be positive role models by emphasizing wholesome values and high standards of conduct. As a result, we have been continually impressed by the caliber of the girls and parents we have met through NAM. Also, we appreciate that NAM embodies integrity in every aspect of its operation and the pageant is so professionally done, from the contestant materials sent out, to the first day of registration, to the judging, to the final pageant. NAM is truly the crown jewel of pageants.

Tiffany: What will Kristin take away from her NAM experience?

Julie: She will take away 8 years worth of treasured memories, and many friendships that will last her lifetime. I don’t think she could adequately put into words how special this time has been for her. All the fun she has experienced during pageants, the people she met, the bond with her sister queens and the NAM staff – it’s been an unforgettable experience that I know she will always cherish.

Tiffany: What advice can you give to future NAM parents and contestants?

Julie: For parents, encourage your daughter to set goals, to practice so she can do her best, and, above all, to have fun and make new friends. Then be sure to let her know how proud you are of all her efforts and accomplishments. Just to try something out of your comfort zone is fantastic! For contestants: take advantage of what is offered in your contestant magazines and workshops in the way of tips on appropriate dress for the different competitions, on how to stand, on giving your introduction, etc. Following this advice will truly give you your best chance of success. Also, remember to wear a smile on your face, try to meet as many girls as you can, and take advantage of the many fun events you will experience. You will come away with treasured friends and memories.

Tiffany: As a parent how have you seen Kristin change after wining her national title?

Julie: Kristin has always been friendly, gracious, and outgoing. But when she won the national crown, she was so proud and honored to represent NAM at the national level, it seemed that she took all those qualities to an even higher level. I could see she was keenly aware of the responsibility she carried as a goodwill ambassador, and took it very seriously. Everywhere we went this year I was touched by the warmth, kindness and friendliness I saw her show to everyone she met, whether it was contestants, parents, or little girls asking for autographs and photos with her. She was never too busy. She took it as a joy and privilege. These qualities will part of her for the rest of her life.

Kristin and her mom Mrs. Julie Gilbart