The 2011 National American Miss Nebraska Pre-Teen Cassandra Salas makes a Difference with Man's Best Friend!

Cassandra Salas ~ the 2011 NAMiss Nebraska Pre-Teen has been busy volunteering and what better way to do it then for the animals. Each year Cassandra volunteers for the Nebraska Humane Society by making treats and blankets for the animals and their adoption families. This year she was also asked to take part in the Walk for the Animals which raised $103,973. She served food to hungry walkers and helped out at the different adoption booths. Pam Weiss (Director of the NE Humane Society) told Cassandra how nice it was to see her back each year.

NAM Girls Take Over Vegas to Support Miss America 2011

National American Miss Titleholders at Miss America 2011

NAM Winners at the LIVE Miss America telecast!

National American Miss National Titleholders!

Amaryllis Rodriguez, The 2010-2011 National American Miss with Editor of Pageantry Magazine Carl Dunn.

The 2010-2011 NAM Miss Nebraska Teen Jordan Somer is interviewed by Cosmo Girl !!!

                                                       Click For Jodan's Interview !

Jordan Somer, The 2010 NAM Nebraska Teen was featured on Nickelodeon!

NAM's Breanne Maple Wrote:

Just got back home from the Nickelodeon Halo Awards Premiere party in NYC with the 2010 NAM Nebraska Teen, Jordan Somer, who is 1 of 4 teens being honored by Nickelodeon with the Halo Award, for her Helping And Leading Others (a.k.a - HALO).

Jordan created the Miss Amazing pageant a few years ago for her National Community Involvement project when she was the NAM Nebraska Jr. Teen. Since then the Miss Amazing Pageant has given girls with mental and physical disabilities the confidence and life skills that National American Miss has given Jordan.

Anyways, I wanted to quickly share with you a bit about the trip, information about tonight's episode, as well, as an interesting tidbid.

First, I have to say what an honor it was to be a part of this experience with and for Jordan. Each of the 4 honorees brought guests to the premiere and to NYC that supported and helped them in their cause/work. It was very humbling to be amongst these heros and leaders and to represent NAM and pageantry in such a profound way.

Second, there was a giant video screen on Times Square that showed clips of Jordan and the 4 other Halo honorees every 20 seconds, advertising for the show!!!

However, getting a 5-star treatment from Nickelodeon and spending time becoming acquainted with the 4 honorees and their guests was awesome. Each of these teens is fascinating and I was so proud that JORDAN, a NAM girl was amongst them, and that pageantry was being put in a positive light in the media. However, out of everyone that I met, Herold(the honoree from Haiti, whom you will meet during tonight's episode) and I became fast friends and I wanted to share a little story with you about Herold before you watch tonight.

Herold moved from Haiti 5 years ago – his WHOLE family is still there. He is 18, full of life, talks non-stop, bounces all over the place, and is about 7 feet tall. Easy to see why we became fast friends, huh? Being that it was the premiere party, the honorees and their guests(along with 125 other strangers, TV Execs, producers, corporate sponsors, and Nickelodeon starlets) saw the episode that will air and needless to say it was very emotional, Herold’s being the most difficult for everyone to watch.

During his segment, they show images and talk about what happened in Haiti….images we have all seen, information we already know, something I think we all sympathize, yet don't really spend time reflecting on. But, as THESE images played during his segment at the premiere, Herold closed his eyes, put down his head, placed his hands over his ears, while tears streamed down his face – unable to bare the devastation of seeing or hearing what happened to his home. For everyone at that party, in that room, (for me, personally, having gotten to know his joyful spirit), this was a definite heart-wrencher and eye-opener.

When you watch tonight, I hope that not just Herold, or Jordan – but each of these 4 amazing teens touches you, as well…and you are able to reflect on the wonderful ways that, we, at NAM are inspiring others, in our own way.

Also, YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS the show tonight. Jordan’s segment is the first one, so its at the VERY BEGINNING and NAM is EVERYWHERE! (oh and if you look close – you might even see yours truly). Jordan depicts a TRUE NAM girl in the segment and I know you will all be so proud!

Now for my interesting tidbid! After they played the premiere and Nick Cannon did his whole presentation, the audience stood in ovation, tears in eyes, touched and inspired by these 4 teens. But before Jordan could get off the stage, a girl who was invited to the premiere as a guest because of her involvement with a philanthropic organization called Journey for Change, RAN up to Jordan and said,”OMG! I did National American Miss, too!!!!!!”

........SMALL WORLD! NAM girls really are everywhere and they really do ROCK!

NAM Girls Take Miss USA by Storm !!!

Two former NAM girls take the title of Miss Nebraska USA and Miss Nebraska Teen USA !!! Congrats to Madison and Haley !!

Madison was the 2008 National American Miss Nebraska Jr Teen !!!

 Sarah Summers the 2009-2010 National American Miss Jr Teen with Madison !!!

Sarah Summers, The 2009-2010 NAM Jr Teen is an OUTSTANDING example to Others !!!

The 09-10 National American Miss Jr Teen Sarah Summers is a shining star when it comes to helping others !! Through out her year, she has been involved in several service projects ! She is the defintion of "Today's Girl" ! Not only is she an excellent student, she also stars on her high school dance team and always takes time out for others !!

The 2009-2010 National American Miss Jr Teen Sarah Summers volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House !

Visit to the Ronald McDonald House!

Sarah gives back with Kids for the Cure !!!

Sarah donates her time and blankets to help Project Linus !

Meet The 09-10 National American Miss Jr Teen Sarah Summers !

It's time to get the inside scoop on this charming corn husker, Sarah Summers is the beautiful 2009-2010 National American Miss Jr Teen!!! Let’s find out what this leader is all about as she will represent today's teens for the next year!!! Check out her exclusive interview where she gives tips on how she captured the national title and on what she is doing now!!!

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

Sarah: I was in shock. My first thought was “What? I’m from Nebraska!?” I am continuously amazed and grateful.



Tiffany: How did you prepare for nationals?

Sarah: I rewrote my personal introduction, practiced it numerous times, got a gorgeous new gown, and packed of course!



Tiffany: How did you get involved in NAM?

Sarah: I was blessed to have NAM be my first pageant. I started at age ten when I got a postcard in the mail! NAM is different than any other pageant; I love every aspect of the pageant.



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

Sarah: I hope to graduate from UNL to be a Pediatric Oncology Nurse. This is a very important goal to me because I am very close to the American Cancer Society and love children.



Tiffany: What to you like to do for fun?

Sarah: I love being with my friends and family. We often go to the mall or movies.



Tiffany: What activities are you involved in?

Sarah: As a freshman at my high school, I’m on the varsity dance team, show choir, and student council. I also volunteer with the American Cancer Society and many other organizations.



Tiffany: What is your best quality?

Sarah: The ability to communicate with many people. If you put me in a room full of people, I could hold a conversation with most of them.



Tiffany: How would your friends describe you?

Sarah: Outgoing, motivated, a shopaholic, and Happy. On the dance team we all have nicknames from the dwarfs in Snow White. They all call me Happy because no matter what the time of day or the situation, I am always smiling!



Tiffany: Where is your favorite place to shop?

Sarah: I love little boutiques they always have exciting and unique accessories that you never find anywhere else.

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

Sarah: People would be surprised to know that I have been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.



Tiffany: What is your most embarrassing moment? (Preteen and up)

Sarah: I would say falling in front of a large group of people, which happens more often than not! I am graceful and poised when it comes to performing, but off the stage I am a bit of a klutz.



Tiffany: If you had 3 wishes what would you wish for?

Sarah: My first wish would be to find a cure for cancer because my family and I know many people who have been affected by this horrible disease. I would also wish for a puppy that would potty train its self and lastly, to go to Hawaii with my family.



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

Sarah: A performer at Disney World. I love singing, dancing, and little kids. I think that would be an amazing day that I would never forget!



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

Sarah: A trip to Hawaii with my family and friends!



Tiffany: What is your favorite quote?

Sarah: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” -Mahatma Gandhi



Tiffany: What is your all time favorite movie?

Sarah: A Walk to Remember is my favorite movie. It’s a love story and a chick flick that makes me cry every time!



Tiffany: What is your most prized possession?

Sarah: My first dance costume from when I was only three years old. I have been dancing ever since! I doubt I will ever be able to part with it.

Tiffany: What is your favorite book?

Sarah: The Giving Tree! I used to have this book read to me constantly as a little girl and just recently it came up in my life as a freshman in high school. It is a wonderful story.



Tiffany: Who is your role model?

Sarah: Through volunteering with The American Cancer Society I have come to know Amy Graber. She is the American Cancer Society Sarpy County Team Development Chairperson. She is very dedicated and I see her as an amazing role model.



Tiffany: If you could star on any TV show what would it be?

Sarah: Gossip Girl, I love that show and all the gorgeous fashions!



Tiffany: What do you hope to accomplish as National American Miss Jr. Teen?



Sarah: I am already very active in my community through volunteering. I hope to do even more with my title this following year. People seem to be more willing and give more when you have a title. I am grateful that I have this amazing opportunity to do more for others and give back.



Tiffany: What is the biggest misconception about your generation?

Sarah: Many adults would say that my generation is too much into technology, mainly our cell phones. I would say, “wrong!” Our phones and Facebook are how we keep in touch, especially when you know people all around the country.



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

Sarah: I would pick my cell phone, no hesitation! I have an iPhone - it does everything. It plays all my favorite music, I can text constantly, and I have internet on my phone so no need for the computer.



Tiffany: If you could witness any historical event which would you choose ? (PreTeen and up)

Sarah: The first time someone was diagnosed with cancer because I would have liked to talk to them to learn what they were feeling and what their case was.



Tiffany: What is your favorite subject in school?

Sarah: My favorite subjects are biology and chorus. I enjoy biology because I find it interesting and chorus because I can express myself with music.

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

Sarah: Strawberries have always been my favorite food! You can have them in many different forms so I would never get bored!



Tiffany: What makes you unique?

Sarah: I am unique because unlike many teens I love volunteering and I keep active with it. I am often found getting others involved with volunteering by recruiting friends to be on my Relay for Life team, make blankets with me for the Linus Project, etc. Recently I have also learned to be myself and ignore what others say and think. The ones who support you, love you, and make you laugh, are the only ones that matter and will be with you until the end.



Tiffany: What advice do you have for any girls thinking about entering NAM?

Sarah: Go for it! It is an amazing experience that you will remember forever. Get to know the girls you meet there and you will make lifetime friendships.