Minnesota State Finalist Hailey Steele featured in the local Media

Hailey Steele, a National American Miss Minnesota state finalist, was recently featured in her local news. An excerpt from the article is included below:

Miss Hailey Lynn Steele, age 5, has been chosen as a State Finalist in the National American Miss Minnesota Pageant to be held June 1-June 2 at the beautiful Doubletree Hotel in Bloomington.

The National American Miss pageants are held for girls age 4-18, and have five different age divisions. 

Hailey will be participating in the Princess age division, along with other outstanding young ladies from across the great state of Minnesota.

The winner of the pageant will receive a $1,000 cash award, the official crown and banner, a bouquet of roses, and air transportation to compete in the National pageant in California where she will receive an exciting complimentary tour of Hollywood and two V.I.P tickets to Disneyland.

The National American Miss Pageants are unlike any other.  All activities and competitions are kept age appropriate.  Girls under the age of 12 are not allowed to wear make-up, and there is no swimsuit competition. 

The pageant program is based on inner-beauty, as well as poise and presentation, and offers an "All-American spirit of fun for family and friends." Emphasis is put on the importance of developing self confidence, learning good sportsmanship, as well as setting and achieving personal goals.  The pageant recognizes the accomplishments of each girl while encouraging her to set goals for her for her future.

Families interested in learning more about this unique and outstanding youth program may visitwww.namiss.com.

Miss Hailey's activities include dance, swimming, hula-hooping, and arts & crafts.  She also enjoys making bracelets in order to sell to raise money for the "Give Kids The World Hotel" in Orlando Florida.

Miss Hailey's sponsors include Woodbury Dance Center, Portrait Innovations, Northwestern Mutual, and many family and friends.

To view the full article, click the link here

Iowa Princess Queen Shae Smolik to Represent Mac Duggal's Sugar Line in their Fall Catalog

The 2013 Iowa Princess Queen, Shae Smolik recently had a fun opportunity to model for Mac Duggal. "From fashion editor to celebrity stylist, movie star to headline entertainer, pageant winner to prom queen – Mac Duggal’s gown designs are spotlighted, worn and coveted by fashionistas and trendsetters alike.  From adorning actresses Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Beal and Cybil Shepherd to headlining the stage on Tina Turner, Bette Midler and Aretha Franklin, from guest segments on Jersey Couture and My Fair Wedding to appearances on the big screen in Country Strong, Titanic and Oceans 11 and crowning achievements on Miss America and Miss USA -- the brand has gained significant media prominence and celebrity buzz." Shae had a blast at her photo shoot and will appear in the fall catalog modeling the Sugar line of dresses. You can also view photos of all the dresses she modeled on the Mac Duggal website, here. 

Here's a photo from the shoot:

NAM Virginia State Finalist featured in the Great Falls Connection

Watch for NAM's very own Megan Alexander on Tonight's Episode of 'Nashville'

Shout out to all you NAM girls who love the show Nashville! Tonight's set to be an extra special episode. Take an extra peek as you watch tonight's show-- you might just spot a familiar face! NAM's very own Megan Alexander is set to be featured on tonight's episode of 'Nashville', so keep your eyes peeled ladies! Megan will appear in a scene that takes place backstage with Juliette Barnes.

Utah State Finalist, Lillian Thorup, Inspires her Local Community to Sponsor her through heartfelt Online Video

Just like many six year olds her age, Lillian Thorup loves using her imagination and playing with her little sister and her friends. She also adores animals and even Lillian will tell you herself about her dreams of becoming an “animal doctor” someday! Aside from being so stinking adorable, Lillian was also recently selected as a state finalist for this year’s National American Miss Utah pageant. What an accomplishment at such a young age! Now, she’s working hard to raise sponsorship support from her community, and who could resist this heartfelt video she made to tell you all about it? We sure couldn't!  So--we had to share it with you! Let Lillian herself tell you why she wants to do National American Miss, by clicking the link below:

Lillian Thorup-National American Miss Sponsorship Request Video

Lillian hopes that you can help support her by donating towards her sponsorship fees. Doing so will allow her the once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of National American Miss! Why donate? Lillian hopes that you will help her to participate in National American Miss, so she can partake in a wonderful opportunity to build valuable communication skills and many other life skills that she can take with her for years to come. She knows that this is an experience that will surely open doors for her in the future, not to mention, one that will look great on her resume someday, (Smart girl!).

What makes today such a great day to help Lillian with a sponsorship gift? Today is Lillian Thorup’s 6^th birthday! Help make sure one of her biggest wishes comes true, and become one of her sponsors for the 2013 National American Miss Utah pageant!

If you’re interested in donating towards Lillian’s pageant sponsorship, please contact Jacob Thorup at jthorup@gmail.com or 801-347-4059.

Congratulations again to Lillian for being selected as a state finalist for the National American Miss Utah pageant, those of us at National American Miss can’t wait to see how she shines on pageant weekend!

Congratulations to the New 2013-2014 National American Miss Nebraska Queens!

After a long weekend filled with outstanding representatives from all across the state of Nebraska, the results are in! And your new 2013-2014 National American Miss Nebraska Representatives are....

2013-2014 National American Miss Nebraska Princess Queen
Brookelyn Lindley of Elkhorn

2013-2014 National American Miss Junior Pre-Teen

Emma Strom of Omaha

2013-2014 National American Miss Nebraska Pre-Teen

Naomi Turner of Omaha

2013-2014 National American Miss Nebraska Junior Teen

Megan Karas of Papillion

2013-2014 National American Miss Nebraska Teen Queen
Amanda Hayes of Lincoln

Congratulations to all of these fabulous ladies! We can't wait to see what's in store for them this year!

Your 2012 National American Miss Nebraska Preteen, Savannah Soltero, reflects on her experience this year

Hello! My name is Savannah Soltero and I am your Miss Nebraska Pre-Teen 2012. This year has been so amazing!

 When I was chosen as one of the state finalists for the 2012 National American Miss Nebraska pageant I was so excited! It was my first pageant so I needed to work hard to prepare for it. When I got to the NAM check-in and saw all the girls I was so nervous. I decided the best way to get over my nerves was to just jump right in so I started to introduce myself to all the other girls. I'm sure glad I did because some of them are now my closest friends. The night of the final pageant I was ready for whatever happened. They started calling up the top 20 and when I got called, all I could hear was my family and friends cheering for me! When we went back on stage, they called the runners up. Then, it was time to announce the winner. I heard my name get called and I was shocked! I couldn't believe it, as you can see by the picture. I was so happy and overwhelmed. I was shaking, crying, laughing. It was so emotional.

  With my Miss Nebraska Pre-Teen title I did a lot of volunteer work, visited other state pageants, and got to be in several parades. 

Some of my favorite things included attending Columbus Days in my hometown and going on road trips with my pageant sisters to the other NAM state pageants. My favorite event in Columbus Days was the Weiner Dog Races. It was so much fun watching the little puppies run as fast as they could! 

Going to the other NAM state pageants was so much fun. I loved meeting and watching all the girls compete. I also loved meeting my new sister queens from other states and spending time with my Nebraska sister queens.

Meeting other queens at another NAM state pageant

  Nationals finally arrived and I was so excited! When I got there, I met all the girls from the different states. I loved the Hollywood tour because I got to meet amazing girls from both the state division and the All-American division, not to mention, got to meet Mario Lopez and be seen on TV, "Extra Extra!". I even ran into Disney star, Audrey Whitby, from Dog with a Blog, during our Disney day . I loved the different rehearsals because it was really fun to see what other girls were wearing for pajama day and patriotic rehearsal, also how the girls did their hair for crazy hair day. 

 

Meeting Mario Lopez at Nationals!

The night of the final pageant my name didn't get called for the top 15. I was sad but then I realized I was really lucky I got to even come to nationals, and I had the BEST cheering section a girl could ask for with family traveling from across the country to watch me compete. When I got back home to Nebraska I was happy to be home, although I still call and message my sister queens a lot!

Spending time with my sister queens!

  I would like to thank my family for being a part of this experience, and helping me throughout my entire journey this year. Dad, thank you for being my very handsome escort! Mom and Amanda, thank you for coaching me and helping me learn all that I need to know. I would also like to thank my Breanne, Lani, and Ryan for being awesome state directors! Also, a big thank you to my sister queens for giving me a very fun year! I would also like to thank Michele Strom and Winning Crown for helping me with everything I needed to know and for helping me pick out my dress and interview suit. I love all of you guys so much!

  All the girls who are competing this year, GOOD LUCK! I hope you have as great as an experience as I did! You are all amazing girls! Remember to always say to yourself, "I look good!", and I can't wait to meet all of you!

  xoxo,

 Savannah Soltero

 2012-2013 National American Miss Nebraska Pre-teen Queen

Farewell from your 2012 Nebraska Princess Queen, Hannah Lienemann

Coming to you from the great state of Nebraska, home of the Huskers, I am your 2012 Miss Nebraska Princess Hannah Lienemann. It was just over a year ago when I asked my Mom, "Why do girls cry when they win?". Well little did I know I was about to find out. I was so amazed and overwhelmed by emotions when my name was called as the new Miss Nebraska Princess that I also cried. My first and maybe the most lasting part of this experience was meeting my new NAMily! My sister queens were so nice and we were immediately friends for life.

When I returned home I got right to work gathering more donations of books and bears from friends and family. The books and bears were taken to the Kearney Area Safe Center, where women and children are able to seek safe shelter. I was very happy to find out that each child that comes to the Safe Center is given a backpack with a book and a stuffed animal, it was just what they needed.  I was also honored to volunteer at the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure. It was so neat to see all the runners and teams there to support such an important cause. One of the most fun volunteer experiences was helping the Tri-City Storm Hockey team with their annual Teddybear Toss (even with my broken arm). We sold over 400 Bears, not to mention those that people brought on their own. The bears will be distributed to many area charity organizations.

Some of the other fun things I was able to do this past year include being in many parades, appearing at the Buffalo county fair (and even do a tractor pull in heels & a dress), and attending the State Fair Queen Meet & Greet with 2 of my sister queens. I also go to appear on NTV to talk about NAM. Road-tripping to the Missouri State pageant was a Blast! Thanks Sharon & Savannah for great memories.

Nationals was something I will never forget. I had a blast with my family at Disneyland & Hollywood, but really enjoyed making new friends during rehearsals. I made friends from all over the country (my Mom even made some too). I was super excited when I found out we were going to meet & perform with Kiana Brown to her song "Do the Mermaid". I was sad when my name wasn't called for any awards or top ten, but my good friend Shareen was so nice and helped me see how lucky I was to be there and all of the great things I still had to look forward to. What an incredible journey this has been, and just think I'm only seven....look out world!

 There are so many people I want to thank I barely know where to start. Ken and Lani Maples, you have to be thanked first without you we would not have this amazing NAMily! Breanne and Ryan you are awesome and I love you. You are so much fun and always positive and encouraging to all the girls. My sister queens (Chrissi, Jamie, Savannah & Hannah K.) I don't know what I would do without you, you have all been so supportive and are so much fun to be with. I love you guys you will forever be my big sisters! My sponsors, Grandma & Grandpa, Uncle Russ & Aunt Lisa, Lots 2 Learn Childcare and Mom & Dad I wouldn't be able to do this without you! Miss Erin & Miss Whitney you are the best dance teachers I could ever hope for thank you for all the time you spent getting me ready for Nationals.

Finally to my family, I am so grateful for all of you! Grandma & Grandpa thank you for always being there and following me all the way to Nationals. Corey you are the best big brother & escort a girl could have. My brothers Drake, Erik, and Kevin; you couldn't always be there but you were always cheering me on from home. My sister Mary thanks for putting up with me and being so supportive. Mackenzie you are the best big sister, helping Mom with all my preparations and doing my hair, you've been there every step of the way. Daddy you have been my biggest cheerleader and allowed me to chase my Dream. Mom, you are the Best, there are not enough words to say thank you for how much work you have done for me I love you so much!

This has been a fantastic year. Thank you National American Miss for this wonderful opportunity. To all the girls competing this year, have a blast, make friends and be yourself! If I can leave with one message it would be it would be "I hope you dance", live life to it's fullest! Saying goodbye for now, but see you soon!

With Love,

Your 2012 Miss Nebraska Princess

Hannah Lienemann.

Congratulations to the New 2013 National American Miss Iowa Titleholders!

The first state pageant of the year has already flown by! And your new 2013 National American Miss Iowa Queens are....

Your 2013-2014 National American Miss Iowa Princess Queen is...

Shae Smolik of Waukee, IA!

Your 2013-2014 National American Miss Iowa Junior Pre-Teen Queen is...

Lemuel Carrol of Davenport, IA!

Your 2013-2014 National American Miss Iowa Pre-Teen Queen is...

Shayla Timm of Madrid, IA!

Your 2013-2014 National American Miss Iowa Junior Teen is...

Hannah Bockhaus of Ionia, IA!

Your 2013-2014 National American Miss Iowa Teen Queen is...

Maddison Lange of Centerville, IA!

Congratulations to these outstanding ladies! We can't wait to see all the wonderful experiences they encounter this year at National American Miss!!

Farewell from your 2012 Miss Iowa Teen, Alyssa Priebe

Hello everyone! I want to take this time to say “thank you” to National American Miss for this amazing opportunity. I have been with NAM for the past eight years and when I heard, “Your new 2012 National American Miss Iowa Teen is…Alyssa Priebe!” I couldn’t believe it; my dream had finally come true! This year has been full of exciting and precious experiences I will always remember.

I am so thankful to have been able to participate in so many activities promoting NAM. I was asked to help coach contestants for the Iowa County Fair pageant along with emceeing the competition! I was able to participate in the Oktoberfest and Maifest parade in my hometown of Amana and the Freedom Festival parade where me and my sister queens rode in a Bentley Convertible.

A highlight of my year was crowning my long term pageant friend, Charity Finceroy (Miss Iowa 2012) at the Kansas pageant. My family and I were able to travel to Wisconsin in August and I felt so blessed to spend my birthday surrounded by my pageant sisters.

All of these experiences mean a lot to me, but my work with the Amana Public Library and St. Luke’s Cook Cancer Wellness program will always hold a special place in my heart. When I saw the spark of admiration in children’s eyes as I read to them I truly felt I made a difference in their lives and that means so much to me.

 I got to attend Nationals in November, Disneyland over Thanksgiving…what more can I say but WOW! It was unreal. I am a Disney fanatic and it was magical. I met so many amazing young women from across the nation and that week is one I will remember forever.

I also want to thank my incredibly supportive family, not only for this past year, but for everything you guys have done for me, you have made me into the young woman I am today. You have been there for every achievement, but more importantly, you have been there for every disappointment and it’s because of your encouragement I never given up.

To my siblings, Christopher and Kytana I love you both and appreciate all of your inspirational pep-talks! Grandma and Grandpa, since the beginning you’ve stood by my side and supported me in every dream, this means the world to me and I love you so much, thank you! 

Dad, thank you for putting up with every outfit, shoe, and shopping trip with mom and I; You are the best escort a girl could ask for, who else could make me laugh right before I go on stage by simply saying, “bubbles”? 

Mom, you have been my crutch, my coach, my guide, but most of all, you’ve been my friend. No matter what question I have or how much attitude I give you, you have always been there for me to lend a helping hand and I appreciate that so much.

To my sister queens, Charity, Destiny, Annie, Kriten, Priya, and Becca, I have been blessed to get to know you and share in your year. You are all amazing ladies and you have made my reign unforgettable!

To the contestants, my advice to you is “just keep swimming!” No matter what obstacles come your way never let anything stop you. This weekend only one girl will walk away with the title of National American Miss Iowa Teen, do not let that discourage you. It took me eight years, but what I’ve learned has been more valuable than a crown. Let yourself learn something new, make new friends, and ALWAYS let your amazing personalities shine through. I wish you all the best! 

Your 2012-2013 National American Miss Iowa Teen,

Alyssa Priebe