What is NAM all about?

We are often asked about what it is like to be a NAM girl or in that case what is it like to be a pageant girl. The truth is their isn't a simple answer to this question. NAM is about so much! Yes you have the chance to be in the spot light and walk the famous stage, but the core of National American Miss stands  for so much more than that. 

I often describe NAM as the Disney channel meets Miss America meets Summer Camp!

NAM naturally brings out self-confidence and encourages girls to achieve their dreams no matter what they are in life. We believe with the right skills and the right set of mind, your dreams can become a reality! 

At NAM you also meet some of your very best friends! Girls become friends with girls from all over the country! I have seen friendships last decades! This organic aspect of National American Miss  is so rewarding to see. Year and after year girls come back and develop quality life long friendships and memories! So make the most of your pageant weekend and get to know the girl sitting next to you!

NAM on Facebook!

A Word to The 2013 NAM Contestants

Dear contestants,

     When I was crowned 2012-2013 National American Miss Texas Jr.

Teen I didn’t realize how much it was going to change my life. My

reign has been one of the most pleasurable years yet. Not only did I

build my confidence, I also made friends that will last a lifetime! I

took part in my first NAM pageant at the age of 11, I have been

involved with National American Miss ever since! This being said, I

have been in your shoes many times before, all of your emotions

combined into excitement and anticipation! This weekend never fails to

boost everyone’s confidence. I can’t believe that my reign is coming

to an end and I will be crowning a very lucky young lady at the end of

this weekend! But no matter what your personal experience is, you

should be very proud of yourself for having the courage to accomplish

all of the once in a lifetime experiences of the National American

Miss pageant system. So put on that winning smile and begin your NAM

adventure!

The best of luck, Jordan Zerr!

What a year for the The 2012 Miss Texas Jr Teen Moriah Foster!

Hello Smart, Beautiful, Successful Ladies!!!

I am so proud to have been able to represent my Great State of Texas for the past year. As a first time NAM pageant girl, all things are possible. I know the feeling of being nervous and a little shy. As a great lady once told me- My Mom! “Feeling a few butterflies is a good feeling- Turn those beautiful, flying creatures loose in your own garden and watch them soar!!”  As you embark on this new journey, keep in mind all the other girls who would love to be in your shoes! All of you are winners, just for having the courage, confidence and empowerment to stand on stage and be yourself. Your experience will give you the motivation to conquer that next attempt at getting whatever you want out of life. If you are the next Queen, Do not place your crown on a shelf. Work your Banner and Crown the entire year. It will open great doors of opportunity for you to help others and achieve personal goals. My Banner allowed me to meet with Governor Rick Perry and set up so many different fund raisers for my friends that are not quite as fortunate as I have been. From raising money for Challenged Art students to Juvenile Diabetes- Work that Prestigious award to everyone’s benefit!! Good luck to all of my NAM friends!!!! Let your Butterflies loose and Soar!!!

Love and Blessings,

Moriah Foster

 National American Miss Texas Junior Teen

Moriah volunteering in her community!

With Governor Rick Perry 

It's Been a Wonderful Year for the 2012 Miss Texas Teen Sawyer Matson!

This weekend Sawyer Matson, Miss Texas Teen 2012 will crown her successor at The 2013 National American Miss Central Texas Pageant!

Take a look at The 2012 South Texas PreTeen Anisa Ogando!

See what Anisa has to say about her year representing PreTeens and placing Top 5 at the National Pageant!

It has been an honor to represent The Lone Star state this year. I have

had many wonderful adventures, met many wonderful people, and visited

lots of amazing places. This year will always hold a special place in my

heart. I put everything I had into it and was in shock to hear my name

as I was crowned Miss South Texas Pre Teen. Being my states queen has

been such a blessing. From riding in parades in my hometown to walking

in a 5K for breast cancer awareness with other local queens, organizing

"Dance for the cure Houston", an event that we hope will become a

tradition against the fight for the cure in Houston, TX. I was able to

donate clothing to the local school districts, and held food and school

supply drives to help my community. Volunteering  was always important

to me but doing it as Miss Texas and putting my heart and soul into

doing for others because it was the right thing I could do has become

the greatest lesson and most fulfilling experience of my young life.

Overjoyed to hear I would be going to the National Pageant to represent

my state as the Miss Texas Pre Teen Queen I still couldn't really put

things in perspective. I had been told that Nationals would be the time

of my life but didn't fully understand the concept till I was there. I

made friendships I'll never forget, got to do things I never thought I'd

do. Being called in the top five contestants for the national title was

the most incredible culmination to an already perfect Thanksgiving week.

I owe my sincerest gratitude for this joy ride to so many amazing

people. A huge Thank You for this opportunity...To all my family,

friends, sponsors, to my NAM-ily, Prodigy All Stars and Coach Johnny

Pigge for supporting me! To my grandparents in heaven watching over me,

and my Mom and Dad who never let me forget God is great and I am

beautiful because I am his child. Thank you for everything you do and

for loving me blindly and unconditionally, I couldn't have done it

without you.

To all wonderful young ladies competing today...National American Miss

has enriched my life in immeasurable ways and given me a sense of

purpose that will be a shining light in my life for years to come!! You

need to know you are beautiful, strong, smart and unique. The sky is the

limit and all you need are dreams, goals, and the confidence to go forth

and do great things. Henry Ford once said, "whether you think you can,

or think you can't, you're right." So to you I say...Believe in yourself

and remember it's not the crown that makes a princess. It's who you are

that makes you royalty.

From my heart with love,

Anisa Ogando

NAM Texas Pre Teen

Helping those in need!

Volunteering!

What a Year it has been for The 2012 Miss South Texas PreTeen Ashley Crawford !

Wow, what an incredible year it has been for me!  When my name was announced as the new National American Miss South Texas Pre-teen Queen, I felt so many emotions….Happy, Shocked, Excited….It is a moment I will never forget!  I couldn’t believe I won my very first time trying NAM.  

During my year of reign, I was able to give back to my community in many ways.  I collected donations for Emily’s Smile Boxes and delivered them to sick children and their siblings in local children’s hospitals.  I also participated in Dance for a Cure, Houston Rockets Run, Relay for Life, and many other charitable events.  

In November, I got to travel to Nationals in California.  We went on a Hollywood tour, played at Disneyland, had fun rehearsals, danced at the 60’s party, hung out with friends, and of course competed on the National stage!  I came home with 2 national titles…Miss Photogenic and Most Promising Model.  I also placed top 10 in the nation, 1^st Runner Up in Casual Wear and 2^nd Runner Up in Best Resume.

To all of the girls competing this year, Good luck to each and every one of you!  Remember to smile, relax, and just be YOU!   I would like to thank everyone at NAM for creating an organization that focuses on building self-confidence and setting goals for young ladies.  To my successor, enjoy every single moment and take lots of pictures!  

Your 2012 National American Miss South Texas Pre-Teen Queen,

Ashley Crawford

Ashley making an appearance at a parade in her hometown!

Formal Wear Competition at Nationals!

Ashley took home The National Photogenic and Model titles at Nationals!

Having fun in Hollywood with her Texas Sister Queen Anisa!

Ready for The National Interview Competition!

Volunteering with Sister Queens!

Making a difference in her hometown!

After winning her state title!

Meet Miss South Texas Jr PreTeen Hannah Pratt!

Read what Hannah has to say about representing the Lone Star State!

Dear Contestants and Families,

Last year I stood on the NAM stage dreaming of wearing the Miss Texas Jr. Pre-Teen crown just like many of my new friends that I had made. I was truly honored when the judges selected me to represent each one of those girls as well as everyone in our great state of Texas.

The dream continued as I rode in a convertible corvette in the Bulverde Jubilee parade. Wow! Could this dream get any better. Of course it did!!! Off to Nationals!!! I went with A LOT of luggage and, to my family’s surprise, a limousine took us to the host hotel. I met a lot of new friends at the 70’s party and then we had an enchanting time at Disney Land meeting the disney characters and riding the rides. Rehearsals were a blast! NAM choreographers are the best with their crazy hair, fun NAM 10th Anniversary Birthday outfits and the great red, white and blue styles to show how proud we are to be Americans! I had so much fun, they gave me a spirit stick!!!! To top it all off, I was 3rd Runner Up in Photogenic and 1st Runner up in the Scrapbook competition. I didn’t want this trip to end! Unfortunately it did, but luckily we were able watch the sunset on the beach before saying, “good bye” to California.

Wow! Was I ever living the dream. I needed to share! So, my sister and I decided to bring some happiness to kids in the hospital. We held a toy drive called “Happiness for Hospitalized Kids”. We were able to collect over 300 toys for kids undergoing treatment. Hopefully they will have good dreams while they are away from home. We also helped families dreaming of a new pet, by volunteering at our local Humane Society. It feels good to help others’ dreams come true.

Unfortunately, this NAM dream of mine will be coming to an end soon. I would like to thank everyone that has made it so special. Thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Mayes, you make dreams come true, LaKishia and Tiffany, you always have the answers, Tracie, Leslie and Tiffany, you always make everything fun, and everyone at National American Miss, it wouldn’t be the same with out all the smiles! The BIGGEST THANKS of all goes to my family. All of my GREATEST DREAMS are shared with them.

To all of the contestants, I hope you Dream Big! But most importantly, have fun and make A LOT of new friends. They are the ones that you will want with you in all of your dreams and they will be there whether that dream of being crowned Miss Texas Jr. Pre- Teen comes true or not.

•  Always Live Your Dreams and Smile 
  Hannah Laura Pratt
• 
  
•  Hannah Laura Pratt
•   Miss South Texas Jr. Pre-Teen 2012
  
  
  
  Fun at the beach with big sister Haley, during NAM Nationals. 
  
  
  
  Making friends at the state pageant!
  
  
  
  Crazy hair rehearsal at Nationals!
  
  
  
  Making an official appearance during a parade!
  
  
  
   Having fun backstage with some of the NAM staff!
  
  
  
  Making a difference as Miss Texas Jr PreTeen.
  
  
  
  Texas Sister Queens!
  
  
  
  NAM ROCKS!
  
  Hannah Pratt Miss Texas Jr PreTeen 2012!
  
  
  
  

It's a Top 5 Finish for Miss Texas Princess Jasmine Kuruvilla!

It has been an exciting year for the adorable Miss Texas Princess! Check out what she has to say about her year! 

Hello Everyone!

Since June 9, 2012 I have been blessed to represent our great state as Miss Texas Princess.  It has been an experience I will never forget.  NAM has taught me so much about confidence, hard work, and true beauty.  Everyone here at NAM believes in beauty that starts from the inside and I love that!  

My year as Miss Texas has been unforgettable!  I have met amazing girls from our great state and great nation.   We really are the melting pot of the world!  It has been an honor to wear my crown and banner at all the charity events I have taken part in such as Park Manor Nursing Home, Star of Hope Shelters, and St. Lawrence charities.  I also had a blast riding in my first parade.  Nationals and Disneyland were a dream come true.  I will cherish those memories, and icing on the cake…I won third runner up at nationals.  These experiences will no doubt shape my future and remind me of what is truly important in life.

To Ms. Kathleen, Mr. Steve, Ms. Lakishia, Ms. Tiffany, all the choreographers, and everyone who works so hard at the National office…THANK YOU!  What you have given my sisters and I are life-long lessons that we will never forget!

I would not be here today without the faith, love and support of my parents, sisters, family and friends.  I love each of you so much!

To every princess here this weekend I wish you the best of luck!  Be yourself and have fun.  I wanted to end with a line from  Britt Nicole’s song “Gold”.

“So hold your head up high, it’s your time to shine.

 From the inside out it shows, you’re worth more than gold.

Love, 

Jasmine 

Jasmine with NAM National Director Kathleen Mayes after placing in the top 5 at the National pageant.

Texas Girls at Nationals in California!

Making an appearance with her sisters!

Representing NAM in a parade.

Volunteering with sister queen Megan!

New Video form The 2012-2013 National American Miss Hoang-Kim Cung !

See what state pageants Kim will be attending!!!

Former Miss New Jersey PreTeen is an Up and Coming Fresh Face!

Check out former Miss New Jersey Jr PreTeen Cielo Camacho as she is on set modeling the latest trends!

You can find her online and in print ads showing off the latest fashions!

Cielo Models for Nordstrom! 

 With Miss Pennsylvania PreTeen Andora McConnell

Former Miss New York Jr PreTeen signs with Universal Republic Records!

Dylan Jenet Collins, former Miss New York Jr PreTeen  was just signed to Universal Republic Records in the POP Division! Stevie Wonder is her Executive Producer!  Dylan began her career with National American Miss, where she gained much success and learned many useful techniques reach her goals!

Miss California JrTeen Addresses The San Jose City Council on Autism Awareness

Athenna Crosby, The 2012 Miss California JrTeen addressed The San Jose City Council on Autism  Awareness. Athenna received a proclamation to declare April Autism Awareness month. Way to go Athenna for your using your state title to impact your community!!

Get YOUR right INTERVIEW SWAG!

After seeing thousands of girls and mom's over the last few weeks, at NAM open calls and training sessions, there is one question that I would like to address:

What should I wear for the Interview and Personal Introduction Competition?

2012-2013 NAM National Titleholders!

Picking that right interview outfit can be a bit tricky. You should pick an outfit that says "I'm ready for the job"! 

Choose something that shows your personality and stills shows off that professional edge. 

You can wear a suit,  a dress ,or even a pant outfit! Just pick something that you love and makes you feel confident!

Check out these fun of examples for what you can wear !

Where can you find interview outfits? 

You can check out your local department stores, look online or even have one made! There are lots of options for you to find the right look!

Check out:

PAGEANTRESALE.COM

NORDSTROM.COM

EBAY.COM

MACYS.COM

DILLARDS.COM

Here are some great looks from department stores!