MY SCHOOL Reading Assembly

I could not wait to get to do a Reading Assembly at my school. Our principal, Mr. Hodson, was so nice and helpful.

My Mom contacted the local library and asked if they were preparing a summer reading program and we could talk about and they jumped at the chance to come and present it along with us. The lady from the library was an amazing story-teller. She had everyone's attention from the 5 yrs up to 12. Cool.

After the assembly, we stopped by my little brother's class and read a story. My brother was all smiles!

And of course, we had to end the day with a trip to my favorite frozen yogurt place, Orange Leaf!

Helping out at this year's NAM Open Call

Kailee Jade and Me at "Open Calls"

I remember getting that postcard in the mail from National American Miss last year. I had always wanted to try a pageant, but my Mom was hesitant. She was worried it would be like some of those crazy pageant shows on tv. Luckily, National American Miss had the edge because it is a natural pageant (strick rules - no make up for girls 12 and under), and focused on community involvement, public speaking, and personal interview. So Mom said "YES".

It's funny that a year has gone by. Last year, we didn't know what to expect about NAM and the State pageant and all. And now, its been a year and I got to go and help at the open call. I hope these girls got excited too!

Sister Queens having fun in St. George

As I've mentioned before, I love my sister queens. I come from a family with only brothers, so this is great.

Our age differences don't seem to matter. We all make each other laugh and have a great time.

We even managed to go swimming several times while in St. George.

And of course, at the end of each day....exhausted!

School Assembly and Children's Justice Center, St. George

One of my favorite series!!!

One of the most enjoyable activities this past year as a reigning queen has been to go to school assemblies and talk about the importance of reading.

Olivia, Me, Kailee Jade, and Brindee

We got to go to Brindee's school in St. George, and help with her reading assembly.

Sometimes, I still get nervous speaking, but as long as I am talking about my favorite books, I am okay!

These girls are so fun!

During this fantastic weekend, we also toured the Children's Justice Center and donated lots and lots of stuffed animals. The Justice Center takes in children who come from abusive homes. It is a safe place. I love the monkey in the tree!

2011 Nationals - Final Pageant

I'm in the back/middle. We were lined up by state names.

 This week flew by. Hard to believe the final pagaent came so quickly.  The National American Miss Pre Teen Pageant featured all the state queens in 2 different dance numbers. The first one, we were all in pink/red/white outfits of our choice.

The second performance number was so fun. We got to dance while Madison Hill, a former NAM All American Pre Teen, debuted her new song "Alien Eyes". As you can tell from the pictures, we all had the same outfits for this number.

After those numbers, we ran off stage again, quickly trying to get into our formal wear gowns. We then did one final "parade of gowns". I must say, there were so many beautiful gowns. Each one was different and beautiful.

My mom took this picture of me being broadcast on the jumbo screen

It was hard to figure out who would win. I really did think each of us could. It is hard to tell what the judges are looking for. My parents kept telling me the whole week that they didn't care what happened in the end because they knew I was amazing. My friend Raina made top 10 and she was completely surprised. Miss Ohio ended up winning. I think she did great and will do a great job representing Pre Teens this year.

You can't tell from the pictures but I had a lot of people cheering for me. My family of course came. My brothers and dad even pretended to be my body guards, just for fun. My Nana flew all the way from Texas to be here. My Uncle Doug, Aunt Brooke, and cousin Addy came down at the beginning of the week. And I can't forget, my sister queens and their families. We tried to go to as many competitions for each other as possible. My sister queens and families even helped each other with last minutes things/emergencies. I hope any future queen will know how great it is to have sister queens. They are really like sisters.

Me and Brindee (Miss Utah Princess). She came to cheer me on.

Brittany (Miss Wisconsin) and me posing for the cameras after the final pageant

Me and Aubree (Miss Utah Teen)

My family cheer squad (my brothers, dad, mom, and Nana)

Brittany (Miss Wisconsin), me, and Merrill (Miss Iowa)

 I have to say I've been able to look back on this experience and smile. I learned a lot about myself. I learned a lot about being confident and speaking clearly and presenting myself well. I did my best and now I am wanting to come back and compete when I age up to the Jr. Teen category. That is a couple years away, since I won my division and I was barely 11.  I am so glad to have been able to be involved in this experience. There were many girls who have been involved in pageants for years and it has taken a lot of hard work. For this summer being my first pageant ever and winning, and then coming to Nationals....wow! I feel so lucky.

2011 Nationals - Having fun in front of the signs

 During the pageants, NAM had a huge room with Hollywood posters that everyone could go and take pictures in front of. After my interview and introduction, we went a did a little photoshoot. It felt like I was on the red carpet!

 Spicing it up a little!

 Big smiles...actually I had big smiles all week!

2011 Nationals - Personal Introduction

Personal Introduction is my favorite. I don't get nervous standing up in front of a lot of people. Well, sometimes I do, but I wasn't nervous here.

With the help of Brittany Miyahara, Miss Utah, we put together my introduction. A personal intro must say your name, where you are from, and your ambition. It can also have anything else in it but it must be less than 60 seconds long. In fact, they have a light that goes on when you have 10 seconds left and then they will cut off the microphone at 60 seconds whether you are done or not. Mine, when we timed it, was about 54 seconds long. As you are saying your introduction, you need to also be looking at all the judges, and smiling, and using inflection. Seems like a lot to remember. Good thing I practiced a lot and a lot. I would practice for my family, my friends, just about anyone. Practice paid off because my best score of the competition was my Personal Introduction.

Here it is:

Good Morning (smile)!
What does a Wand, a Whistle, and a Gavel all have in common?
They all get attention, hush a crowd and are my tools of the trade.

My passion for reading has held me spellbound since this summer through over 3000 pages, especially the Harry Potter series. Someday I'll finally proclaim Expelliarmus! and disarm any ruckus.

For now, I use a whistle, where every Saturday for the last year I've been looking my black-and-yellow-striped best while ref-ing soccer games.

But my dreams expand past the soccer field and, as a lawyer, into the courtroom where the gavel declares "Order In The Court!" I think everyone should be treated fairly. But if you ask my brothers, they'd say I'd make a good lawyer because I like to argue. (smile)!

A hearty Wa-ssup from the Wa-satch Mountains of Highland Utah. Confidently grabbing your attention, I am National American Miss Utah Pre Teen, Rachel Wright.