Prestige magazine fall 2016

MNU

PRESTIGE F A LL 2016

MEET THE QUEENS Nia Sanchez 2017 HEAD JUDGE

C A LEND A R GIRLS

Wanted

ST A TE P A GE A NTS A

US A N A TION A LMISS . COM

RE IN SEASON

ntry Great Again!

Making Pagea

CASH &

COLLEGE

TRAVEL &

FUN

USANationalMiss.com PRIZES

SCHOLARSHIPS

OPPORTUNITIES

SISTERHOOD

CONTENTS 1

UNM PRESTIGE MAGAZINE

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: Katherine Weiss FALL 2016

HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS ISSUE

08 MORE THAN JUST A CROWN How one UNM alumni found her bridesmaid at UNM

28 CALENDAR GIRLS WANTED Here's your chance to be featured in the 2017 UNM Calendar

14 UNM BOUTIQUE Christmas comes early with Black Friday sales at the UNM Boutique

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NIA SANCHEZ IS 2017 HEAD JUDGE

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EXCLUSIVE!

MISS AMERICA WEEKEND REVIEW 06 WHAT PAGEANTS HAVE DONE FOR ME

The take-away is life-changing

02 STATE PAGEANTS ARE IN SEASON MEET THE QUEENS

SAY YES TO THE DRESS

Find your state and begin your journey

Cover Models: our 2016 national royalty - Layilah Nasser, Keisha Abelgas, Kelsey Dube, Taylor Hughes, Isabella Schmitt and Aeowyn Holmes.

IN SEASON

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STATE PAGEANTS ARE NOW

MISSOURI OCT. 21-22

R U O Y FINSDTATE .COM MISS L A N ATIO R USAN E T S I G & RE

GEORGIA & SOUTHERN STATES NOV. 5-6

KANSAS NOV. 4-6

PA NOV. 5-6

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GO TO USANATIONALMISS.COM FOR A COMPLETE LISTING

FLORIDA JAN. 13-15

SC & SE FEB. 24-26

NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY DEC. 2-4

MN FEB. 25-26

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WHAT'S UP AT UNM Thankful Thursdays Each Thursday in November, #UNMgirls will be sharing what they’re thankful for on social media. Hold up a sheet of paper that says what you’re thankful for, snap a photo and post it on your social media. #ThankfulThursday

National Day of Service UNM’s National Day of Service will be on Saturday, Dec. 10. Our local, state and national titleholders will be participating in charity service projects all across the country! #UNMserves

25 Days of Christmas Kindness From Dec. 1-25 UNM will be hosting our 25 Days of Christmas Kindness... our queens will be performing random acts of kindness each day leading up to Christmas Day. Spreading Christmas cheer...

UNM style! #UNMChristmasKindness

5 SIGNS YOU'RE A SORE LOSER We’ve all seen it before… the lack of good sportsmanship that is sometimes displayed by some contestants after a pageant has concluded. You’re thinking of someone right now, aren’t you? You’re saying to yourself “oh, I know someone who fits that description perfectly.” Not so fast! If you’ve ever done any of the things below, the sore loser may be you!

1. You didn’t win, so you put on a different crown and sash in the dressing room and walk out of the pageant representing a different pageant system’s title - and even take photos to post on social media.

2. You didn’t make top 15, so you grab your things and leave the pageant even though you’re supposed to be on stage for the crowning of the new queen.

3. You post on social media that you didn’t win so you’re on to “bigger and better things.” Saying that only demeans the title you were just gushing over. Wait, didn’t you just post yesterday that it was your dream job?

4. You don’t congratulate the new winner.

5. You email the pageant director asking for an explanation why you didn’t win – as if your win was a sure thing.

Confidence in yourself is one thing, cockiness is another.

Pageants are a sport. You win some, you lose some. Do it with grace either way.

Did you pass the test? Good sportsmanship is important in pageantry. It’s the sign of a true queen.

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What Pageants Have Done For Me

By Gabby Norwood Miss Georgia Preteen 2016

I first became interested in pageants when I was 5 years old. I wanted to do one but my mom said no because she only thought of glitz pageants. I remember getting a letter in the mail about a pageant and my mom gave in and read the information and she liked what the pageant was about. We went to the open call and learned that some pageants can be educational. Pageants have taught me interview sills and public speaking skills. I wasn't

shy when I was little but pageants have taken my outgoing personality to a higher level. Since pageants I am now the morning announcer at my school and I was nominated to attend a leadership program in Washington DC. Most recently I was elected as a peer leader for 7th grade.The one thing that I love most about pageants is all the community service that is involved. I have volunteered for over ten different

organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House, Atlanta Children’s Shelter, American Cancer Society, Relay for Life, senior centers, Breast Cancer Awareness, DeKalb Medical Center Health Fairs and more. I have had the opportunity to meet several public officials such as Senator Isakson, Mayor Reed, Governor Nathan Deal and others. This is an experience that I will

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never forget. It was so much fun meeting these people and spending time getting to know them. I remember being on the balcony with the mayor taking pictures with him and waving at people walking by. I also remember Senator Isakson tweeting that the highlight of his day was meeting me as Miss Georgia Preteen. That was exciting! I was so

glad when my mom agreed to allow me to do pageants. I’ve gained so much. Even though I didn’t win my first time, it was a blast meeting new people, making lifelong friends and learning new skills. I am now much more confident. I recently started helping other girls gain as much confidence as I did in pageant systems and teaching workshops on

communication and basic pageant skills. As the reigning USA National Miss Georgia Preteen. I am inspired by my pageant director, Ms. Jackie Watson. It is great to see how she takes all of her girls under her wings and leads by example. I know that I will be able to use all the skills that I’ve learned through pageants to accomplish anything in life that I want.

COMING HOME WITH MORE THAN

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JUST A CROWN

By Amanda Pehan Miss Idaho 2015 “Pageants can be stressful” is an obvious statement. With stress in the air, rehearsal, lack of sleep, and a new environment the worst in us has the ability to come out. Generally speaking, cattiness is not a problem, but due to everything going on, it can happen. We can let the competition get the best of us. At my first national pageant I witnessed girls that were there for the travel experience, girls that were there to meet friends, girls that were there seeking opportunities, and girls that came solely to win.

None of the reasons for being there were bad, but some women came away with more than others.

There is plenty of pageant advice out there. One of the pieces that I saw prior to going to nationals was one regarding your competitors. It essentially stated that you should be nice to others, but not to put time and energy into being friends. I went into nationals with this mindset. I was there to win, and nothing more.

Upon arriving to nationals some mishaps took place, and I ended up offering a bed to a girl in my division as she had no place to stay for the first night. To be honest, I wasn’t thrilled. My gut said “This girl is extremely nice, give her a chance.”

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So I decided to get to know her, after all she was only going to be staying with me for one night. After a few hours of talking and learning about each other and the places we came from, a morning of getting ready and sharing hair and makeup tips I had decided to offer her my room for another night. As the week progressed stress did set in, but instead of being catty, or worried about her as my competition, I found us building each other up and learning.

She is passionate about the environment and I taught her about my home town, mining, and how it all ties together. I told her of career opportunities in that field. I was planning to be a lawyer, but because of her experience she helped me to find my passion, teaching, and a program that could fit it with the degree I held.

Not only were the two of us building each other up throughout the week, we were practicing for interview, working on our walks, learning about career, philanthropic and education opportunities, and taking a bit of time to see some of the sights in the location that we were staying. As interviews and prelims rolled around, the nerves set in, but we were each other’s rock. We encouraged, calmed and congratulated each other.

No one likes to lose. I was extremely disappointed when I did not make it to the final round, but my feelings disappeared as soon as I heard that my friend had made it. It gave me a similar feeling to my football team making it to the playoffs, and I became her biggest cheerleader. It was the next best thing to me being up there in the finals. There were no bad feelings, I was not upset over “losing” because I realized that I had won. I had found a friend to go through a crazy, beautiful, stressful, and amazing time with. I had grown to be more of the woman that I desire to be by surrounding myself with these women. I was double the person that I was when I originally stepped off of that plane. My dreams were bigger, the opportunities were better, and my friendships were stronger. (Not to forget the makeup and hair tips and tricks that I learned as well). The pageant ended, and we parted. We still talk weekly, and I am constantly learning from her. When I left Florida I felt more driven and supported than I had felt my entire life.

This past spring the man of my dreams got down on one knee and asked me to spend forever with him, and of course I said “Yes” in a moment of tears and emotions.

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When I got home that evening the first person I called was Morgan, and I asked her if she’d stand by my side. In less than a month, she is flying across the country in midst of a new career, school, and life, to stand next to me. She told me she’d be there no matter what, because she considers me a sister.

I couldn’t have said it better myself. When you go to a national pageant, you are joining a sisterhood. A group of strong, successful, beautiful, and wonderful women that you were selected for. Everyone is there because they won, they are successful. Only one girl will win the national crown, and don’t get me wrong you should focus on that.

What I am trying to remind you is that you should not forget to take the time to get to know the people around you.

Network, build each other up, make friends, share advice, learn, and be an active part of the beautiful sisterhood. If you take some time to do that, even if you win, you will come home with so much more than a crown.

I know it can be stressful, but after all, diamonds are made under pressure.

DID YOU HEAR?

NIA SANCHEZ: HEAD JUDGE

I M THRILLED TO BE JUDGING THE USA NATIONAL MISS PAGEANT IN JULY OF 2017. I CAN'T WAIT TO ATTEND AND BE A PART OF THE FESTIVITIES!" " '

NIA SANCHEZ MISS USA 2014 FIRST RUNNER UP, MISS UNIVERSE

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How to Win Interview at UNM USA National Miss is well known for bringing some heavy hitters to the judges table at UNM Nationals each year. This summer at Nationals 2015, the judging panel was a true “who’s who” of pageant celebrities, including: Miss America 2015, the reigning Miss United States, Miss Haiti Universe 2015 (yes, from the infamous Steve Harvey pageant), Miss Teen USA 2012, Sherri Hill model and Miss Utah USA 2014 (who was also on the TV show Survivor), and a celebrity host who judged Olivia Culpo.

If interviewing in front of a panel that impressive doesn’t make you the least bit jittery, you’re already a pro and can skip the rest of this article. But in all seriousness, you’ve got to be on your A-game, totally relaxed and completely confident to stand in front of a panel of this caliber and ace interview. And UNM executive director, Jackie Watson, has already announced that the 2017 national panel of judges is going to be led by head judge Nia Sanchez, Miss USA 2014 and

first runner up to Miss Universe! Here are some tips to help you prepare to come face to face with a panel of this caliber and rock interview like a boss.

Keep your intro short. For preteen delegates and up, you will have an interview introduction as you walk in the interview room. You want to share a few things about yourself in your intro, but it should be an ice-breaker, not a summary of your life. You will want to make sure that your intro is short enough that judges have the opportunity to ask you as many questions as possible. Remember that the clock starts as soon as you walk in the room. Touch on one or two things you really want to talk about in interview, and leave the remaining time to interacting with the judges and letting them discover who you are by taking their questions.

Be conversational. When looking at comments the judges made in 2016 after interviews, it's

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clear that they can see right through rehearsed lines and memorized catch phrases. It’s a good idea to gather your thoughts on crucial messages you want to leave the judges with, but rehearsing them always (and I mean always) comes out sounding memorized. Don’t formulate exact sentences in your head. That way, the words flow naturally when you talk. The goal is to have a natural flowing conversation, not give a planned-out fully executed presentation speech. Trust me when I tell you that theses pros can spot the difference.

Know when to stop. You will want to identify the middle ground between being conversational and rambling on about a topic you’ve been asked about. Don’t be too short with your interaction after a question, but learn to pick up on cues in the judges body language that shows they are losing interest, such as looking down at your paperwork a lot, or not being fully engaged in a conversation with you.

Be sure to direct your conversation to all the judges, not just the one who asked you the question. This keeps all the judges engaged in the interview whether they’re the ones asking the question or not.

Be yourself. Can you possibly be anyone else, other than yourself? The answer is yes. When you try to present yourself differently than what you really are, you are not only selling yourself short, you’re never going to fully connect with the judges. Let the scores fall where they may, but always be you. Whether the judges fall in love with you or not, you have to love yourself, and part of loving yourself is being confident enough in your own skin to embrace yourself just as you are. There’s something truly magnetic about a person who is confident in who they are and what they can bring to the table.

Be relaxed but keep the energy up. Knowing your body language is important too. You can give off cues that you’re comfortable without making it seem like you’re a snooze fest. The judges will feed off your excitement and energy, so don’t forego keeping the energy up while being relaxed and comfortable in their presence. As with most things in life, this is a balancing act.

Know your bio. One of the deadly sins in interview is putting things on your bio sheet that you are not familiar with. It’s the quickest road to the untimely death of your quest to the crown. It may make you seem more interesting to bulk up your bio sheet with half truths, but nothing is worse to a judge than a contestant who fibs, stretches the truth or is unprepared.

Know everything on your bio. Know it in your sleep. Know it frontwards and backwards. And for the love of all things blingy, parents, never put things on your little girl’s bio sheet that they won’t know how to talk about.

Engage all the judges in panel interviews.

Undoubtedly, there will be at least one judge who is usually more of a talker than the rest.

They may ask most of the questions while the other ones soak in your answers.

Be a commanding presence. Who rules the world? Or more importantly, the interview room? The person controlling the interview should be you! You should be a commanding presence during your interview with the

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judges. This is your time to show your confidence, and let them know why you’re the best person for the job. You set the tone. You set the mood. If you walk in confident, happy and prepared, you will not only bring positive energy into the room, you will leave an impression. And isn’t that ultimately what interview is about?

Winning interview at any pageant is so crucial, and at UNM it could also make you hundreds of dollars richer by winning one of two overall interview cash scholarship awards! But most importantly, if you make an impression on the judges in the interview room, they will love you and you will be one step closer to the crown.

Black Friday Sale at the UNM Boutique The UNM Boutique will have some great Black Friday sales the day after Thanksgiving. Be sure to go to www.ShopUNM.com to get exclusive Black Friday Only deals like this adorable matching girl and doll t­shirt and more exclusive merchandise! In addition, save $10 off any order over $30 with the coupon code below. Get ready to get all your holiday shopping done!

What I've Learned Tips from UNM's National Jr. Teen

By Kelsey Dube USA National Jr. Teen 2016

It took me 4 tries to win UNM and I kept coming back because I love the system and friends I've made, I have the utmost respect for Mrs. Jackie and I believe in UNM's values of community service and empowering young women.

Hi everyone! My reign as your USA National Jr. Teen has been even more incredible than I ever imagined and one of the best perks is connecting with all of you! I've had the opportunity to meet some of you in person but for those I haven't because of distance, please feel free to reach out to me via social media.

I love hearing from you!! I wanted to share with you a little bit about my UNM journey and what I've

learned in my 7 years of pageantry. Pageantry has literally changed my life in ways that I never expected. Taking that first leap and trying it was one of the best things I've ever done in my 16 years. I recently had the opportunity to judge a pageant and was thinking about interview questions I'd ask the contestants. I wanted to know what advice they'd give someone who was trying pageants for the first time.

I've been given lots of advice throughout the years....some good, some not so good although all of it was provided to me with the best of intentions. I have had the opportunity to work with many different industry professionals and I've learned something from each of them. But I learned my biggest pageantry lesson this year preparing and competing at UNM nationals. ARE YOU READY?! HERE IT IS!!!

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When I didn't try so hard and let go, it happened.

Some girls win pageants their first try while for others, it may take a few tries.

So I'm sure you're wondering what exactly that means. I've been pretty committed about practicing for pageants throughout the years.

Preparation is key to success for anything you want to accomplish but there is a balance between being prepared and thinking about it too much. Yes, I practiced, but I toned it down quite a bit. I wanted to be my authentic self when I got on that stage and in the interview room, not rehearsed. I was very at ease on that stage, very happy to be there, and did not have expectations. Of course I ideally wanted to win, that's only natural. But I let go of thinking about it and let the chips fall where they may knowing I presented my authentic self. I simply had fun!

Each type of win is wonderful and equally earned. The "different judges, different day" explanation couldn't be more true. If you want something bad enough, you need to keep trying. If you make excuses as to why you didn't win, you waste the opportunity to truly reflect, grow, and continuously improve.

It took my 4 tries to win UNM and I kept coming back because I love the system and friends I've made, I have the utmost respect for Mrs. Jackie and I believe in UNM's values of community service and empowering young women. And I'm not going to lie, I knew how well Mrs. Jackie spoils her Queens and liked the idea of having that opportunity for a year!

I was 2nd RU my first year, 3rd my second, and 1st RU my third year. I'll admit I wasn't so sure I was going to come back for a 4th year but I'm so happy I thought it through and made the right decision. Perseverance is key in life and key in pageantry. I've had wins in my pageant career and I've had some tough losses and lessons learned too but everything happened for a reason. It sounds cliche but it really does build character. I learned how to be a good sportsman, a gracious winner, a gracious 'not winner', and the importance of getting back in the saddle again to keep trying.

What does winning really mean anyway? It's not the crown. We all win by getting up on that stage and putting ourselves out there to be judged. Think of how incredibly brave that is!!

Would your friends at school do that?! Some might but I suspect the majority would not. We all win because of the friendships we make and the lifelong skills we have acquired. Would you want to go up against a pageant girl in a job interview? The interview skills pageant girls learn are so valuable in life. Add that to public speaking skills, community service, poise, polish, confidence, preparation, perseverance, sportsmanship (to name a few!) and that is why every pageant girl is a winner. And we get to wear some fabulous clothes too!

I'll leave you with a few more tips I've learned in my journey: 1. First and foremost, have fun! It's O.K. to want to win but don't let that desire taint your experience. Use this opportunity to make friends with girls from all over the country! I have kept in touch with so many people I've met through UNM. 2. If you don't get the crown, consider coming back to compete with UNM. This experience for me really has been worth the wait! I'm more

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proud of the fact that I didn't give up rather than my win!!!!

3. Don't focus on your competition. It's cliche but oh so true. YOU are your own biggest competition. I know it's hard but do not continuously size up your competitors. It's so easy to fall into that trap and it's never healthy.

4. Stay positive, be easy on yourself, and don't engage in any negativity. Just don't go there......period.

5. Have your jams ready!!!!! Each time I compete, I have certain songs that pump me up that I rehearse to. For UNM nationals this year, I played anything related to the Broadway play 20-year-old HAMILTON...A LOT!!! My gown jam was 'Dear Theodosia'. I couldn't get Marianne enoughTeigen of Meghan recently published Trainor's 'Me Too' for runway. It's sassy!!!! her first young adult novel, and in only a month, 6. Your hotel room should be a stress-free, peaceful, positive environment.

No negativity it has reached the New York Times and that goes for anyone who enters that room. We put up signs withBestsellers positive list. messages

around the room as well as messages of love and support from family and friends. It helps A LOT! Just don't tape them all over the place because I've learned the hard way the paint chips off!!! Bring items with you that make you feel calm and happy. It could be your favorite blanket, good luck charm, your favorite food, a stuffed animal, etc. And yes, I'm 16 but my stuffed elephant named Dunky comes with me and I have no shame in it!

7. Practice is a good thing but don't do it so much that you come across insincere and rehearsed. This is especially important in interview where you have an opportunity to show the judges the real you. It's good to have points ready that you want to talk about in interview but make sure the interview has a natural, comfortable flow.

Good luck to you all in your local UNM pageants and I look forward to seeing you at nationals.

You are all going to rock that stage and have a blast!

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HOW PAGEANTS HAVE BENEFITED ME

Hi! My name is Allie Ingram, I'm

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years old

and would love to share with you just how the pageant world has benefited me.

First, being in pageants has given me the confidence to find my own voice. When I first started pageants, I was shy and didn't want to stand out in the crowd. Now just

BY ALLIE INGRAM MISS SOUTHERN SHORES PRETEEN

four shorts years later and I love giving speeches and talking on stage I front of crowds! I even found the nerve to get up and sing on stage! And now I couldn't imagine not doing it.

Best friends. That's what this

wonderful world of pageant sisterhood has also given me. I have met some of the most wonderful people through pageants. Some who I consider my best friends. I even have seen my mom make good friends too! I see how people go above and beyond to help others out. I know firsthand when I've had dress mishaps, moms and grandmothers came out of nowhere to help me! That's what it's all about! Fun, fellowship and family...... That's what I get out of pageants and I'd say that's quite a lot!

My first UNM title!

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Join us , 2017 6 ­ 3

. b Fe co Cay o C

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u Nassa

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MISS AMERICA WEEKEND The national royalty's expense paid weekend in Atlantic City for the Miss America Pageant can be summed up in one word... MAGICAL! From having two private parties with former Miss Americas Katie Stam Irk (2009) and Teresa Scanlan (2011), to meeting country superstar Cole Swindell, the exciting opportunities didn't seem to stop all weekend. The trip was definitely a once-in-alifetime opportunity for the royalty.

The weekend began with a volunteer service project at the Atlantic City Humane Society where the queens donated items and spent time with the dogs. They also had their second national photo shoot, attended the Parade of Shoes, and a "Welcome to Jersey" party was held in their honor and hosted on the pier by the New Jersey state queens. UNM queens from New York, Maryland, Maine and DC attended the party.

The queens arrived by limo to Miss America through the VIP entrance, and were the first ones inside Boardwalk Hall. Afterwards they danced the night away with contestants at the Miss America After Party. It's an experience found #OnlyAtUNM.

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Calling all UNM girls - past and present! We

gift! We are accepting all types of photos

are looking for 7 girls to grace the pages of

(no crown and sash please). Since this is a

our full-color 2017 national calendar! One of

calendar, we are specifically interested in

the 7 will be named the Model of the Year

seasonal type photos. Get creative! We

and will grace the back cover of the

can't wait to see who will be joining our

calendar! These calendars will be available

royalty as a featured queen in the 2017

in time for Christmas and make the perfect

national calendars!

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