Krystle Clear Pageant Review: 2018 Alabama NAM Pageant

I think it is time for another Krystle Clear Pageant Review. Yes, I know my last review was in May and several pageants have taken place since then, but I honestly haven’t attended or viewed many pageants since that time. This review is actually quite tardy because this pageant occurred earlier this month. Don’t talk bad about me. I will try my best to get these reviews out in a more timely manner. To show you my commitment to the cause, you will actually be getting two pageant reviews this week. J Okay now let’s proceed to the topic at hand.

On July 6-10, 2018, I had the distinct pleasure of serving on the panel of judges for the National American Miss (NAM) Pageant for the State of Alabama. Hundreds of girls from across the state came to the Sheraton Hotel in Birmingham, Alabama, to compete in this prestigious organization.  I have attended an Alabama NAM pageant before, but experiencing it as judge gave me a whole new perspective.

What exactly is NAM?

According to the website, NAM is a program based on the foundational principle of fostering positive self-image by enhancing natural beauty within. National American Miss is a program designed for today’s girl. We celebrate America’s greatness and the individuality of American girls. It is a program centered around helping young ladies grow and expand their ideas about who they are and what they want to achieve. We want every girl to realize that she truly can take hold of her dreams and make them real!

 

Age Divisions

Princess: Ages 4-6

Junior Pre-Teen: Ages 7-9

Pre-Teen: Ages 10-12

Junior Teen: Ages 13-15

Teen: Ages 16-18

 

Areas of Competition

Formal Wear: 30%

Personal Introduction: 30%

Interview: 30%

*Community Service Project: 10%

*The 10% community service project is automatically awarded to a contestant who donates a children’s book and/or school supplies during pageant weekend. The donated items are presented to local libraries, literacy programs, schools, family shelters, and other local charities to aid in their work with children.

Each contestant is highly encouraged to follow the rules carefully with regards to dress, appearance, and makeup. As far as makeup is concerned, the youngest three age groups are prohibited from wearing makeup whereas the older divisions can wear age-appropriate makeup. NAM emphasizes they are not a traditional “beauty” pageant, but they are program designed for today’s girl.

The panel of judges consisted of the following people:

Linda Brown

Lorie Bush

Caitlin Chambers

Lindsey Pourciau

Paula Roddy-Head Judge

Krystle Bell Saulsberry

Contestants also have the opportunity to participate in the following optional competitions:

• Talent
• Casual Wear Modeling
• Spokesmodel
• Actress
• Photogenic
• Top Model Search

The optional competitions were judged be a separate panel of judges. Contestants also competed for awards such as Best Resume, Volunteer Service, Best Thank You Note, Art, and Academic Achievement just to name a few.

All of the contestants did a fantastic job, but the following six girls took home the coveted state titles:

2018 Miss Alabama Princess: Jailyn Duffie

2018 Miss Alabama Junior Pre-Teen: Lynleigh Weltzin

2018 Miss Alabama Pre-Teen: Arica Haywood

2018 Miss Alabama Junior Teen: Angel Maddox

2018 Miss Alabama Teen: Candace Knight

These girls were awarded with an awesome prize package which included the state crown and banner along with their registration fees paid to the National Pageant in November which will be held in California!

Now it is time for my favorite part of this post. Was this pageant Krystle Clear? Drum roll please……………………The answer is a resounding YES! I will tell you why.

• This pageant believes in starting ON TIME! It is rare that you find a pageant or any event that starts exactly on time. In order to successfully put on this type of production, it is crucial to be mindful of time.
• This pageant is ORGANIZED! Organization is key when producing a pageant of this magnitude especially with so many moving parts and people.
• The hospitality room was on point! My stomach enjoyed Full Moon BBQ, Cracker Barrel, and Chick Fil-A just to name a few.
• My roommates were awesome! A shoutout goes to Paula Roddy and her daughter Jamie for being very cordial and helpful. I pray our paths cross again.
• Also the judge’s coordinator kept us abreast of everything we needed to know prior to and during the pageant. Thanks Mrs. Jerri!

I enjoyed my time at the Alabama NAM Pageant and my stay in Birmingham, Alabama. I hope I get the opportunity to judge a state pageant again or maybe even judge a national pageant. We shall see.