2013 Nationals Recap

UNM Nationals: Leaving No Doubt that this is the Pageant Title to Win

Held at the “World’s Most Famous Beach” in sunny Daytona Beach, Florida, the USA National Miss national finals was by far the biggest and best yet for the three year old national pageant system. Solidifying their place in the national pageant scene, UNM put on an extravagant show for their national delegates, who enjoyed a week filled with glamour, excitement and fun.

Nearly 100 delegates from throughout the country competed in evening gown, interview and the organization’s signature event – the national runway competition – to claim the crown. Six national queens were crowned during the finals show held at the historic Peabody Auditorium, where legends such as Elvis and Liberace have performed. UNM made a little history of its own that night, crowning the new national winners in front of a live audience of nearly 600 people and many online viewers. Claiming the titles were: Angelina Diamond, USA National Jr. Princess (NJ); Carson Veal, USA National Princess (GA); Laurel Stiekes, USA National Preteen (FL); Lauren Boswell, USA National Jr. Teen (IN); Cortlyn Watson, USA National Teen (AL), and Brittany Vaughn, USA National Miss (NJ).

To add to the excitement of nationals week, UNM brought in teen heart throb and performing artist P. Sanders to perform during the runway competition and finals night.  P. Sanders took a break from his nationwide tour to perform at UNM and did a special meet and greet with the delegates and took the time to sign autographs and take photos with each one.

The national runway competition was one of the highlights of the week. This fun, fast-paced and upbeat runway show took place on a 48-foot-long runway encircled in colored lights. Delegates worked the catwalk for one-third of their national score during this exciting competition.

Adding to the fun, the Pink Party was an elaborate event where everyone wore pink, feasted on an Italian dinner, ate pink cake, danced, exchanged gifts, and promoted their favorite charities from across the country. More than 200 blankets were collected from the delegates for UNM’s official national charity, Project Night Night. Each delegate also received a complimentary UNM logo autograph beach ball, and enjoyed autograph signings throughout the party.

The delegates were also treated to a day at the Daytona Lagoon Water Park, where they cooled off in the Florida sun with over 1 million gallons of rushing water and exciting speed slides. Beach time was also incorporated into the schedule so the delegates could enjoy the beautiful ocean. Delegates also enjoyed a complimentary beach photo shoot by UNM’s national photographer, AJ Day.  

The newly crowned national royalty have already begun their exciting reign, filled with travel opportunities, photo shoots, tickets to Miss America, a three year modeling contract, appearance and charity opportunities, and an extensive prize package that includes scholarship money to further their education. Applications for state titles are current being accepted for Nationals 2014, which will once again be held at Daytona Beach, Florida, from June 24-28, 2014. To apply for your state title or find out about upcoming state pageants, go to www.usanationalmiss.com.