The Perfect 10 A star-studded cast of aspiring queens headed to the country’s most star-studded city for the spectacular 10th anniversary of the National American Miss Pageant ver the backdrop for the visual definition of luxury, fame and glamour, the city of Hollywood, California is the stomping ground of the world’s biggest stars. That’s why it was more than fitting that Tinsel Town and all of its glory and prestige played host to one of the largest pageant systems in the world. Top competitors, ages 4 years to 20, traveled from every corner of the country for the annual National American Miss (NAM) pageant finals. This year was extra special as NAM was celebrating its 10th Anniversary. With a focus on “Growing Confi- dence”, National American Miss cele- brates “Today’s Girl” and encourages E HOANG-KIM CUNG National American Miss 110 PAGEANTRY MEGAN WEBB National American Miss Teen youth to embrace the characteristics that makes them unique. NAM aims to teach girls life skills such as poise, confidence, communication, teamwork, the impor- tance of community service and setting and achieving goals. One of the many reasons that NAM is recognized both within the pageant indus- try, as well as in the public at large, is be- cause this pageant is not only a natural pageant, but it has woven throughout each event a theme of “Keeping it Real”. Em- phasis is placed on real-life skills and an All-American look, including a no make- up rule for girls that are 12 and under. Each area of competition is designed so that each and every contestant can take away the greatest pageant prizes of all – HAYDON METCALF National American Miss Jr. Teen JORDAN FLIPPO National American Miss Pre-Teen newfound confidence and life skills. From the moment the contestants and their families hopped off their planes, the red carpet was rolled out for the royal treatment. The 10th anniversary week was filled with family fun, featuring an exclu- sive Hollywood tour and a special VIP day at Disneyland. Some star sightings even happened, as girls had the chance to meet Extra’s Mario Lopez and Maria Me- nounos. Additionally, the girls had a chance to boogie down at the groovy 1970s-inspired theme party. The actual pageant week was filled with family events like the exquisite Thanksgiving banquet. This allowed families to enjoy a tradition- al dinner with all the flair of pageantry. In celebration of NAM’s 10th birthday, SELIA RENDON National American Miss Jr. Pre-Teen MADISON KOTT National American Miss Princess