On May 16th 2010, 51 beautiful girls represented their state/district in hopes of becoming the next Miss USA.  The final production was shown live on a two hour NBC telecast.  What a show!  It was a magnificent production.  All of the contestants were beyond gorgeous…any of them would have made a great Miss USA.  In the end, Kristen Dalton (Miss USA 2009; also from NC) crowned Rima Fakih as her successor.  Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to meet Rima at the Standout Titleholder’s Retreat.  Rima is a genuine, charming, and a groovy type of girl.  I am so happy for you!  Congratulations Rima!

I want to thank Nadia Moffett for representing North Carolina so well at Miss USA.  You were spectacular!   I couldn’t be more proud to call you my sister queen.

The future comes one day at a time as I prepare for Miss Teen USA 2010.  Words cannot describe how ecstatic am about competing for an opportunity of a lifetime!

The competition will be held at the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort located in Nassau, Bahamas. This spectacular resort rest on Paradise Island and is home to the world’s largest marine habitat.  It doesn’t stop there; The Atlantis also includes a 15 million dollar marina, 141-acre water park (Aqua Adventure), the largest casino in the Caribbean, and 21 restaurants offering everything from fine dining to quick-and-easy favorites.  Ready to grab your plane ticket and passport?  Come down July 24th to cheer me on!

Did you know there are two Atlantis locations?  One is in the Bahamas and the other is in Dubai.  Earlier this year, I met Brittney Cason, a Charlotte based writer and TV host who is originally from Dubai (دبيّ.) in the United Arab Emirates.  She is a contributing writer for AOL.com, Cosmopolitan Magazine, and a blogger for the Charlotte Bobcats.  We clicked the moment I met her (Brittney, I am looking forward to one day traveling with you to Dubai!).  Though she is more than 7,000 miles away from home she has achieved so much as a young woman.  Brittney graduated from the top 10 percent of her class at Virginia Tech; an accomplishment I value greatly!

Along with Miss Teen USA, the Atlantis Resort will have another exciting event going on.  Have you heard about the Miss Teen USA Fantasy Camp?  Below are some of the main details:

• July 19-25, 2010 at the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort located in Nassau, Bahamas
• Open to all girls between the ages of 12 and 17
• Camp Counselors are current and past State & National Titleholders
• Access and Interviews with members of the Miss Universe Organization
• Girl Talk with Miss Teen USA 2009, Stormi Henley
• On location Photo Session with Miss Universe Photographers
• Hair, Make-up and Wardrobe Tips
• Receive a La Casa Hermosa Swag Bag of Style
• Receive a La Casa Hermosa exclusive cocktail dress designed by Sherri Hill
• Enjoy a Spa Party
• Runway and Choreography Session
• Dolphin Interaction

For more information, you can email fantasycamp@atlantis.com

To book, call 888-208-6872

www.missteenusa.com can also direct you to the official Teen USA Fantasy Camp page.

I am pleased to share with you the latest from the Miss Universe Organization.  Below is the official press release regarding Miss Universe 2010:

NEW YORK, N.Y., – May 25, 2010 – NBC, Donald J. Trump and Paula M. Shugart, President of the Miss Universe Organization, announced today the 2010 Miss Universe® Pageant will air live on NBC and Telemundo, Monday, August 23 (8-10 p.m. ET) from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

“Las Vegas is so fabulous, we had to come back again for the Miss Universe pageant,” said Paula M. Shugart. “The world will be watching as women from all around the globe descend on Mandalay Bay to compete for the crown and the title!”

“Las Vegas was built to host special events and attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year,” said Cathy Tull, Senior Vice President of Marketing at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). “We are delighted to host the 2010 Miss Universe® Pageant and look forward to showcasing the destination to our guests and the television viewers that will be joining us for this global event.”

“We are thrilled that Mandalay Bay and Las Vegas have been selected to host Miss Universe in August,” said Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM MIRAGE. “The Mandalay Bay team, and the larger MGM MIRAGE family, stands ready to deliver a stellar event for all of the participants and for the worldwide audience.”

Miss Universe 2009, Stefania Fernandez, will crown her successor at the conclusion of the two-hour telecast. She has spent her reign traveling all over the world as an advocate for HIV/AIDS education, research and legislation. The woman crowned Miss Universe 2010 will continue to do the same.

Each contestant, representing over 80 countries around the world, will compete in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. Worldwide distribution of the competition has topped over 190 countries in past years.

Donald J. Trump will again serve as executive producer for Miss Universe.

The Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino is the Official Host Hotel of the 2010 Miss Universe® competition.

I couldn’t agree more that Las Vegas is a fantastic place to hold the Miss Universe 2010 pageant.  Best of luck to Miss USA 2010, Rima Fakih!

Thank you for reading!  I will be providing updates daily on my Facebook Fan page and Twitter.  The links are provided below.

http://www.facebook.com/missnorthcarolinateenusa

https://twitter.com/ncteenusa2010

Los mejores deseos!

-Lauren Ashley

Miss North Carolina Teen USA 2010

For the next two weeks, I will be giving you the inside scoop on all of the 2010 Miss USA happenings.  Below is a schedule of events for the contestants:

Monday, May 3

-Arrivals and registration, official photography

Tuesday, May 4
-Welcome Event, Extra Lounge at Planet Hollywod Resort, 5 pm
-Welcome Dinner, 6 pm: The contestants will be divided in three groups to experience the welcome dinner at three different venues: Harrah’s Las Vegas, Caesar’s Palace and Paris Las Vegas.
Wednesday, May 5
-Caesar’s Palace Garden of the Gods Pool Party, Noon
-Dinner and Karaoke at Sushi Samba, The Shoppes at the Palazzo
Thursday, May 6
-MISS USA® Official Swimsuit Poster Photoshoot, 7 am, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino pool
-Ten contestants will decorate Las Vegas’ most famous cupcakes at The Cupcakery, 11 am
-City Center Architectural Walking Tour, Noon
-The Price is Right LIVE Show, Jubilee Theater, Bally’s Casino Las Vegas. Kristen Dalton, MISS USA 2009, stars in “The Price is Right” LIVE on-stage as the 51 contestants view from the audience.
-Kristen Dalton, MISS USA 2009, unveils the official MISS USA® lollipop at Sugar Factory, 5 pm

Friday, May 7
-Media Interviews, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, 10 am
-VIP event, Harrah’s Casino, 8 pm
Saturday, May 8
TBA
Sunday, May 9
-The Palms’ Pajama Brunch, The Palms Place-Simon Restaurant: All contestants and Kristen Dalton, MISS USA 2009, will attend a special Mother’s Day brunch in their custom, embroidered BedHead pajamas, 9 am

Monday, May 10
-Shark Tank/Fremont Experience Pool Party, Golden Nugget, 6 pm. All 51 contestants and Kristen Dalton, MISS USA 2009, attend a pool party at the Golden Nugget. There will also be a birthday celebration for Miss Connecticut USA and Miss North Carolina USA.
Wednesday, May 12
-Miss USA 2010 Presentation Show, Planet Hollywood Theater for the Performing Arts, 8 pm. The 51 delegates parade on stage in swimsuits and evening gowns.
May 13-15
Rehearsals
Sunday, May 16
-Miss USA 2010 Dress Rehearsal, Planet Hollywood Theater for the Performing Arts, 10 am
-Miss USA 2010 Live Telecast, Planet Hollywood Theater for the Performing Arts,  4 pm local time (7 pm EST)

Best of luck to all of these beautiful women! Especially my sister queen, Nadia Moffett!

-Lauren Ashley

Miss North Carolina Teen USA 2010

Most recently, I have been given quite a bit of information regarding Miss Teen USA 2010.  The pageant, which is set for July 24th at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, is less than three months away.  I am so excited to represent North Carolina and compete for an opportunity of a lifetime!

A public announcement was made on Monday, April 26^th, and I am pleased to forward you the  information regarding the 2010 Miss Teen USA Friends & Family rates as well as the Miss Teen USA Fantasy Camp.

This link is for the Miss Teen USA Fantasy Camp main information page.

http://www.atlantis.com/promotions/fantasycamp.aspx?CID=MissUniverseSite

This link is for the 2010 Miss Teen USA Friends & Family page

http://www.atlantis.com/promotions/missteenfriends.aspx?CID=MissUniverseSite

This Saturday, Nadia will be heading out to Las Vegas for Miss USA and has so graciously asked me to lead her team at the  2010 NC Triad Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®.  I want to invite you to join us in this inspirational and fun event.  Here are the details:

What? –Komen NC Triad Race for the Cure®
When? –May 1, 2010 at 8:00 a.m.
Where? –Salem Academy and College

Here is a little background regarding the Komen foundation…

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that Promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, which is today the largest breast cancer organization in the world, working in 50 countries to fulfill the Promise.

Funds from the Race for the Cure will go towards breast cancer programs in Triad area and to Komen outreach programs around the world.  Nadia and I have collected almost $2,000 for this cause.  Haven’t donated yet? You can still contribute to our team at:

http://nctriad.info-komen.org/site/TR/RacefortheCure/WSM_NorthCarolinaTriadAffiliate?team_id=124281&pg=team&fr_id=1642&et=yRJRoJ2qodwnyR40LgQ7DQ..&s_tafId=51603

A special thanks to Supercar Sensation (my employer) for their generous donation of $1,000!  Check out supercarsensation.com.

See you Saturday!

Miss USA is almost here and I’m counting on North Carolina to bring home the crown again!  Some exciting information has been released regarding the evening’s host and entertainment.

• Trace Adkins and Boys Like Girls will perform their newest hits for the swimsuit and evening gown portion of Miss USA.
• Comedic duo Joan and Melissa Rivers provide backstage glimpses & commentary
• Curtis Stone & Natalie Morales will host the Miss USA telecast

This is going to be an AMAZING production!  Viewers can see images of all the contestants and vote for the 2010 Miss Photogenic USA at www.nbc.com.  The award is given to the contestant who best exemplifies beauty through the lens of a camera.  The winner of the online vote will be revealed during the live telecast.  Be sure to vote for Miss North Carolina USA, Nadia Moffett.

Love you sis!

More announcements are approaching so be sure stay updated by checking out my twitter: ncteenusa2010, Facebook fanpage, and/or my blog.

Thank you to all of my supporters…locally, nationally, and internationally.  You’re what keeps me going!

Lauren Ashley

Miss North Carolina Teen USA 2010

What a beautiful spring it has been.  I am currently outside writing this blog because I cannot get enough of this sunshine. The flowers I planted a few weeks ago are in full bloom and bees are happily pollinating them.

This week is National Volunteer’s week.   As Miss North Carolina Teen USA, I hope to promote volunteerism especially amongst middle and high school girls. Venture out into your community and be a role model citizen to those around you!

Since I last wrote, I have enjoyed a number of fantastic appearances and opportunities that I would love to share with you.

Earlier this month, I shot with the incredibly talented, Jeanna Beasley.  She is a sponsor of the Miss NC and Teen NC USA titles and her work is phenomenal.  From this shoot, we were able to choose a shot for my Miss Teen USA profile picture.  At this time, I cannot reveal the final pick but I am looking forward unveiling that soon!  Below is one of the photos Jeanna took of me:

Later that week, I made a trip across North Carolina to the Wilmington Azalea Festival.  At the appearance, I was accompanied by my gorgeous sister queen, Nadia Moffett, and my wonderful friend, Kristen Dalton, AKA: MISS USA!  Kristen made a special trip back to her hometown to begin shooting her farewell video.  It was great to see her again and spend some extra time with Nadia.  After the festival, Nadia and I stopped by the Isabella Grape Boutique, a sponsor of the Miss NC/Teen NC USA titleholders.  We had a great time shopping and came home with some very groovy dresses which I cannot wait to show you!  The eight hours of driving were well worth it.

The Susan G. Komen Foundation is committed to curing and preventing breast cancer for all women around the world.  As a titleholder, I had a list of causes I wanted to bring awareness to and I am now happy to add the Susan G. Komen Foundation to it.  The North Carolina Foothills Affiliate of the Komen Foundation invited me to speak to an honorable group of volunteers, survivors, and fighters of breast cancer.  Not only was I beyond thrilled to be involved with this notable cause but public speaking is one of my favorite hobbies.  Thank you to all of those who have made an impact with the global cause.

Speaking of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, I want to invite you to join Miss North Carolina USA and I at the May 1st Run for the Cure event at Salem College located in Winston-Salem, NC. Remember, one person can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. Thousands of supporters show up to the race year after year for this meaningful and empowering event.  Even if you are unable to make the race, you can donate to the link below:

http://nctriad.info-komen.org/site/TR/RacefortheCure/WSM_NorthCarolinaTriadAffiliate?team_id=124281&pg=team&fr_id=1642&et=yRJRoJ2qodwnyR40LgQ7DQ..&s_tafId=51603

Yesterday, I traveled to Matthews, NC for a Habitat for Humanity fundraiser.  The event was called “A Ball to Build” (too cute!) and invited all little princes and princess to enjoy a fun night of crafts and dancing.  Miss North Carolina USA, Miss South Carolina USA, and I all greeted the royal crowd.  It was sensational to have a reunion with my SC sister queen, Rachel before she heads off to Miss USA.  Next weekend, Nadia will be having her Miss USA send-off party  (BTW, all of you are cordially invited. See Nadia’s Facebook for details) .  Both of these girls have been and will continue to be outstanding representatives for their states.

This morning Nadia and I were involved with a Susan G. Komen photo shoot with Robert Christopher.  The photos will be displayed at Nadia’s send-off party and I cannot wait to see them!

Have a blessed week.  Soak up this sun!

Warmest regards as always,

-Lauren Ashley

Miss North Carolina Teen USA 2010

It has been 18 days since my last blog.  I have so much to share with you!

On March 13th, the Make Me A Queen Teen Seminar was launched in Charlotte.  Due to an old injury, I was unable to make the event.  From what Nadia shared with me, it was a lovely event.  We both hope to continue these seminars for these special young ladies.

March 18th was the Girls Night Out Event in Concord.  The event was held at Group USA in order to kick off the arrival  of their new spring and prom collections.  I signed autographs at the main entrance and was able to enjoy a lively fashion party complete with a DJ and local vendors.  Not only was I surrounded by fabulous dresses, but I was able to wear one of them for my autograph signing!  I chose an exquisite feathered pink cocktail dress for the evening.  I felt so glamorous!  Thank you Group USA for providing me one of your creations. It was wonderful to see girls pick out “THE” dress.  They will all look beautiful on prom night!  My favorite memory of the evening was being able to meet and talk with a precious group of Girl Scout Brownies.  These girls were truly special and I really enjoyed talking with them about my journey to Miss North Carolina Teen USA and continuing on to Miss Teen USA.  Also, I was able to meet another special young lady named Kristin.  Kristin was in the audience the night I was crowned and has come to the Miss North Carolina USA pageants in previous years.  Before meeting me, she has never met a winning title holder.  Not only is Kristin my age but she is a big fan of mine and wants to do the Miss North Carolina Teen USA pageant.  I told her to “Go for it!” which is my personal motto.  Kristin, I wish you the best of luck!

Saturday March 20th was a day full of appearances.  I traveled up to Durham to help out with the North Carolina School of Science and Math Guinness World Record Food Drive.  This was a neat event to be involved in as a title holder because it was held at my own school!  As I would say, all of us who attend NCSSM are “proud geeks”.  We excel in the fields of science and math and take challenging courses beyond the high school and even college level.  I am one of those 80 students chosen throughout the state of North Carolina who attends this amazing school.  Everyone there has been so supportive with everything I’ve done as Miss North Carolina Teen USA.  Thank you to everyone who came out and donated food.  This was a great I was proud to be involved in. Go Unicorns!! (Our mascot, lol)  I moved on to Greensboro that night to judge the Miss Southeast High Pageant.  Each of the school’s clubs had chosen a female representative to participate in the pageant.  I thought this was a creative idea because it brought a variety of girls for the pageant.  The girls had prepared for months and were required to participate in an opening dance, talent, interview, on-stage question, as well as an evening gown competition.  The final production was so entertaining and I really enjoyed meeting all of these fantastic girls.  It was a tough decision in the end because I believed any of the girls could have been a winner.

A wonderful fund-raising event took place on March 23 at the High Point Country Club.  The Salvation Army Woman’s Axillary was hosting a Red Kettle fashion show and luncheon.  I felt so privileged not only to be invited as a celebrity guest but also as a fashion model for the show!  Stein Mart showcased a beautiful collection of their newest styles for spring and summer.  The attendees were such generous people and it felt amazing to have their applause when I modeled my outfits.  This fundraiser was so much fun and I look forward to doing more charity work for the Salvation Army as well as the affiliated Boys and Girls Club.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog.  These were my most recent events since I last wrote.

As far as the future goes, this Thursday I will be heading down to Myrtle Beach with Miss Paula, Megan (SC Teen), and Bri (LA Teen).  We are going to spend some quality girl time together and visit our wonderful sponsor, The Foxy Lady!  What a great way to start of my spring break.

Also, I want to officially announce that Miss Teen USA will be July 24th!  More details in the future…

Thanks again for all of your support.  I am honored to represent the great state of North Carolina!

Lauren Ashley

Miss North Carolina Teen USA 2010

For those of you who have not heard of the Make Me a Queen Foundation, their mission is to enhance the lives of young girls by guiding them to build total self-esteem and empowerment socially, academically, and emotionally in order to reach her full potential in life.  The Make Me a Queen Foundation is partnering with ImaginON and GirlTalk.  The organizations’ goals align beautifully.  I have become involved in this organization through my sister queen and co-founder of the Make Me a Queen Foundation, Nadia Moffett.

Throughout the course of 3 interactive and hands-on workshops the young women will learn about beauty, confidence, and vision.  Which is three of the six workshops Make Me a Queen Foundation offers young women in our communities.  Through these three workshops she will build herself up to knowing she is a “queen”.

These young ladies will truly blossom through this program. At the conclusion of the workshops, we recognize the progression from each young woman to becoming a “Queen” in life.  This is a symbolic message for us to share with them as they embark on their journeys through life as young women.

Event Day: Saturday, March 13 from 10am-2pm

Location: ImaginON: A Joe and Joan Martin Center 300 East Seventh Street Charlotte, NC 28202

Click here to register

Miss Teen USA Crown

“If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it, I know I can achieve it.”  -Anonymous

Make Tuesday teriffic!

I will be writing in the next few days about my exciting appearance this weekend. Stay tuned!

Lauren Ashley

Miss North Carolina Teen USA 2010

Tomorrow, I will be making a series of exciting appearances.

My first stop of the day will be at the Simon Kidgits Book Club Blast.  I will be reading to a large group of children at this free event designed to show children the magic of reading and imagination. The children will meet with storytellers, engage in activities and participate in giveaways. I will be putting a strong focus on the importance of literacy, and giving back to the community with a book drive component.

As an avid reader myself, I want to emphasize the importance of reading.  Reading is an activity that involves greater levels of concentration and adds to the conversational skills of the reader. It is an indulgence that enhances the knowledge acquired, consistently. The habit of reading also helps readers to decipher new words and phrases that they come across in everyday conversations. The habit can become a healthy addiction and adds to the information available on various topics. It helps us to stay in-touch with contemporary writers as well as those from the days of yore and makes us sensitive to global issues.

My second appearance of the day will be located in Winston-Salem for the 2010 Special Olympics of North Carolina Basketball & Cheerleading Event.  More than 1000 athletes, 500 coaches, 500 family members, and 350 volunteers will convene in Jacksonville and Winston-Salem March 6 for the 2010 Special Olympics North Carolina Basketball & Cheerleading Eastern and Western Tournaments. Athletes from across the state will compete in basketball individual skills, three-on-three and five-on-five team play as well as cheerleading.  Best of luck to all of the athletes competing tomorrow!

Wishing you a safe and fun weekend!

-Lauren Ashley

Miss North Carolina Teen USA 2010

Yesterday, March 3, 2010, Best Buddies joined together with Special Olympics in this year’s Spread the Word to End the Word™ Campaign, a grassroots movement to challenge the use of hateful language directed at people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This effort, started by youth with and without disabilities in 2009, resulted in one of the greatest youth-led movements we have ever seen, dedicated to eradicating the “R-word” by educating, confronting and engaging other youth on its hurtful effects. That campaign led to extraordinary results. Students, parents, teachers, and young people everywhere helped Spread the Word to End the Word™. This year we had all 50 states to join the movement.
Best Buddies supporters and volunteers from around the world recognized and activated events for Spread the Word to End the Word™ Day. I want to thank you for all your help in creating a more accepting world for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Congratulations to those of you who pledged to the Spread the Word to End the Word Event and thank you for being advocates in helping us eliminate the derogatory use of the r-word from everyday speech!  Hopefully your experience was a fantastic opportunity to educate your local community on the harmful effects of using the r-word.  If you haven’t already, make a pledge not to use the r-word at http://www.r-word.org

Rate my incredible sister queen, Nadia Moffett, Miss North Carolina USA 5 stars at http://www.missuniverse.com/missusa/members/profile/445107

GO NAD!

“Walk hard in your pumps” a quote I live by. Confidence and poise is half the battle in life. -Nadia Moffett

Tomorrow I will fill you in on the wonderful appearances I have planned for this weekend.

Thank you again for your generous support!

-Lauren Ashley

Miss North Carolina Teen USA 2010

Yesterday, I anxiously waited amongst 1,000 spectators to hear feminist Gloria Steinem speak at UNCC.  While standing in line for a seat, I learned Gloria had laryngitis and could barely get a word out!  Luckily, a speaker was to read a speech prepared by Gloria.  Within a few minutes of hearing Gloria’s words, I was moved by her passion and dedication in bringing feminist issues to the forefront of society.  A memorable quote I recall from her speech was:

“Like art, revolutions come from combining what exists into what has never existed before.”
-Gloria Steinem

Think about how you can help support women’s equality not only in our nation but around the world. 

Today, First Lady Michelle Obama joins NEA President Dennis Van Roekel and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, along with members of Congress, NEA leaders, and hundreds of local students at the Library of Congress for the national kickoff of NEA’s Read Across America Day, March 2, the birthday of the beloved Dr. Seuss.  Join the National Education Association in the largest celebration of reading ever.  All you need to do is read a book with a parent, teacher, community leader, or other caring adult. 

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”  -Dr. Seuss

Please plan on participating in Read Across America Day and share a story with someone special.  This weekend I will be reading to a group of children at the Simon Kidgits Book Club Blast.  Stay tuned for other appearances I will be making!

Thank you for your support!

LA

Miss North Carolina Teen USA 2010