Miss Minnesota Princess, Grace Nester's Farewell
When I heard “and your new 2013 National American Miss Minnesota Princess Queen is Grace Nester!” a huge wave of excitement went through me…I was so overwhelmed with all my feelings it was hard to think straight. I always wanted to be a princess and now I really was. There was no way at that time I could ever dream of what the next year would look like for me and my family. It has been an amazing journey that really does change your life and the lives of the people you touch along the way.
My first appearance was at Build-A-Bear Workshop with my sister queens to make teddy bears for the children who were victims in the Oklahoma Tornados. It was also the day I lost my very first tooth! Next, it was Feed My Starving Children where we packed 85 boxes containing 36,720 meals for families all over the world. We also collected supplies for soldiers serving our country overseas as well as put together a Toy Drive at the Carter’s store benefiting the Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota.
Because I love animals so much I chose to work with Twin Cities Pet Rescue, they feed homeless pets and help them find foster parents until a family adopts them. I raised over $700 by selling my puppy shaped suckers at Woodbury Dance Center where I dance and other local events. One day our friends helped us by working a concession stand all day at the Cottage Grove Armory. I also got up and spoke to over 100 small business owners at my daddy’s business event, it was a little scary at first but once I got up there it went great.
Along with volunteering this summer, my sister queens and I did photo shoots, dinners, fashion shows and of course parades! I had no idea being in parades would be so much fun. My favorite parade was the Woodbury Days Parade in my own hometown of Woodbury. I was chosen to be the Community Grand Marshall. It was quite an honor to be chosen for such an important role. I rode right behind the Mayor whom I also got to meet and take pictures with and my story was featured in local newspapers and TV.
The biggest thrill of all came when my family and I headed off to the National Competition in Hollywood, California. There were so many friendly and encouraging people there…and going to Disney and the Hollywood tour was super fun plus it gave us girls a chance to enjoy all the new friends we were making. And Breanne, she is the best! She is really good at her job. She makes everything super fun and exciting. At Nationals I accomplished more than I ever imagined I could. I won 4th runner up for the Queen’s Title along with 1st place for Art Project, 1st Runner Up Talent, 1st Runner Up Most Promising Model, 2nd Runner Up Actress, 2nd Runner Up Spokesmodel, 2nd Runner Up Casual Wear Modeling, 3rdRunner Up Most Photogenic, 3rd Runner Up Best Thank You Note. It was the best time ever!! And I never wanted it to stop.
It’s hard to believe the year is almost over. National American Miss is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I want to thank Kenn, Lani, Breanne and the rest of the NAMily staff for making this such a fun experience for me and for creating a program that has forever changed the lives of so many. I could feel how much you truly care about all the girls and you want each of us to feel confident and special.
To my beautiful sister queens……Stephanie, Kayela, Sofia, Tori and Natalie, you are the best sister queens a girl could ever have. Thank you for always taking care of me and making me feel special. The times we’ve spent together I will cherish forever. We have a special bond and friendship and I know you will always be part of my life.
Thank you to my family, friends and sponsors who made all of this possible. Miss Mary, thank you for all the time you spent helping me get prepared for nationals and then surprising by coming to California to watch me compete. Having you there made it all the more special. You knew I could do it. Thank you for believing in me.
To my big sister Sara, you are my biggest cheerleader and best friend. Thank you for being such a positive role model. A special thank you to Auntie Jo Jo and Chelsea for always being there for me. For coming to nationals with us and being part of this amazing journey in my life. Your love is a blessing.
Mom, everything I have done I have done with you by my side. Thank you for always making sure my hair and outfits were perfect. For the hour, after hour, after hour you spent practicing with me and taking me everywhere I needed to go. And daddy, you are the most handsome escort and best daddy in the world and nobody makes me laugh like you do! Thank you mommy and daddy for allowing me to chase after my dreams, believing I can accomplish anything and supporting me every step of the way. I love you.
But most of all I would like to thank God for lighting my path and giving me the courage to go to that open call. Without Him none of this would be possible.
To my successor, there is no way to describe how much fun you are going to have or how you much you will grow over the next year. Never take anything for granted and enjoy every minute. Before you know it, you too will be writing your farewell…..
With lots of love,
Your 2013-2014 Miss Minnesota Princess Queen,
Grace Nester