Farewell to Miss Missouri Teen Jessica Hanner
My journey with NAM began in 2014 when I
received a letter in the mail saying that I had been invited to attend an open
call. Little did I know just how much NAM would grow and shape me into the
young lady I am today. That June, I placed in the top five of the Jr. Teen
division and couldn’t contain my excitement! My next goal was simple: Become
the next Miss Missouri Teen. The next year, I competed in the Teen division and
made the top twenty. As a person who constantly wants to improve, I was a
little disappointed that I hadn’t achieved what I had ultimately set out to
accomplish. So after participating in a different pageant in 2016, I registered
again for NAM just a few days before it started. My goal this time: Have fun
with my NAMily, meet new friends, and enjoy the experience to the fullest
extent. I began memorizing my personal introduction four days out from the
actual competition! Thankfully, my wardrobe was already in place from a
previous pageant which was a huge blessing! I went into the weekend not expecting
my name to be called as the next 2016 Miss Missouri Teen. This time I wasn’t
nervous about the end result, but instead I was filled with excitement and an
extra grateful heart for NAM and all that it meant to me. I looked forward to
fun, friends and the opportunity to keep growing my confidence alongside the
most fantastic girls across the state of Missouri! What an amazing surprise and
blessing it was to be announced as the new Miss Missouri Teen 2016, and what an incredible honor and privilege it has been to
represent this great state.
This year, I volunteered with many organizations
including Harvesters Outreach at my church, the Vicki Welsh Fund, Shop with a
Cop, Natalie M Foundation, and KC Pet Project. I also had the honor of sharing
my personal platform, “The No Gossip Zone”, with over one hundred youth and
adults including AWANA Club and Girl Scouts. As one who experienced heartache
from years of being the target of gossip bullying, I created a platform to help
inform youth about how gossip is often the root cause of bullying. I was able
to share my personal story, equip them with specific ways to block the gossip, and
provide encouragement and hope that we can overcome its effects. I also enjoyed
having my sister queens join me in passing out Valentine’s Day cards to the
residents at Riverside Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. This was my second
time visiting with the residents there, and it’s one of my absolute favorite
volunteer opportunities! My heart was so full of joy as I realized how much
this meant to each resident and saw how many smiles it created by just spending
time with them. My grandma had once been a resident there, so it meant even
more to be able to give back.
To all the beautiful and amazing Miss
Missouri contestants heading to NAM, I am beyond excited to meet each and every
one of you! This weekend is going to be one that you will cherish for a lifetime.
Remember to take time to enjoy every moment, make new friends and have FUN! No
matter the outcome, you can be extremely proud of yourselves! You are doing
something that not everyone does, and that is special. All of you are so brave
and beautiful and I can’t wait to see you shine on stage as you achieve your
goals and dreams! If you ever have any questions, please reach out to me! I am
rooting for every single one of you and wish you all the very best! I know you
will all be absolutely amazing!
I’m sad that this year has gone by so fast,
but I am excited to see where God will lead me next. See you all soon!
Much love and God bless!
Sincerely,
Jessica Hanner
2016 Miss Missouri Teen
2016 Miss Missouri Teen
