We are still compiling the great photos and media from the event. Check back often to see more about Miss North Carolina 2009.

In the mean time, be sure to check out Miss NC on twitter and facebook. The links directly to her pages are above. The flickr feed has started and YouTube is coming soon.

Sunday - 6/28
8:15am WRAL-Raleigh

Monday - 6/29
6:15am WTVD-Durham
8:00am G105
9:30am News 14 Raleigh

Tuesday - 6/30
6pm-High Point Dinner with Kay, Lorie, Amanda, and MNCOT

Wednesday - 7/1
6:30am WGHP-High Point
10:00am TW Corp. Office/News 14 GSO
6:00pm Dinner @ Country Club with Lorie

Thursday - 7/2
5:45am-WXII-Winston-Salem
8:00am-WSJS radio-Winston-Salem
5:00pm-WBTV-CharlotteFriday
5:15am-FOX-Charlotte

These words resonated in my mind as the airplane door opened at 14,500 feet in the air. Last Friday, Charli and I had the unique opportunity to join something "golden"….the Golden Knights that is. When Captain Funderbirk first invited me to join their tandem skydiving team for my very first jump, I was a little more than hesitant to willingly jump out of a perfectly good airplane! This all changed, however, once we arrived to the wind tunnel flight simulator. The Golden Knights team welcomed us with opened arms and made me feel completely at ease. I immediately got geared up into my bright yellow jumpsuit, gloves, goggles, and helmet. I then, with the team, entered a giant vertical tube that simulated the wind speed of more than 120 miles an hour. I was truly thankful to have this experience beforehand, as it prepared me for the breath-taking jump that soon awaited me that day.

Next we headed to the Laurinburg-Maxton Airport, where the actual jump would take place. Charli had brought her "camouflage" bear with her, and since she couldn't go up with me for the jump, we attached her bear to the strap of my suit so she could feel apart of this amazing experience. After giving her a giant hug, I headed toward the plane. Once we were up about 10,000 ft and still had more to go, I grew increasingly nervous! However there was no turning back!

The rush of adrenaline that I felt as my feet hung over the edge of the plane was truly amazing! With my "tandem master" attached to my back, he leaned forward and out we went! Dropping at speeds of more than 210 miles an hour, I tried to take in the beautiful sights around me. As soon as the parachute deployed, I took a deep breath of relief and embraced every second of my 10 minute descent to the ground. It was in these moments that I was able to reflect on how truly amazing my year has been. The chance to tandem skydive with the Golden Knights, the same team that jumped with President George H. W. Bush, Tiger Woods, and Chuck Norris to name a few, was an experience that many people will never have.

In addition to having the thrilling experience of skydiving, I was also blessed to have one of the most rewarding experiences of my reign as well. The Children's Miracle Network Telethon in Greenville, NC, was a weekend that I will never forget. Being part of this event from start to finish was truly humbling. Over $1,100,000 was raised for these deserving children in need of our time, energy, and devotion. From answering phones, announcing totals, interviewing families, and raising balloons, I enjoyed being the "jack of all trades." The WTLN crew and staff made us feel apart of this fast-paced event. I have a new appreciation for television production!
Thank you to all of the preliminary queens and their families who took the time out of their busy schedule to make a difference in the lives of these children.

My prayers and thoughts are with all of the preliminary queens as they finalize a much anticipated arrival to Peace College. Cherish these last few days as a representative of your local communities, because one of you will only be back for a homecoming!

Humbly yours,
Amanda Watson
Miss North Carolina 2008

These words resonated in my mind as the airplane door opened at 14,500 feet in the air. Last Friday, Charli and I had the unique opportunity to join something golden….the Golden Knights that is. When Captain Funderbirk first invited me to join their tandem skydiving team for my very first jump, I was a little more than hesitant to willingly jump out of a perfectly good airplane! This all changed, however, once we arrived to the wind tunnel flight simulator. The Golden Knights team welcomed us with opened arms and made me feel completely at ease. I immediately got geared up into my bright yellow jumpsuit, gloves, goggles, and helmet. I then, with the team, entered a giant vertical tube that simulated the wind speed of more than 120 miles an hour. I was truly thankful to have this experience beforehand, as it prepared me for the breath-taking jump that soon awaited me that day.

Next we headed to the Laurinburg-Maxton Airport, where the actual jump would take place. Charli had brought her camouflaged army bear with her, and since she couldn’t go up with me for the jump, we attached her bear to the strap of my suit so she could feel apart of this amazing experience. After giving her a giant hug, I headed toward the plane. Once we were up about 10,000 ft and still had more to go, I grew increasingly nervous. At this point, there was no turning back!
The rush of adrenaline that I felt as my feet hung over the edge of the plane was truly amazing! With my tandem master attached to my back, he leaned forward and out we went! Dropping at speeds of more than 210 miles an hour, I tried to take in the beautiful sights around me. As soon as the parachute deployed, I took a deep breath of relief and embraced every second of my 10 minute descent to the ground. It was in these moments that I was able to reflect on how truly amazing my year has been. The chance to tandem skydive with the Golden Knights, the same team that jumped with President George H. W. Bush, Tiger Woods, and Chuck Norris to name a few, was an experience that many people will never have.

In addition to having the thrilling experience of skydiving, I was also blessed to have one of the most rewarding experiences of my reign as well. The Children’s Miracle Network Telethon in Greenville, NC, was a weekend that I will never forget. Being part of this event from start to finish was truly humbling. Over $1,100,000 was raised for these deserving children in need of our time, energy, and devotion. From answering phones, announcing totals, interviewing families, and raising balloons, I enjoyed being the jack of all trades. The WTLN crew and staff made us feel apart of this fast-paced event. I have a new appreciation for television production!
Thank you to all of the preliminary queens and their families who took the time out of their busy schedule to make a difference in the lives of these children.

My prayers and thoughts are with all of the preliminary queens as they finalize a much anticipated arrival to Peace College. Cherish these last few days as a representative of your local communities, because one of you will only be back for a homecoming!

Humbly yours,
Amanda Watson
Miss North Carolina 2008

I dream, I test my dreams against my beliefs, I dare to take risks, and I execute my vision to make those dreams come true. Author Walt Disney

Walt Disney always spoke so eloquently, and it is almost as if he could read my mind! I am a dreamer. Each and every day I test those dreams and take risks. My dream did come full circle on the Miss America stage. I had an amazing experience with sights, sounds, and adventures that will remain a part of me forever. I had the opportunity to spend time with 51 remarkable, talented, and beautiful women from across our nation. These young women embody the ideals I hope I can pass on to my little girl one day. Miss Indiana, Katie Stam, now our Miss America 2009, is an incredible and deserving young lady, and to her, I send sincere congratulations from the Tarheel State. Folks have asked me, What was the best part?, or Who did you meet? or What took your breath away? Well, dancing right beside Mario Lopez was not too bad. He is even more handsome in person. He has a huge personality and kept us all entertained and laughing during rehearsals and the pageant.

Also, we all had the opportunity to ride in our very own gondola inside the Venetian Hotel. The gondolier serenaded us the entire time with his beautiful tenor voice.
Having the opportunity of see the Phantom of the Opera, for my very first time, was certainly a highlight of the beginning of the week. Honestly, the chandelier fell right above my head. My heart skipped a beat as I listened to all of the music I have studied and performed over the years. If you ever get the chance to go, this one comes highly recommended from Miss NC 08.
I hope you all got to visit the MAO website and view the pictures of all 52 of us driving a race car in the indoor racing arena. We wore real racing uniforms and helmets and, for a minute, felt as though we were at the Charlotte Speedway. After driving a real race car, I am a fan for life.

I was honored to be named a finalist for the Quality of Life award. I was one of eight young women recognized for their hard work and dedication to their platforms, and I was so pleased that ALS was among those. It goes to show you that hard work and perserverance can, and does, make a difference.

I would like to thank all of the NC supporters who made the trip to support, clap and cheer. You will never know how much that meant to me. I love you all and am eternally grateful. To those of you back home, I could feel your warmth and prayers with me at all times. And a special thanks to Isabella Grape for my lovely wardrobe. I have so much for which to be thankful. God Bless you all.

As soon as I returned home, I hit the ground running with appearances. I had the wonderful privilege of emceeing and performing at the Miss UNCP pageant. It was a great evening full of entertainment and fun. I had the opportunity to attend a delicious dinner with the judges, committee, and UNCP chancellor and his wife before the pageant. The town of Pembroke was extremely hospitable and very supportive of their pageant. The auditorium was packed with excited and eager fans, awaiting the judge's decision. Congratulations to Katy Locklear who won this coveted title of Miss UNCP 2009.

After UNCP, I headed to the wonderful town of Clayton to co-emcee and perform at the Miss Johnston County Pageant. I was privileged to co-emcee with Mayor Jody McLeod, who was simply delightful. Congratulations to Ashley Beasley and Ciarra Ellis, our two new Miss and Teen representatives from Johnston County.

That very same morning I had the opportunity to speak at the Miss Eastern Wayne High School Pageant luncheon. What an honor it was to see their bright, smiling faces, eager to see and hear from me and any words of wisdom that I might be able to offer. Many of these young ladies will be competing for the very first time, and I am going to do my very best to be in attendance on February 27th as they put their talents and skills to use on stage. Whichever girl is chosen will make a great high school representative.

Jessica Jacobs, Miss NC '07, and I had the opportunity to be the keynote speakers at the Communities in Schools conference in Pinehurst. This was such a wonderful event because we were able to give back in a small way to all of the teachers and volunteers who give so much to their students everyday. I also have the unique privilege to serve on the steering committee for this year's CIS education ball and fundraising events. We had our first meeting last week at Michael Deans Restaurant to discuss upcoming plans for fundraising. It is an honor to serve with such dedicated and hard-working individuals.

Next, my family and I headed to the beautiful mountains of N.C. for the Miss Hendersonville and Miss Hendersonville's Outstanding Teen pageant. The pageant's theme was Through the Decades, and I had the opportunity to perform songs from the 20s and 30s. On Friday evening, Miss Katie Holder won the title of Hendersonvilles Outstanding Teen. On Saturday morning, the newly crowned Teen, Miss NC OT Mya, and I joined our families for a beautiful and delicious luncheon at the Hendersonville Country Club, overlooking our gorgeous mountains of NC. We could not have asked for more delightful weather or a more lovely view. Mya and I were thrilled to be given a key to the city by Mayor Greg Newman at Saturday's luncheon. We then headed back to our rooms at the Saluda Mountain Lodge to get ready for Saturday nights events. The pageant was a formal affair and everyone, even audience members, looked so beautiful, and handsome, in their evening gowns and tuxedos. After a wonderful night of competition, Miss Ciera Newman, Miss NC OT 2006, was crowned as Miss Hendersonville. She will return to the NC stage yet again, this time as a Miss competitor. The mayor and the generous Town of Hendersonville then hosted us at a dessert reception at the Hampton Inn of Hendersonville. Mya and I, along with the newly crowned queens were introduced and then took many, many pictures with the excited residents of Hendersonville.

Sunday morning we headed home early in order to make it back to Chapel Hill for Princess Amanda Lopeman's 4th birthday party. Chelsea Ingram, Miss Garner 2009, and I were honored to be the special guests of the event, as 40 little girls gathered around us to get our autographs and then be sashed and crowned with their very own tiaras. I am honored to share the name of such a beautiful birthday princess.

A large part of my time since returning from Vegas has been consumed with my work with the ALS Association. I am excited to share that I am in the process of recording my second cd, entitled, Crowned for the Cure. The last few songs are being recorded this week. Special thanks to Hubert Dean at Snowhill Music for your willingness to make this possible. I am hoping to have the cds in hand by March 15th, so please let me know if you would like to pre-order one today.
Each cd is $15 (includes shipping costs)/please make a direct donation at:
http://web.alsa.org/goto/AmandaWatsonTR09

As soon as you make a donation, please email missncbookings@yahoo.com with your name and address, and I will put the cd in the mail to you. All proceeds from these cds will go directly to the ALS Association-Jim Catfish Hunter Chapter. If you do not want to purchase a cd, but still want to donate, please go to my website http://web.alsa.org/goto/AmandaWatsonTR09 which also describes the different ways that you can join my walk team for the annual Walk to D'feet ALS on May 9th.

My dream is to raise $10,000, so please join me in this fight against ALS.

Stay tuned, I have many more appearances to come.

Amanda Lauren Watson
Miss North Carolina 2008

At the Wrightsville Beach Holiday Flotilla, Dr White and his family of Wilmington were the fantastic hosts of the ship that I rode on during the event. The hospitality and warmth of he and the great folks of Wilmington made this appearance a special highlight of my reign as Miss North Carolina.
Although it was cold and rained all day, nothing would stop the residents of this special community from having the Flotilla. I sang O Holy Night several times while spotlighted on back of the yacht as Dr. White and the crew sailed the ship around Wrightsville Beach and the Intracoastal Water Way. Thousands of people gathered and braved the weather to watch the beautiful array of ships lit up for the holiday season. Our boat, appropriately named The Queen, was decorated with white lights and a giant crown on one side with my name in lights on the other side. A Christmas tree and Carolina blue lights finished off the bough of the ship. Even though the weather was cold and wet, as mentioned before, I never felt the chill due to the warmth of the season and affectionate spirit of the entire community

The beautiful Blockade Runner was the generous sponsor of our accommodations for the weekend. This resort was also the host of the Captains Party on Friday evening. At this event, we all danced the night away to the musical grooves of Liquid Pleasure. The annual tree lighting at Wrightsville Beach Town Park was another highlight of the evening. It seemed the entire community gathered to watch the lighting of the beautifully decorated tree, which kicked off the holiday season. I was not, however, the only important celebrity in attendance. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus made their debut much later in the evening. Luckily, I was able to sit on Santas lap to tell him what I wanted for Christmas.

Thank you so much to Dr White and the community of Wrightsville Beach. This Christmas was one I will certainly remember forever.

Christmas parades took up much of the month of December, beginning with the Oxford parade on the fifth. The Oxford Mayor greeted me early in the afternoon. He accompanied me around town to sign autographs for local businesses and parade attendees. Later in the evening I was joined by the Little Miss North Carolina Queens as we rode on a beautifully decorated float. It was cold, but all of our chatter and laughter kept us warm enough to wave to all of the residents who came to watch.

Ahoskie, Monroe, Manteo, Waxhaw, and Clinton were other special Christmas parades that I had the privilege of attending.

Hubert Vester Ford of Clinton provides my car for the year, and I was honored to ride in their hometown Christmas Parade. I had the opportunity to take some special little girls out to lunch after the parade. I also drew and announced the grand prize ticket at Hubert Vester Ford while posing for photographs and signing autographs.

I had the opportunity to be the featured speaker at three MADD and CPN candlelight vigils. Crash Prevention Network and Mothers Against Drunk Driving teamed up to put on these splendid events in which we honor the lives of those lost or injured to due car accidents and/or drunk driving. It was accordingly special to be able to honor the police officers and law enforcement members for all of their hard work in keeping our North Carolina roads safe and crash free. I also made special bonds with mothers, sisters, fathers, and brothers who lost loved ones in car accidents. It was my wish that my message of hope and songs of inspiration could play a small part in their healing process.

I had the honor of being Mistress of Ceremonies of the Triangle Apartment Associations Annual Awards Banquet at the Wake County Shrine club. That evening I honored all of the apartment communities and their staff who work hard to keep residents feeling welcomed and safe. I was so excited as I read the announcement that The Brier Creek was named the Property of the Year. The Triangle Apartment Association was so generous as they surprised me on stage with a $1,000 check for the ALS Association. I was extremely grateful to be apart of such a special event, and their generosity was humbling.

Mya Hipps and I had the unique opportunity to perform a mini concert of Christmas selections at the Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville. Hosted by Mr. Tommy Bolton, Mya and I were thrilled to meet many of the men and women who currently serve and have served this splendid country. We even met some brave men and women who had lost their spouses. This is one time in my year that I can remember being speechless, listening earnestly to their stories of courage and survival. We are the land of the free because of the gallantry of our military and their families.

Speaking of our very Outstanding Teen, I am so proud that Mya has been chosen to sing the National Anthem at the opening ceremonies of Miss America. We are so proud of you Mya. I am blessed to have a fabulous sister queen.

I was invited to sing the National Anthem at the Electoral College Meeting at the State Capitol. With Secretary of State Elaine Marshall presiding, the meeting was part of a unique moment in history where men and women, young and old, would find common ground in knowing that no matter what our opinions or political affiliation, we are all apart of this pivotal moment in history. I was both humbled and honored by the opportunity to play a small role during this pivotal time in our state’s and nation’s history.

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I continue my dream journey to Miss America. Preparations are a demanding time, but the end result is all worth it. Make sure you tune in to TLC on Friday evenings at 10 pm to watch Miss America Countdown to the Crown. I will feel the presence and strength of each and every one of my supporters on the Miss America Stage with me on the 24^th. I promise to make you proud as I have the esteemed honor of representing the wonderful people of North Carolina with me to Las Vegas.

I hope you all had a blessed holiday season and will have a prosperous 2009.
As fall has turned to winter, and the days are blustery and cold, I am inspired by the words of Anne Broadstreet.

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant.

Humbly and gratefully yours,

Amanda Watson

Miss North Carolina 2008

Hello again NC! I trust you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are now busy decking the halls for the holiday season. I had a non-traditional, but exciting Thanksgiving holiday this year and one I will never forget. You will understand what I mean as you read this special holiday blog.

Other fall activities have included a visit to Paige Wainrights dance studio for a party fit for a queen. I was joined by some local NC queens and students from her studio, taking pictures, signing autographs for these queens of the future! Maybe one of them will be in my shoes one day. Thanks for all the memories girls!

In elementary school, my dad and I had the unique opportunity to be a part of the YMCA Indian Princess program. This is a wonderful father/daughter mentoring and bonding program with campfires, sleepovers, retreats and outings to camp Seagull. Does anyone remember their first time on the zip line? How about riding on the Joy Boy boat with your dad and friends? Wow did this experience take me back! These are memories I will keep with me for a lifetime. Well life came full circle for me when I was asked to come and speak to the young girls and their dads about how important the program was in my life and development and how special that time was for my relationship with my dad. I must have signed over 300 autographs as all the Princesses lined up in true YMCA Indian fashion to get a personalized autograph. To prove to them that Little Doe and Big Buck (mine and dads chosen Indian names) were for real, I had my old, faded with time and love, leather vest, patches I earned still intact. As I said, this was a full circle experience for both my dad and me; and we both got a bit choked up remembering those amazing, very simple days, yet there I was all grown up, as Miss NC, both an alumni of the program and role model for these young girls. The experience was both humbling and thrilling, to see the future in the audience and also seeing the reflection of me as a young girl only beginning this exciting journey.

From Indian Princess straight to television star, I traveled to Charlotte to shoot a commercial for the Carolina's Carousel Thanksgiving Day Parade in front of the Charlotte Autobell Carwash. I must admit it was rather funny to have to stop the roll of the cameras as we waited for a car to run through the noisy wash process. Mr. Chuck Howard, the founder of AutoBell was my co-star and he sponsored the lovely float l rode on for the Thanksgiving Day parade. I performed at the Carolina's Carousel pageant Wednesday night as did one of my newest buddies; Miss South Carolina Anna Perry and then we rode in the lovely parade on Thanksgiving morning. It was so nice to see her again. I cannot wait until we meet again in Vegas!

It was a special treat judging the Miss Bailey and Little Miss Merry Christmas pageant in Bailey NC. I had the honor of judging with Anthony Thorne, the executive director of the Miss Wilson pageant. The Bailey community truly supports their pageant and the director Jennifer, a former Miss Bailey herself, did an amazing job organizing the pageant. There is a lot of talent in Bailey! Good luck girls and enjoy riding in the Bailey Christmas Parade this year!

What a joy it has been to attend and perform in so many local pageants this year! We have some lovely girls who will be competing this June. It has been a delight to see so many of them begin their journey to the Miss NC stage. June will be here before we know it. I wish all the girls good luck and best wishes and to the girls yet to be crowned, keep working and your dreams will come true.

I was able to sneak in another Childrens Miracle Network bowling fundraiser in early November. Again, it was a great success and I am so grateful to those who came out to support me and the children in our CMN hospitals in our state. Bowling with friends always turns out to be so much fun!

Veterans Day was both enjoyable and humbling for me this year. I had the distinct pleasure to speak and perform at a Raleigh retirement community. One of the highlights of the day was meeting and conversing with a Pearl Harbor survivor who shared the history and heroics during such a volatile time in our nations history. All of the residents were extremely grateful for my visit; however, little did they know I was the grateful one. It is so important that we all learn about our history from our aging Americans. After all, we learn from history so mistakes of our past never happen again. I was thrilled to witness most of the residents sing along with me as I sang Amazing Grace and God Bless America.

It was both awe-inspiring and an honor to be invited to sing the National Anthem to the graduating class at Seymour Johnson Air force Base. To be among the distinguished men and women who continue to serve our great country and keep us free and safe. I realized, as I sat down, how lucky I am to be able to give back in a small way to our NC troops. Ladies and Gentlemen, you are loved and will always be in the prayers of the people of NC! You are true American heroes and I was honored to be in your presence and part of your big day. Thanks for sharing it with me.

Stay tuned to hear about all of the fun times that I had at Wrightsville Beach for the 25th Holiday Flotilla. This was truly one of the highlights of my reign thus far and more details to come soon!

As we head full force into the Holiday Season, with decorations, lights, shopping, parades, cold weather and warm evenings by the fire, let’s all remember to keep a light shining in your window during the holidays and a warm feeling toward others shining in your heart all year.

Humbly yours,
Amanda Watson
Miss North Carolina 2008