World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to welcome amazing Queen Addison Williams USA National Miss Virginia Junior Teen 2020.
Full name: Addison Saige Williams
Title/Year: USA National Miss Virginia Jr. Teen 2020
Pageant System: USA National Miss
Age: 13
Zodiac sign: Gemini
Hobbies: art, designing both interior homes & dresses, volunteering for Motel Ministries, American Cancer Society, and I play volleyball for both my school and travel team.
Platform: “Fill your Bucket” (for elementary school age) “Leave your Thumb Print” (for middle school age) both of these are based on random acts of kindness and bullying prevention. I also speak about Crown C.A.R.E.S. (Creating A Respectful Environment in Schools) which is the UNM’s national platform
Years competed: I’ve been competing in pageants for 4 years. This is my first with USA National Miss
Countries visited: I have had the amazing opportunity to visit both Jamaica & Canada
Likes: cold weather, volleyball, drawing, my mom’s chicken enchiladas, spending time with my whole family, and people who are kind to one another.
Dislikes: heat, those that are disrespectful & bully others.
World Class Beauty Queens: Please tell us about yourself.
I am an active teenager in both my community and school. I am a straight A student and a volleyball player for both my middle school & travel team. The position I play is libero. When I’m not studying or playing volleyball I am volunteering or making appearances to see the students across the Commonwealth. I want to make a difference; as cliché as it sounds- it is true. I think we should all be making a difference in any way we can.
World Class Beauty Queens: What does women Empowerment means to you?
Well being only the very young age of 13. Empowerment to me is being Strong & Brave. Being of middle school age it is hard in todays society with much more pressures. You have social media for one. Which is why I have the platforms I do. They are both on “random acts of kindness” both geared toward bullying prevention. It is important not just for young girls to feel Strong, Brave, Empowered, but for ALL our youth to feel that way. To know their self worth and that it is ok to be themselves. That is why I have “Leave your Thumb Print” to showcase we are ALL unique. That is a Beautiful thing- That is being Empowered. World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your pageant history.
I first started competing in pageants at the age of 9. I did some small locals and Fair pageants. My first two I placed 2nd runner- up in a total of 17 girls. My mom kept saying “that 2nd one day will turn into a winner don’t worry sweetheart” My mom and my sister both have pageant experiences. Which is why I wanted to try. I did my next Fair County pageant and got my first win. That was very exciting. I did so much with that title. I have won 3 Fair titles since then. Then came time to do more and I won more. I asked my mom to branch out. She said, “ok, let’s see what is out there”. She found East Coast USA. Their phases of competition were fun fashion and gown. I would win both Pre-Teen & Jr. Teen for the Virginia back to back years and attending ECUSA Nationals in New Jersey. My coach felt I should do more and we decided to enter Miss Jr. High School America Virginia. This would be what I called my “first real pageant”. I would have a 5 min interview with a closing statement (something I have never done before) runway, & gown. I placed 3rd runner-up against some very talented, smart, and veteran contestants. I was of course sad that I didn’t take home the title and the chance to represent my state at National’s, but I was thrilled knowing I made top 5 and placed in a pageant system I have never done before. After that I was asked to compete for USA National Miss Virginia. I felt as though that was God’s plan for me all along. I guess we now know how that ended up. I won an amazing scholarship called “Kindness Counts” which was based on the delegate that showed the most kindness through out the weekend. I was truly honored. I also ended up winning the prestigious title of USA National Miss Virginia Jr. Teen. World Class Beauty Queens: What inspired you to do your first pageant?
I kind of remember seeing my sister compete when she was little. I remember more pictures then anything. She did them up until she was 10. My mom competed in the Miss America system in Florida. She then would go on to later win the prestigious title of Mrs. Virginia International. Seeing her travel and speak about bullying and the difference she made and the legacy she left not only in my county but in my state. She continued to give back by coaching other girls and giving them the same lessons she had. It was then I realized I wanted to try my hand in pageantry. I too wanted to open doors, make a difference, and leave a legacy. I truly feel I am well on my way of doing just that.
World Class Beauty Queens: Why did you choose to compete for your current title?
Honestly, I was asked to. However, once I researched USA National Miss and saw how the girls’ all seemed like family. They were so nice to one another. Yes, I know sometimes pageantry can get a bad rep, but they really were. I had the absolute best weekend at UNM Virginia. I met so many amazing young ladies who I still speak to today. USA National Miss really is like Family. I am so honored and blessed to be apart of it. I cant wait for Nationals when I can meet the rest of the delegates. They truly are POSITIVE PAGEANTRY a sisterhood. Plus they are very much about service. I can really be an ambassador for my charity and give back.
World Class Beauty Queens: To those unfamiliar with your pageant system please tell us what is it about?
USA National Miss is an award winning national pageant organization that exist to enrich the lives of young woman ages 4-25 through unsurpassed pageant experience that leaves them encouraged, renewed, and inspired. Awarded over a million dollars in cash, scholarships, and prizes since its inception in 2010, UNM also assist young women in developing a lifestyle of service, and provides young women with extraordinary opportunities. UNM recognizes the personal achievement, community, involvement, and excellence of young woman across the USA in a fun and trendy community of sisters, who become ambassadors of many worthy causes and charities- including the national platform The Crown C.A.R.E.S. (Creating A Respectful Environment in Schools)
World Class Beauty Queens: What are you being judged on during the competition?
We have 3 phases of competitions (personal interview, Runway, & Gown) with optionals available (talent, casual wear, cover model, spokes model, role model, life style & fitness,) There are a few more at Nationals.
Each of these are judged upon appearance, grace, personality, how well spoken are you, and confidence. In the end they are looking for the best representation of USA National Miss. As a state UNM title holder or a National title holder you represent the system and need to carry yourself well.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your experience during the competition.
I had the best experience at USA National Miss Virginia. Our poor Director was so pregnant at the time, but she did not let that hinder the weekend one bit. I was so impressed how well the schedule was run, it was well organized, and she had pajama party for us. The pajama party was a lot of fun. That is where I met the other delegates. We had a blast and got gifts. When it came time for competition it was great. The staff was so friendly which put us all at ease and made our job easier. I really enjoyed interview (which I never do, who does.. haha). The entire weekend was really so much fun and such a sisterhood. I definitely recommend competing for any USA National Miss title.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your platform or what cause do you volunteer for.
I am an ambassador for the national platform Crown C.A.R.E.S (Creating a Respectful Environment in Schools) this provides a platform to spread awareness on the most crucial issue facing children, youth, & teens in today’s society. A program that includes positive social behaviors such as being, Fair, Kind, Caring, Honest, Courageous, Responsible, Respectful, Compassionate, and the ability to be good listeners. To reduce any negativity affects bullying has on children, youth, teens & society. I created my two projects “Fill your Bucket” for elementary students and “Leave your Thumb Print” for middle school age students. These projects are based on random acts of kindness.
World Class Beauty Queens: What appearances have you done with your title?
Prior to the pandemic I was able to visit schools. Since then I have had to result in using social media outlets and technology to reach students. I have done presentations, read a louds, and activities for the students. We as title holders often times have to adapt and in times such as these. I have been blessed to have the opportunity to do just that.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are some of your achievements?
I have been a honor student my entire scholastic school career. I received the Presidents award for my academic achievements. I was honored by my Superintendent and school board with the “Certificate of Excellence” for my volleyball team making school history. We receive athletic letters at my school which I received 2 for both 7th & 8th grade along with my honor roll bar to place on our letter for our academic achievements. I have won Silver in CHRVA Regionals USA Volleyball & Gold in CHRVA USA Volleyball. I was recently awarded a $300 scholarship called “Kindness Counts”.
World Class Beauty Queens: What makes you stand out from all those other beautiful girls?
This question has always been difficult for me, because I have always considered myself a genuine and kind person. Someone who stands up not only for herself ,but for others. Maybe in the end that is what sets me apart from the other delegates. I think we are ALL beautiful in some way. Our beauty shines through when we are doing the things that make us the happiest; it is not just the outside.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about the moment your name was called out as the winner.
WOW!! The best day of my life. You are standing up there just praying and hoping that your name is called. Of course they do the top and narrow it down. Each time you tell yourself “ok I did the best I could do and I hope I move on”. Once you are one of the last 2 standing your heart starts to beat fast. I remember thinking it is in God’s hands and I couldn’t have done any better. If it is meant for me to move on and represent my home state at Nationals than it is God’s plan. It seems like forever before they call the runner up. I heard the announcer say the first runner-ups name and my knees bent and I bowed my head saying “thank you lord, thank you, my hard work has finally paid off”. Then to look out at the crowd and see all my family & friends who came to support me was the best. I was also honored to have the current National title holder there to crown me. I am so blessed to have this amazing opportunity. I can only hope and pray it continues.
World Class Beauty Queens: What does it mean to you to be a Beauty Queen?
It’s not just being a “Beauty Queen” if you will; Beauty can mean so many things. The true definition of a “Beauty Queen” is- a beautiful and glamorous woman or specifically; a winner of a beauty contest. Yes, pageantry is made up of some gorgeous title holders on the outside, but have you ever spoken with any of them, and really gotten know these lovely ladies? I can tell you I have met a few of them and they are kind, genuine, caring, smart, and talented women. As a young teenager knowing how society can make beauty come across I feel it is my job as “Beauty Queen” to put a different stigmatism to this. I see myself as a kind, genuine, loving, smart, talented, and at times confident person. This is what makes a well rounded queen. I am an approachable person and a great listener. I want people to know me for these attributes; more than just a “Beauty Queen” That is what it means to me.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did competing in pageants helped your life?
I did my first pageant to see if I would even like it at all. I did. I had a lot of fun. I have had fun ever since. I used to be kinda shy. Now those that know me will say – “What really no..”, but I was. I think pageants allowed me to come out of my shell. It gave me the confidence among my peers, speaking, and just getting out there to do more. It has also given me so many opportunities that just being a “normal teenager” may not have. For instance one of my projects “Leave your Thumb Print” is a video I did to be shared not only through my state, but can be shared nationally to help students remember kindness matters not hatefulness. I would not have had that if I wasn’t a title holder. I think pageantry is something that every little girl, teenager, young women, and older should try at least once. Pageantry is so much more then just beauty. It provides amazing confidence and interview skills for your future endeavors. You do NOT have to WIN to have any of these experiences. It’s NOT all about that. It is what YOU make of the experience going in.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did pageants helped your self-esteem and body image?
As I stated before that pageantry did allow me to have more confidence in myself on all aspects. Body Image is hard at this age (13). Your body and you are growing, you have braces (or not) and you are trying to find yourself. You tend to compare yourself to others. I just disagree with any of that. I want girls’ to know that God has blessed them in many ways and to find that. DO NOT body shame yourself or think you are not worthy. Young girls as young as 6 up to older tend to have body shaming that can result in many difference sicknesses later on. I am personally not the stereo typical; tall hour glass figure. I am an athlete and proud of it and my body shows that even at 13 almost 14. Our body changes and that is what we young girls’ need to remember. Pageants have shown me just being who are you and being confident go a long way.
World Class Beauty Queens: You are an inspiration to all the girls out there. How does it feel?
It’s crazy really to think about. To say I am a role model- WOW. There is some pressure there to be sure you are a good role model. I want to make these girls proud of me. I want to show them that having confidence and believing in yourself goes a long way as well as staying true to who you are.
World Class Beauty Queens: What is your on stage strategy to win the judges over?
My on stage strategy doesn’t fall far from what I have been saying. I have FUN. Having fun up on stage shows that you are confident, and that inner beauty shines just as much as your outer. If they see that they are more likely to score you better. If you have any mishaps you just keep gong. Its all about how you handle yourself.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did you prepare for your competition?
I did what any other girl does; practice, practice, and yes more practice. I had coaches from all avenues, from interview, modeling, bio sheet and etc. I did mock interviews and at times did quick Q&A. I would practice my modeling in all my outfits. I also did as many speaking engagements.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for learning better pageant walk?
Haha.. this question is funny. I am NOT coordinated by any means. If you remember me saying I am an athlete, God did not give me “grace”. So with that being said my mom was my coach for my first few years of pageantry. It came time one day that she said “I cant do anymore we need help”. We sought out some amazing coaches that specify in just that walking/modeling. Now, I was good up until a point, but I agreed it was time to step it up. My advice is if you can afford it seek out a coach that you like and has knowledge and experience. Even if is just one time session and use that video to practice with goes a long way then the not knowing. Some of these pageants tend to have different walking patterns. Do the research so you know going in ahead of time. Put in the work and it will pay off.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for choosing right pageant dress?
My number #1 tip is; you wear the dress, the dress does not wear you. I had the amazing opportunity this year to design my national gown with the one & only Jimme -VIENNA. As I stated earlier one of my hobbies is designing, so to sit across from him, WOW just amazing. You want the dress to express who you are and your style. You want the WOW Factor and not look like everyone standing up there. That’s me personally and my suggestions. I sat with Jimme and we knew right away the best color for me. I knew what style I wanted and he put his detail on it. I fell in love with it and truly feel I have the BEST dress for me. It is what I picture me winning in. That is what you need to see when you try on gowns. Can you see yourself being crowned in that gown, does it make you happy and shine?
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for winning interview?
Ahhh, interview my arch nemeses. Yes, I say that lightly, because I personally feel that interview isn’t my strong suit. However, it doesn’t mean I don’t go in with a confident attitude and do my absolute best. Interview is another phase of competition that I think having a coach can really benefit anyone from. I don’t now if “my tips” are “winning” tips but it is what helps me. I have my fact sheet or bio sheet whatever the pageant system refers to it as. Once I have that all set and turned in I meet with my coaches. We do with Q&A, mock interviews, conversational pieces, whatever helps leading up to the pageant weekend. I also practice with my family and watch myself in the mirror. Don’t stress your self out about interview. If anything I have learned is the judges are there to get to know you best. They can be just as nervous as you are. I just like to be mentally prepared before going in, but most of all I want to have fun, show my personality, and if possible try to be in control of the interview. Always speak about the things you know best. I try and make it conversational not just a Q&A.
World Class Beauty Queens: What is one mistake that you've done during competing you wish you could redo and fix it? I was competing in a big pageant. The stage was really kind of funky if you will. Every contestant was getting their shoe caught in same way shape or form. It was time for me in gown and I don’t know how I did it, but I did stumble some and somehow recovered. I got points off because I was walking too slow. That was only because of me taking precaution of the stage. So, I guess if I could some how fix that I would.
World Class Beauty Queens: What other mistakes are made by girls during the contest?
This is a hard question to answer, because I feel you should never be negative on others. You don’t know what their experience has been or if maybe its their first time competing. I am still even learning and will continue to learn and grow. I find often that some girls may not do the research on the particular system they are competing in. I think it is very important to know the pageant system you doing or even research one that fits your needs best at that time. I did small county fairs until I was comfortable enough to branch out. Even the fairs had a 30 second statement and onstage question, but nothing that was too hard. Do the research and be comfortable in the pageant system you choose.
World Class Beauty Queens: Any modeling or acting experience?
I haven’t had any acting experience, not sure I see myself ever really doing that. On modeling though; lately I have been doing a lot of photoshoots. That has been fun and exciting. I think I would definitely like to do more of that. But who knows what God has instore for me maybe both or maybe not at all.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your plans for 2020 as a Queen?
My plan as a 2020 queen would to be the next USA National Miss Jr. Teen and continue my work across the U.S. If that is not in God’s plan then I will continue my reign as USA National Miss Virginia Jr. Teen and continue to represent my state. I will hopefully be allowed back in the schools to be able to showcase my projects, share The Crown C.A.R.E.S., and make a difference with our youth.
World Class Beauty Queens: What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
Often we are asked this question, and often the questions is always the same. But if you had the ability and opportunity to leave a positive impact on someone wouldn’t you want to? That is my legacy. To hope that one day I have inspired young girls to reach their goals, their aspirations, and for them to become a role model to others. That is the legacy I leave behind, the gift to give back and keep on giving so others can too be successful and make a difference in our world.
National Director: Jackie Watson
Your Local Director: Brandis Caldwell
Pageant website: www.usanationalmiss.com
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to say thank you for this amazing interview.
Addison Williams USA National Miss Virginia Junior Teen 2020, World Class Beauty Queens Magazine, Photos by Kimberly Needles Photography, Hair/makeup - Austin Ryde Interview by Derek Tokarzewski Owner/Editor in Chief Mr United Nations 2018 Platform: Women Empowerment Ambassador to International Foundation for Orphans iffocares.org
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