Get to Know The 2016-2017 National American Miss Jr. Teen MaKenzie Ward!

NAM: Tell us about yourself:
MaKenzie: Hi! I’m MaKenzie Ward, National American Miss Jr. Teen. I
am a 14 year old freshman at Hewitt Trussville High School in
Trussville, Alabama. I love to sing, dance, shop, and cook! I have a
family of four: my mom, dad, and older sister, Madison. We have two
small dogs named Tucker and Trudy.

NAM: What activities are you involved in?
MaKenzie: I am very involved in school and church activities. I am on
my school danceline, the Hewitt Trussville Highsteppers. We dance at
football games and we also compete. My parents and sister are a part
of the worship team at my church and I am following in their footsteps.
I am in Spark Ministry training where I am training to be a worship
leader.

NAM: What are your plans for the future?
MaKenzie: I am undecided on my career path right now, but I am
leaning toward becoming an orthodontist. I’ve always been fascinated
by braces and the transformation they make. One thing I know for sure
is that I plan to fulfill my calling as a worship leader.

NAM: How would your friends describe you?
MaKenzie: My friends would say I’m outgoing and talkative. I never
meet a stranger and I love talking to people! I think they would say
that I am trustworthy and loyal. Many of my friends come to me for
advice or just to listen when they need me. They would also say that I
am funny...maybe even goofy. I love to laugh and make others laugh.

NAM: What motto or quote best describes you?
MaKenzie: “Humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand, that He may
lift you up in due time” 1 Peter 5:6 Before capturing the national title, I
had been first runner up five times throughout my NAM journey. I was
honored to have placed, and very thankful, but it was hard to get that
close so many times and I was tempted to give up. Through this
experience, I learned to trust God and His timing and to continue
working hard to become better each time I came back. I am so thankful
that I never gave up!

NAM: What is the best advice you have ever received?
MaKenzie: Pray first. Let prayer be your first response, not your last
resort. It’s simple: before anything else, pray. Just knowing that God
wants to hear from me and talk to me about anything and everything
going on in my life is so humbling and brings me so much peace.

NAM: How did you prepare for the NAM National pageant?
MaKenzie: My goal was to prepare spirit, soul, and body. I read the
Word and found encouragement to be bold, walk in love, and put forth
my best effort. Of course, I practiced my personal introduction
countless times and walked in my dress and shoes. My family
interviewed me every chance we got--even late at night after dance
practice. I also worked out and ate healthy so I would be my best for
competition week.

NAM: Where is your favorite place to shop?
MaKenzie: I really love trendy boutiques. There is one in my
hometown that I go to for clothes, jewelry, and gifts. Another favorite is
“Charming Charlie”, a store of jewelry and accessories that are
organized by color. I like organization, so I really love that store!

NAM: How have pageants shaped your life?
MaKenzie: Through pageantry, I have become more confident, made
so many new friends, and become more involved in my community. I
have overcome shyness and fear of public speaking. Pageantry has
taught me so much and made me a better version of myself.

NAM: What is your most prized possession?
MaKenzie: My Bible is definitely my most prized possession. Reading
the Word of God is so important in my walk with the Lord and in
getting wisdom needed for life.

NAM: What is your favorite TV show?
MaKenzie: “Dancing with the Stars” is my favorite show. I’m a dancer,
so I love watching the dancers’ technique and the choreography is so
creative! Last year, my parents surprised me with a VIP pass for the
“Dancing with the Stars” tour and I had the opportunity to meet the
cast. That was, by far, one of the best Christmas gifts I’ve ever received!

NAM: What is your book?
MaKenzie: I love the book of Proverbs (in the Bible). It is the book of
wisdom. There are thirty one chapters in the book of Proverbs and my
parents taught me to read one each day (two on the last day if there
are only thirty days in the month), and by the end of the month, you’ve
read the whole book. I have learned so much from it!

NAM: What advice do you have for future NAM girls?
MaKenzie: My advice is to GO FOR IT! Stretch yourself, grow and walk
into pageant weekend with a positive attitude. Do your best, have fun,
and give it to God. One girl will receive a crown, but everyone can win
new friends, make memories, and continue to grow. So, make as many
friends as you can, stay true to yourself, and be satisfied with simply
doing your best!

NAM: If you could be famous for anything what would it be?
MaKenzie: I would be a famous worship leader like Kari Jobe. She is
such an inspiration to me.

NAM: What is your dream job?
MaKenzie: I have my dream job! Becoming National American Miss Jr.
Teen is a dream come true! Being able to represent a group of amazing
girls from all across the country, serve my community, and be a role
model to others--I couldn’t ask for a better job! I’m so thankful.

NAM: How do you plan to use your title?
MaKenzie: I will represent National American Miss with humility and
grace and encourage girls from all over the country to dream big and
never give up! I plan to promote National American Miss by sharing
my testimony, and promote my platform on a national level and raise
more money for pediatric cancer research. In a nutshell, my goal is to
let the light within me shine brighter than the light that’s on me. I want
to serve others, make a difference, and leave a legacy.

NAM: How do you volunteer in your community?
MaKenzie: I have been a member of Dancers Fighting Cancer for eight
years. We have raised over $250,000.00 for pediatric cancer research. I
am a volunteer for Relay for Life and Children’s Miracle Network as
well. I also enjoy reading to elementary school classes and visiting
local nursing homes.

NAM: What is your favorite subject in school?
MaKenzie: Spanish is my favorite subject in school. I’m in my second
year of Spanish and I would love to become fluent in it. FUN FACT: I
love listening to Latin music!

NAM: If you had three wishes what would you wish for?
MaKenzie: 1. A cure for cancer
2. For girls to be confident in who God made them to be
3. For everyone to discover their purpose and live it out

NAM: What is your biggest fear?
MaKenzie: Although I love the beach, my biggest fear is sharks...or any
big ocean creature!

NAM: Who is to most influential person in the world?
MaKenzie: Jesus. He is the Son of God who came to earth to die for our
sins. He rose again and saved us. That’s influence!

NAM: If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?
MaKenzie: I would love to have dinner with Sadie Robertson. She is a
great Christian role model. She stays true to her values and loves her
family. I think we would have a lot to talk about. She has had so many
great experiences from Duck Dynasty, Dancing with the Stars, writing a
book, public speaking and being a Sherri Hill model. I would want to
hear every detail!

NAM: What is your favorite part about National American Miss?
MaKenzie: I love that NAM empowers girls to be who they are and that
everyone doesn’t have to fit into a certain “mold”. National American
Miss is for everyone-- no matter the size, shape, or color. I love how it
helps girls, like me, transform from a shy girl to a confident young lady.
National American Miss challenges you to be better-- all while having
fun and making unforgettable memories!

NAM: How did you get started with NAM? How long have you been
involved?
MaKenzie: My sister received a postcard in 2006. She competed and
had a blast. That inspired me to compete in 2008. So, I’ve been around
NAM for 10 years, competing 8 of those years.

NAM: What do you like to do for fun?
MaKenzie: I like to cook with my mom and my sister. I also LOVE
shopping. In the summertime, my favorite activity is swimming with
my friends.

NAM: What makes your state unique?
MaKenzie: I love my home state, Sweet Home Alabama! I think my
state is unique because we have the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in
Huntsville, a museum with rockets and artifacts of the U.S. space
program. We also have some of the most beautiful white sandy
beaches on the Gulf!

NAM: What is your favorite food?
MaKenzie: My mom’s red beans and rice is my favorite food. I love all
cajun food because it’s good and spicy!

NAM: What makes you laugh?
MaKenzie: My dad makes me laugh. He is hilarious! When he escorts
me he always being funny and acting crazy before I walk out on the
stage.

NAM: What was your first thought you had when you captured your
national title?
MaKenzie: I’m pretty sure I was in shock! I had to make sure I wasn’t
dreaming. The very first thought I had was ‘this is a dream’. Once I
realized that I wasn’t dreaming, I could NOT compose myself. I cried so
hard. I just thanked God over and over for this amazing opportunity.