Hello Everyone,

I’m Natalie Martinez.   I’d like to start with thanking everyone who has made this possible for me.  First to God, I thank him for the abilities that he has given me and the blessings he has blessed me with.  A special thanks to my mom, although she is no longer with me, I know she is looking down and keeping an eye on me.  She was always my biggest fan and I know she is cheering me on.  I’d like to thank my dad and Marilynn for all the time, money and effort they have already begun putting into this.  Thank you Christopher and Sydney for helping me stay on track with my training by eating all the good food in the house, just kidding but thank you guys for the encouragement.  To Matthew, thanks for all the “pep talks” and verses, and to the rest of my family and friends thank you for your support.  Thanks Lori for coaching me and teaching me all the secrets of competing.  And last but certainly not least, Thank you Chelsee!  I’m excited to have another year with you and your amazing family. 

Now a little about myself, I am a 17 year old junior at Columbia High School, in Lake City, Florida.  I’m an “A” honor roll student and a member of FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), Beta Club, National Honor Society, Interact Club and Vice President of Mu Alpha Theta.  I’m a varsity cheerleader and a mentor at Lake City Middle School.  I am also a student at Lake City Community College where I am working to receive me general AA by the time I graduate high school.  I would like to become a pediatric dentist.  I am actually volunteering two days a week at a local pediatric dentist office.  I love every second of it and I can’t wait to help young kids gain confidence through pretty smiles.  If I am not volunteering at the dentist office or mentoring or cheering, then I’m spending time with family and friends.  I cherish every moment with them.  I try to live life to the fullest and enjoy every second.

To my new sister queens, I’m so excited to spend this year with you girls.  I can’t wait to make friends that I know will last a life time.  I am so honored to have this opportunity.  I want to do as much as I can with this title, which includes working with young children, raising awareness for Melanoma, and doing anything to help others.  Along with all of the appearances I plan to train as hard as I can mentally and physically, so that I can do my best at Miss Florida Teen USA 2011! I am so excited to see where this year will lead me! :)

God Bless,

Natalie Martinez

Miss Alachua County Teen USA 2011

Meet Nicole...

Hey everyone! My name is Nicole Kelley, I am 21 years old and I am a proud Gator and resident of Gainesville, Florida. The road here has been a long and interesting one but it would be nothing without the support of my family and friends. I am very honored to be the new Miss Alachua County and plan on leaving big shoes to fill for my successor.

This is going to be a year to remember for me. I know that the only way to represent my title is to be a spokesperson for my community. Through participation in community events like Project Makeover, and Relay for life, and for my platform of Agriculture in the Classroom, I hope to gain the respect and admiration from my community. I truly feel that the only way to feel a part of a community is to go out into it and make a difference. In July I hope to make my family and community proud as I represent my new hometown in the Miss Florida USA pageant. I plan to prepare as much as possible to make my mark among the many talented and beautiful girls that I will compete against. Previously, I attended Flagler Palm Coast High School where I graduated as part of the first class of International Baccalaureate scholars in our school. There I also had the honor of participating in the National Honor Society, the FFA of which I was the president for 2 years; I also was part of the Leo's club, and the Student Government Association. I have also been dancing for about 17 years now and have learned much about myself as a result. I've now moved to Gainesville for school at the University of Florida where I am majoring in Food and Resource Economics with a specialization in International Policy. I am also working toward 3 minors including Spanish, International Humanitarian Assistance, and Agriculture and Natural Resource Law. One day I hope to be able to use all of this to advocate for our US Agriculture industry as an international trade policy lawyer. Now, at the University of Florida I am lucky to be part of a wonderful group of girls called Floridance, a student run dance company that works very hard to put on 2 productions a year as well as fundraising and charity work. Where would I be without you girls? Recently I joined the Gator Collegiate Cattlewomen's club which I am also very excited about.

When I am not attending class or working, I enjoy spending time at the beach in my home town, camping, or pretty much doing anything outside. I also enjoy shopping, going to baseball games and learning how to sew. I have a very busy schedule, but it keeps me sane!

Chelsee, thank you so much for making this pageant what it is, it truly has been one of the best experiences for me and I am so excited and proud to be part of your team. To all our past sister queens without your help and participation this pageant wouldn't be what it is. Sincerely, thank you. To my new sister queens, I am very excited to have you at my side, I know you all will make me proud!