Natalie Hamon will compete at the Miss Virginia Teen state pageant in June. (The Hamon Family)
POQUOSON — For Poquoson resident Natalie Hamon, pageantry has always been in her blood.
Beginning her pageant journey in Alaska, Hamon started competing in the Miss Junior High, High School and Collegiate America pageant system.
Hamon represented Alaska as Miss Junior High before moving to Poquoson. In 2025, she was named Miss Virginia High School.
“Being a Miss Virginia High School title holder has taught me public speaking skills, how to communicate to others clearly, and how to be confident in myself. I still have lots of growing to do, but I finally feel prepared enough, thanks to my Miss Virginia High School America title, to participate in such a big pageant,” Hamon said.
Now the teen has her eyes set on the Miss America pageant system.
“When I think of pageants, I think of Miss America, and this is just the first year in my age division that I’m able to participate. For the past five years of my pageant career, I’ve always wanted to be a part of something big like this, and now I feel like the day is finally come,” Hamon shared.
After deciding to enter the Miss America system, Hamon competed locally and has been crowned Miss Hampton Roads Teen.
As it is with all pageants, Hamon had to select a community service initiative that she would bring awareness to during her reign.
“I chose the American Heart Association as my community service initiative in honor of my mentor back in my hometown in Alaska, who struggles with cardiovascular disease. I’ve made it my job to spread awareness and raise funds for the American Heart Association in honor of her,” Hamon explained.
Throughout the year, Hamon will appear at community events and talk to people about her initiative. She will also host events of her own to raise awareness for the charity.
The Miss Virginia’s Teen competition will take place in June in Roanoke.
“If I win Miss Virginia’s Teen, that would be a biggest dream come true. It would mean so much to me because I would be able to have a big microphone to raise awareness for cardiovascular disease. Being Miss Virginia’s Teen is such a high honor because it’s something I never thought I would be able to accomplish. It’s been a goal of mine since I first started pageantry and just the thought of being able to hold such a big title makes me so excited to participate,” Hamon said.
To offset the cost of travel and lodging during the state competition, Hamon is currently fundraising through different avenues. From a Super Bowl pool to a community bake sale, Hamon says she needs all the support she can get.
“The public can help by helping me fundraise up until June. Big pageants like this are a pretty penny, and so anything will help. All support is greatly appreciated,” Hamon said.
To learn more about Hamon, donate towards her expenses, or to keep up with her during her year of service, visit instagram.com/misshamptonroadsteen.
