Natalie Hagemo
Mrs. Excelsior 2008
My time as Mrs. Excelsior International
In 2008 I held the title of Mrs. Excelsior and competed in the Mrs. Minnesota International Pageant. My experience went way beyond the pageant itself. I am thankful for the opportunity I had to fall in love with the City of Excelsior and the people who live and work within it.
I volunteered as I still do now with the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, working to help educate youth on the harmful effects of drug and alcohol abuse. I continue to be thankful for what the Foundation does and the opportunity to help them spread the message of
"Say NO to Drugs, Say YES to Life"
I'm proud to have won the following awards during the 2008 Mrs. Minnesota International Pageant:
Made the Top 8 for Finals Night
Won the Director's Award
Won the People's Choice Award
Won the award for Best Interview
There is so much I learned from this experience, and continue to use in my current endeavors as a
writer and columnist.
Special thanks to my inspiring pageant coach Holly Ernst, whom I am proud to call my friend
Lake Minnetonka Living Magazine
“One could hardly imagine a more passionate or positive role model to lead area youth. Hagemo is down to earth, quick to laugh and eager to help.” – Lake Minnetonka Living Magazine
CLICK HERE to read the full article
Foundation for a Drug-Free World
“Natalie your dedication to the Foundation for a Drug-Free World’s mission of making every community free of drug and alcohol abuse is outstanding. What you have done with the Minnetonka Drug-Free Youth Club and beyond is exactly what is needed across the country. Everything you do in this regard, helps to save and shape young lives in a way that is most needed and appreciated. We look forward to continue working with you on a National level." - Pascal, Foundation for a Drug-Free World Program Coordinator
Excelsior Mayor Nick Ruehl
"One look at what Natalie has accomplished and you can’t help but feel her energy and passion for the positive and uplifting life she shares with all. She has promoted her message, “Hope for a Drug Free World,” through many civic and youth-related activities in Excelsior and the greater Community. In addition, Natalie’s volunteering with the Red Cross to bring food and water to rescue workers and police at the I-35 bridge collapse was inspiration for all of us who know her. We are blessed to have Natalie in Excelsior, and are proud that she is our “Mrs. Excelsior!” Please know that all of us in Excelsior and the whole South Lake Community wish her the best in her quest to become “Mrs. Minnesota International 2008.” -Nick Ruehl, Mayor City of Excelsior
Deputy Director Seattle Drug-Free Youth Club
“Thank you so much for coming out to Seattle and helping us to start our Seattle Drug-Free Youth Club. I and others were so inspired by the talk you gave regarding the importance of drug education. We are having fun with the drug-free youth club program and making a difference at the same time.”– Autumn Deputy Director Seattle Drug-Free Youth Club.