As the curtain closed on my last Miss Illinois pageant yesterday, I can’t help but be filled with immense gratitude for the incredible people I have gotten to meet and the beautiful memories we have shared.
Thank you to all the amazing directors & volunteers from the Miss Northern Suburbs, Miss Chicago, and Miss Mississippi Crown pageants for believing in me and encouraging my goals over the last decade. You have all been instrumental in shaping me into the young woman I am today and I am beyond lucky to have gotten two wonderful years with each program.
Thank you to all my sister queens, their families, Miss Illinois staff, and volunteers for joyously sharing in such an empowering experience together. It has truly been an honor to hear each other’s stories and cheer each other on.
This weekend I was excited to walk away with the Non-Finalist Talent, Women in Business, & Special Judges Award. Regardless of whether it was a year I placed 1st runner up to the state title or a year where I did not even make Top 10, the people I was surrounded with on and off stage continuously believed in me and reminded us that placement does not define us and that our strength & happiness comes from within, regardless of the circumstances.
As for what’s next, I am ecstatic to continue my year as Miss Mississippi Crown and cannot wait to join the other side of the table afterward as a volunteer and staff member to help the next young ladies joining this sweet sisterhood!
Finally, saving the best for last, HUGE HUGE congratulations to my inspiring teen sister queen Olivia for placing First Runner Up to MILOT! I am soooo proud of you & your perseverance and work ethic is exceptional. I can’t wait to continue cheering you on throughout life