Miss Blackhawk Valley Pageant

On March 2, I attended my first pageant as a visiting queen. It was so nice to be back at home in the Quad Cities for the weekend, and it was great to spend time with Shauna (my county director) and my Little Miss. All of the contestants did a great job and it made me excited for the summer and all the pageants I will be attending then.

Miss Greek Illinois Pageant

The very same weekend as Miss Blackhawk Valley, I judged the Miss Greek Illinois Pageant on campus at the U of I. Contestants from several sororities competed in the categories of skit, dress, and poise, and onstage questions. The Delta Chi Fraternity hosted the event and Theresa Scanlin, Miss America 2011 emceed. She was so sweet, and I even got my picture taken with her! It was cool to be on the other side of the competition at this pageant, but I do not envy judges for the work they do one bit. it’s hard work!

Ag Legislative Day

Ag Legislative Day was March 14, and was one of the highlights of my reign so far. For years I attended Ag Legislative Day as an FFA member, preparing and delivering baskets to our legislators, and encouraging them to continue to fund the agricultural education line item. I remember taking the big group photo with the director of agriculture and the governor with 700 of my closest FFA friends and the state queen. Never did I think that one day I would be that girl standing in the middle of the photo. If it was a dream, I really hoped I didn’t wake up that day!

I spent some time with my representative, Mr. Don Moffitt. Rep. Moffitt showed us around and answered many of my questions. Kenny Wallace was at the Capitol, promoting ethanol, so I had the chance to have my picture taken with him. He has a real sense of humor, and I’m glad I got to meet him!

My senator, Darin LaHood, introduced me to the Senate around noon, and I presented my speech on the Senate floor. I got such a thrill from being able to address our legislators. I love public speaking, and as I stood there giving my speech, I couldn’t help but imagine myself speaking from that venue again someday. Maybe I will go into politics, but only time will tell. 

Reception

After spending my spring break in California, studying agriculture, policy and regulations with a class, I came home for my birthday and pageant reception. It was truly a birthday I will never forget as friends, family, state pageant crew, and IAAF Board members came together to help me celebrate. I had a wonderful time meeting everyone and appreciate the Rock Island County Fair Board and DeAnne Bloomberg (the Rock Island County Farm Bureau Manager) for organizing and putting on the event. It was a great day!

Dress Shopping

During the last two weekends in March, I went dress shopping for my summer wardrobe. Kathy at Bridal Elegance and Emily in Farina were both so helpful, and it was fun shopping with Cathy and Bill, Darien, my mom, and Grandma. Trying on all of the dresses made me feel like such a queen. It’s a feeling that I can’t seem to get used to but I sure am enjoying it! I now have plenty of dresses to wear all summer long, and Shelly is altering them so they all fit perfectly. I can’t wait to wear all of them!

Photo Shoot

On Saturday, April 20, I had my official photo shoot at Studio 131 in Springfield. One of my close friends, Cathryn Ayers, came with me and took us to her family’s farm, where we were able to get some awesome pictures in my Miss Illinois County Fair denim jacket. A special thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Russell Vandeveer for the jacket that I will carry with me everywhere I go this summer.

Julie Kinter did my hair and makeup for the afternoon, and as soon as my hair was pulled up, I felt even more like a queen.

The photo shoot was so much fun! Dave and Steve did a great job, and I can’t wait to see all of the photos.

It has been a busy past few months, as school continues to pick up, but only a few more weeks, and I will graduate! I am so looking forward to wrapping up college and being Miss Illinois County Fair full time. The past few months have been very fun, and I am appreciative to everyone who continues to help me with anything and everything that I need. Counting my days until the summer!!