Quincy Quincy, Miss Molly Gerard, the teen of Miss Quincy, and Matti McCartney will represent Quincy at the Miss Illinois and Miss Illinois Teen pageants in Marion from June 24 to 28. The tournament will consist of five stages: private interview, talent, health and fitness, evening gown, and on-stage questions. Participants will come from all throughout the state.
McCartney, 21, is the daughter of Pittsfield residents Michael and Crystal McCartney. She intends to pursue a master’s degree in speech pathology at Western Illinois University after majoring in elementary education at Western Governors University. Reading Between the Lines: Advocating for Dyslexia Awareness, her community service project, seeks to dispel stigma, create resources, and encourage encouraging learning settings for students with learning disabilities.
According to McCartney in a news release, “I want to be Miss Illinois because I believe in using my voice to make others feel seen, heard, and empowered, especially those who have struggled in silence.” I promote educational justice and dyslexia awareness through my platform. By visiting schools, collaborating with educators, and influencing policy to guarantee that every child has the resources they need to succeed, Miss Illinois would provide me the chance to spread awareness of this cause.
During the competition’s talent round, McCartney will perform a HerStory monologue titled “If Only They Knew.” She characterizes it as an intensely personal examination of what it was like to deal with school as a dyslexic student.
She has gained full-tuition softball scholarships, founded a pageant for people with special needs, served on the Junior Leadership Board of Everyone Reading Illinois, and received multiple academic honors, including Phi Theta Kappa, National Honor Society, and Illinois State Scholar recognition.
“It has been an amazing journey getting ready for Miss Illinois,” McCartney said. To improve my communication abilities, I’ve been practicing with fake interviews with people from throughout the nation, and I’m incredibly appreciative of everyone who has supported my development.
Gerard, 17, is the daughter of Pittsfield residents Miranda and Brandon Gerard. She was a dual-enrolled student at John Wood Community College and a recent Pittsfield High School graduate. She intends to become a pediatric nurse practitioner and will enroll at the University of Missouri this autumn to get a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
She raises money and awareness for the Dancers Against Cancer organization through her community service project, Leap of Faith: Impacting Dancers Directly or Indirectly Affected by Cancer.
“As Miss Illinois Teen, I want to make a difference,” Gerard stated. I will dedicate my year to serving our state because I have a strong desire to serve others.
Gerard’s skill is a dynamic dance to Rose’s Turn in musical theater. Her achievements include being a member of the National Honor Society, a certified nursing assistant, a certified dance assistant, a first-place FFA extemporaneous speaker, and the captain of the dance team for two state championships.
According to Gerard, this year I really concentrated on the mental aspect of preparing. In order to let the judges come to know me as well, I’m making sure I know myself well.
At the Quincy Community Theatre on January 11, McCartney and Gerard were crowned Miss Quincy and Miss Quincy’s Teen, respectively.
The Miss Illinois Teen finals are scheduled for Friday, June 27, and the Miss Illinois finals are scheduled for Saturday, June 28. This September, state champions will compete at Miss America and Miss America’s Teen.
Go to www.missillinois.org to learn more about the Miss Illinois Competition.
An official local precursor to Miss America is the Miss Quincy Scholarship Program, which has been in existence since 1948.
