I'm Miss Illinois 2008!!! (6/23/08)

“It’s you.”

“What?” I stammered, only seeing Miss Macomb’s face through the bright stage lights.

“It’s you Katie.” Alycia replied, “You’re Miss Illinois.”

To say I was surprised would be the understatement of the century. I was confused, astonished, in disbelief and, above all, in shock when our hosts, Tammi Souza and Jim Sanders, announced my name as the new Miss Illinois. I had been in the company of some of the most intelligent, well-spoken, and truly interesting women I had ever come into contact with and could not believe that, out of all of their names, mine was the last to be called. My memory after that moment is fuzzy (a side effect of the shock I’m sure) and I’ll be the first to admit that I acted like a complete idiot as I walked down the runway. My skepticism that they had, indeed, called my name combined with the utter elation caused by a life’s dream come true, left me a bumbling and blundering, beauty queen as I waved to my friends, family, & supporters in the audience.

Two full days have passed and I’m happy to say I’ve handled my new job with much more grace and poise than those first few moments. I’m excited to share with you my travels and adventures and hope you can check in every now and then to see what I’ve been up to! Before I begin, a few thank yous…

I wish that I could personally thank everyone who brought me to this amazing point in my life, but there is simply not enough room for the hundreds of names I would need to list (not to mention it would be the most boring blog ever written). For now, I will do a catchall THANK YOU to my parents, family, friends and best friends, mentors, professors, dance instructors, EDs and pageant family, hostesses, judges and fellow competitors. I’ve learned so much from each and every one of you and would not be writing as Miss Illinois were it not for your love, support, advice, validation and encouragement, Thank you.

To Amalia, the Miss Illinois Scholarship Association, and the people of Illinois – I am yours. I entered into the role of a public servant and intend to do just that. I can be reached at MissIllinois2008@gmail.com and welcome your questions/thoughts/ideas on anything and everything. I want to continue to strengthen the Miss Illinois Scholarship Association and to make our state and communities better places to live in. I can’t do this without your help and welcome your feedback!

I’m honored, humbled, proud, and elated to be your Miss Illinois 2008. I have no idea where this year will take me but I’m ready to make it the best one of my life.

I also need to congratulate ASHLEE BARACY – Miss Michigan 2008! Ashlee and I have known each other since we were Mice in the Nutcracker (a very long time indeed) and I cannot think of a kinder, more deserving woman for the job of Miss Michigan. Congratulations Ashlee!

See you soon Illinois,

KT :)

MissIllinois2008@gmail.com