Here She Is - Miss Chicago Crowned Miss Illinois 2008

By Nancy Gier
Daily Herald

Katie Lorenz of Chicago was named Miss Illinois 2008 on Saturday at the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles at the end of a nearly four-hour pageant sponsored by the Miss Illinois Scholarship Association.

The brown-haired Lorenz, who entered the competition as Miss Chicago, wore a strapless blue gown with a tiered skirt as she was crowned by Miss Illinois 2007, Ashley Hatfield of downstate Anna.  Lorenz waved to a cheering audience of about 600 to the sound of Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely".

Lorenz was one of 25 young women from across the state who competed for the title. A panel of five judges evaluated the contestants during competition that included the talent segment and swimsuit and evening gown competition.

Lorenz danced to "Footprints in the Sand" for her talent segment.  When interviewed by the judges about what it means to be Miss America, Lorenz said Miss America should be a "leader and a role model."  Lorenz will represent Illinois in the Miss America pageant later this year.

Competition also was held Thursday and Friday, and the 10 finalists were announced early in the evening.

Lisa Allen of Batavia, who holds the title of Miss Cook County, was one of the ten finalists in this year's pageant and one of the five finalists last year when Hatfield captured the title.  Allen's sister Lauren is Miss Illinois 2005.

The pageant included competition for teen contestants, and Emily Travis of Metropolis was named Miss Illinois Outstanding Teen for 2008.

The Miss Illinois Scholarship Association is a not-for-profit organization based in Lake in the Hills.  It provides scholarships for young women who compete in local and state programs.

It is part of the Miss America Organization.