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Meet Miss Illinois 2005, Lauren Allen
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Dear Illinois,
It's hard to believe that an entire year has past since I was awarded
the title and the job of Miss Illinois 2005. What an honor it has been to represent the
state of Illinois at the Miss America pageant, but more importantly, as an ambassador to
the Land of Lincolns' greatest school districts, organizations, and communities and
provide them with opportunities to develop leadership skills and to lay the foundation for
future achievements.
This organization is a not-for-profit corporation established solely to provide young
women with the opportunity to enhance their educational and professional goals through the
scholarship money awarded during competition. Aside from these scholarships though, I have
benefited from achieving personal growth and development, the opportunity to pursue my
dreams, and a chance to make a difference in the world rather than just talking about it.
Interpersonal skills, extemporaneous speaking abilities, and drive for social activism are
all things that should be present within are future leaders, and are skills that I have
been extremely fortunate to gain because of my involvement with the Miss Illinois program.
While embarking on this extraordinary journey, I have been afforded an
incredible amount of opportunities, been opened so many doors, and created memories that
will last a lifetime. Aside from promoting the Miss Illinois Organization, this year has
also provided me with an amazing momentum to further the awareness, advocacy, and
education of my platform "Human Trafficking: Protection, Prevention and
Prosecution".
Circling around the entire state during my travels, I managed to put
over 26,000 miles on my Miss Illinois Taurus that was graciously sponsored by Zimmerman
Ford of St. Charles. I have spoken to well over 20,000 students, parents, and other
interested adults on the importance of keeping our youth safe by encouraging them to make
smart and healthy decisions. As the spokesperson of 3 national organizations, Polaris
Project, the National Center for Victims of Crime, and the Child Lures Prevention Program,
I traveled to Washington D.C meet and discuss the importance of our partnership and
develop cause-marketing strategies for our plan of action. In addition to meeting with the
organizations, speaking with a survivor of human trafficking, and getting and up close and
personal view of locations where trafficking occurs on a daily basis, I met and spoke with
Senator Obama to gain his support and connections with other organizations surrounding
legislation.
My work with the Child Lures Prevention Program is where I truly
believe I have made an impact on the youth of Illinois. The Governor launched the Child
Lures prevention program-a nationally recognized initiative that teaches children, parents
and school officials to recognize potential danger signs and make smart decisions to avoid
child predators-last fall during a child safety Town Hall Meeting sponsored by NBC 5
Chicago. Illinois is the first state to implement the program in schools on a statewide
level. I have had the opportunity to work with the Governor's office, the State Board of
Education, and the State Police Department to help implement this program in over 3,200
schools across the state. Because of this partnership, I also had the opportunity to edit
and endorse a child's safety book.
Throughout this voyage, the most important message I have gained is
that the job of Miss Illinois cannot be about me, it has to be about the work. I have
learned how to network myself in order to partner with corporations and organizations that
will allow ones' voice to take flight as a vehicle for social change. This is a position
takes individuals out of their comfort zone, yet empowers them to believe in themselves,
and be a driving force in a legacy that will continue to dominate for years to come.
Lastly, and most importantly, I believe that average, everyday people have the power and
the presence to do extraordinary things.
I have had the opportunity to live a dream. I thank all of you, from the bottom of my
heart, for your unremitting devotion and dedication to making my dreams become a reality.
Sincerely,
Lauren Allen
Miss Illinois 2005
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Photo: Duverney/Dewert |
May all of your future dreams come true as
well Lauren.
Our deepest heartfelt gratitude goes out to you for being what this program is all about.
The Miss Illinois Scholarship Association
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Lauren's "Crowning Moment"
at the Miss Illinois 2005 Program
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Lauren at Miss America 2006
Lauren being
escorted by her Father
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Photos
courtesy Tony
Bowls
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THERE SHE
IS!!
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Swimsuit
Competition
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Photos
courtesy Suzie Foote
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Swimsuit
Competition
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Talent
Competition
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Photos
courtesy Suzie Foote
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Talent
Competition
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Some interesting facts about Lauren
| Education: Indiana State University – Junior –
Bachelor of Science – Nursing Platform: Human
Trafficking: Protection, Prevention, Prosecution
Scholastic/Career
Ambition: Obtain a B.S.N. then graduate school, specializing in Pediatric Nursing
Talent: Freestyle Gymnastics
Scholastic Honors: Mortar Board Senior Honor Society; National Dean's List-3
years; ISU Honor Role-Each Semester; National Nursing Dean's List; ISU Incentive
Scholarship; ISU Support Staff Scholarship; Alpha Lambda Delta Freshman Honor Society;
Member United States Achievement Academy; National Society of Collegiate Scholars; ISU
Cheerleading Scholarship; Child of Alumni Book Voucher Scholarship; Earl and Josephine
Maynard Nursing Scholarship; ISU Women's Association Scholarship.
Leadership Roles: Spokesperson for the International Polaris Project and its
American anti-exploitation campaign "Slavery Still Exists"; National
Spokesperson for National Center for Victims of Crime's Teen Victim Initiatives;
Spokesperson for National "Child Lures Prevention Program"; Statewide
spokesperson for Illinois' Governor Rod Blagojevich's "Child Lures Prevention
Initiative" introduced in 3,200 Public Schools; Co-Founder of S.T.A.R.T. program at
Boys and Girls Club; President of Mortar Board; Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor
Society; Nominee for ISU Presidential Award for Civic and Community Leadership; ISU Co-Ed
Cheer Team Captain.
Accomplishments: ISU Outstanding Junior Leadership Award; National Society of
Collegiate Scholars;
Girl Scout President; UCA All-Star Cheerleader; Mentor for Indiana Chances for Youth.
Interesting Facts: Water-skied with a water ski show team in Wisconsin for 10
years; Performed in the Aloha and Oahu Bowls in Hawaii; Doublemint Twin Finalist; Model
Quest Finalist for MTV and ABC.
Employment: Patient Care Technician-Provena Mercy Medical Center; Peer Tutor for
Kids with Disabilities; Student Worker for Education Professor at ISU; Church Nursery
Volunteer; Gymnastics Instructor-Private and UCA Cheer Camps.
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