Miss Illinois News Articles
Local contestants move on to Miss Illinois competitions
The 4th annual Miss Northern Suburbs Pageant was held Jan. 21 at at the Hilton Garden Inn Mettawa/Lake Forest. Thirteen contestants from around the northern Illinois area competed for the titles of Miss Northern Suburbs 2012, Miss Northern Suburbs Outstanding Teen 2012 and Miss Northern Suburbs Outstanding Pre-Teen 2012.
Future NIU student Miss Illinois, Miss Iowa will appear Jan. 27 at 'Castle Challenge' game
Two contestants from the 2012 Miss America pageant will visit the NIU campus Friday, Jan. 27, to attend the Castle Challenge.
Miss Illinois Hannah Smith, who is a future NIU student, and Miss Iowa Jessica Pray will join DeKalb Barb and Sycamore Spartan fans at the NIU Convocation Center.
Miss America (Related) Press Releases
- 1.18.12 | News Article: Miss Illinois returns to Huntley, plans on NIU education
- 1.18.12 | News Article: Miss Illinois shares Miss America experience
- 1.17.12 | News Article: Va, NC Out at Miss America, Leaving 13 Queens
- 1.15.12 | News Article: Huntley native makes top 10 showing at Miss America
- 1.15.12 | News Article: Huntley's Miss Illinois A Top 10 Finalist At Miss America 2012 Pageant
- 1.14.12 | News Article: HHS Alumna makes top 10 on Miss America
- 1.13.12 | News Article: Huntley's Miss Illinois Steps Into National Spotlight Saturday
- 1.13.12 | News Article: Huntley beauty queen vying for Miss America crown
- 1.13.12 | News Article: Miss America Preliminary in Mac Duggal!
- 1.12.12 | News Article: Bridal Elegance coaches Miss Illinois
- 1.11.12 | News Article: Miss Illinois Hannah Smith, MCC Alumni
- 1.7.12 | News Article: Former Miss Huntley off to Miss America pageant
- 1.6.12 | Miss America Press Release: 53 Miss America Contestants Flip Pancakes to Raise Money for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals
- 1.3.12 | News Article: Miss Illinois Hannah Smith wants your vote to become Miss America 2012
Miss Illinois Hannah Smith wants your vote to become Miss America 2012 (VIDEO)
Posted January 3, 2012 by Scott Paulson, Chicago Conservative Examiner on http://examiner.com
While waiting to see who gets the most votes in Iowa for the first GOP presidential caucus of 2012, Illinoisans can brush up on their own voting skills by voting in the Miss America public voting being conducted now. And who better to support with your vote than Illinois' own Hannah Smith who hails from Chicago's northwest suburban of Huntley, Illinois.
Smith has won the Illinois competition and is eager to move to the next level in the competition by being selected as one of the top 15 finalists.
The judges pick 13 of the top 15 finalists while public voting determines two of the top 15.
On ABC-TV, Channel 7 in Chicago, Ms. Smith says she would love to get the public's votes.
Miss Illinois' Choreographer Reflects on the Huntley Resident's Journey to Pageant Success
Posted December 31, 2011 on http://stcharles-il.patch.com/
Crowned Miss Huntley, then Miss Windy City, and then Miss Illinois, Hannah Smith has undoubtedly found success in the pageant arena. But as the Huntley resident sets off to compete in the Miss America pageant, her dance choreographer, Beth Fowler, says she had really never planned on the pageant circuit.
"She's really not a pageant girl," said Fowler, who owns Beth Fowler School of Dance, in Genoa and St. Charles. "She entered her first one for the scholarship opportunity, and then that led to the others."
Huntley's Miss Illinois Prepares for Miss America Pageant and Looks Back At Year
Posted December 27, 2011 on http://lakeinthehills.patch.com/
In 2008, 16-year-old Hannah Smith competed in her first pageant, Miss Huntley. The following year, she took home the Miss Huntley crown and later won Miss McHenry County and Miss Windy City. Now, after winning Miss Illinois 2011, Smith is gearing up for the Miss America 2012 pageant in January.
Find out how Smith's life has changed and what she hopes is in her future.
The Miss America pageant will air Jan. 14 on ABC from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Huntley residents can support Smith by voting for her as their "Favorite 2012 Miss America Contestant" here.
Vote For Hannah
Warning given on distracted driving
Posted November 26, 2011 on cantondailyledger.com
CANTON — During her sophomore year of high school, a new student arrived at her high school.
While not close friends, they saw each other frequently, and when they graduated they kept running into each other at the community college both were attending.
Then one day, Hannah Smith was leaving the school when she came across an accident. The driver had been texting when the accident occurred. He died instantly.
Beauty queen says 'no' - to distracted driving
CANTON — It was not the type of distracted drive Miss Illinois came to discuss Monday.
"Marry me," said a hand-scrawled sign held up by one of the (male) students at Canton High School.
"Sorry," said 2011 Miss Illinois Hannah Smith, barely dimming her mega-watt smile. "I can't agree to that today."
Miss Illinois to speak at CHS
CANTON — Miss Illinois Hannah Smith will speak to Canton High School students about distracted driving at a special assembly at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 21.
Miss Illinois And Miss Lawrence County Go Back To School
Posted November 3, 2011 on clrdigital.com
Miss Illinois speaks on "Distracted Driving"
Miss Illinois: 'The choice is yours' about safe driving
Posted November 3, 2011 on mywebtimes.com by Derek Barichello
Miss Illinois Hannah Smith encouraged Woodland School students to be more thoughtful behind the wheel.
Smith told students Thursday that distracted driving kills 7,000 teenagers per year. That statistic includes, but is not limited to, text messaging while driving, eating, listening to music too loud or distractions from passengers.
The Huntley native has traveled to several schools across Illinois presenting her platform called FOCUS in partnership with State Farm Insurance.
"The choice is yours and yours alone," said Smith, who will travel 42,000 miles by the end of the year. "I don't want any of you to become a statistic. All of us in the room right now can change those stats."
Miss Illinois visits Fieldcrest High
Posted October 28, 2011 on mywebtimes.com
During teen safe driving week, Fieldcrest High School Project Ignition team hosted Miss Illinois Hannah Smith as a guest speaker.
Through a partnership started in April, State Farm and the reigning Miss Illinois are promoting safe driving habits among teens, assisting them with their decision-making behind the wheel and warning against distracted driving. Throughout her reign, Smith will travel the state, working collaboratively with State Farm, speaking to high school students on the importance of safe teen driving.
Smith is originally from Huntley and is a graduate of McHenry County College. After her reign she will attend Northern Illinois University in DeKalb to pursue bachelor's degrees in dance performance and business. Once she completes her education, Smith aspires to own her own dance studio and utilize her studio as a platform through which she can encourage young women to live healthy and active lifestyles.
Kankakee County: Fundraiser for New Life medical clinic
Posted October 25, 2011 on daily-jourmal.com
New Life Pentecostal Medical Clinic for the Uninsured is holding a fundraiser featuring Miss Illinois Hannah Smith. The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Nov. 10 at Kankakee River North restaurant, 555 S. West Ave., Kankakee.
Smith will talk on the issue of medical care as well as her experience as Miss Illinois.
Tickets are $25 and are available at the New Life clinic, 183 N. Schuyler Ave., Kankakee. For more information, call the clinic at 815-304-4305, or Lorayne Pagast at 815-939-1510.
Miss Illinois Talks to Students About Distracted Driving
ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- Miss Illinois visited Stateline schools today to talk to students about the dangers of distracted driving.
This morning she visited Honenegah high school. It’s part of a statewide tour. Miss Illinois hopes to remind high schoolers that if they are involved in a distracted driving collision they're not the only ones affected: their parents, friends, and community member all have something to lose. So far she says the message has been well received.
Miss Illinois Hanna Smith said, "Sometimes you have a few tears and then at the end you just have their full attention. They're looking at the screen, they're completely engaged. So that's very inspiring to me to just see how the students react and how they're focused."
Miss Illinois hopes that because she's newly out of high school kids will be able to relate to her more easily.
View Video | Read Full Article
Miss IL gives lesson on distracted driving
Posted October 20 on wrex.com
WINNEBAGO COUNTY (WREX) - Rockton students learn an important driving lesson from Miss Illinois. Hannah Smith was at Hononegah High School this morning to talk about distracted driving. She says she just recently graduated from high school and knows a classmate who was killed because of distracted driving.
Miss Illinois Speaks on Distracted Driving
Posted October 18 on huntleyvoice.com
Miss Illinois 2011, Hannah Smith, visited Huntley High School on Wednesday to speak with the sophomores on distracted driving. Smith started out by telling the students her age, when she graduated, and that she is a Huntley graduate.
Miss Illinois visits local schools
Posted: Friday, September 30, 2011 by Matthew Baker on newstrib.com
More than just a pretty face, Miss Illinois 2011 brought serious messages to local students Thursday.
Miss Illinois, Hannah Smith, spoke with high school students about the dangers of distracted driving.
“I’m not here to speak to all of you as an authoritarian to tell you what to do,” the 20-year-old pageant winner told the students of La Salle-Peru Township High School.
Instead, she wanted to share some advice and personal experiences.
Using statistics such as 7,000 teenagers die every year in distracted driving collisions and that 500,000 are injured, Smith stressed the importance of safe driving.
“It’s 100 percent preventable,” she said of distracted driving collisions.
Distractions ranging from in-vehicle conversations and arguments to playing with a radio can lead to tragedies, although the biggest culprit today is texting while driving, she said.
Smith shared the story of the Arends brothers from Gibson City who were in a texting while driving collision that led to one brother dying and the other suffering brain injuries. She also spoke about a high school friend who died in an car crash.
Miss Illinois drives safety home
Posted: Friday, September 30, 2011 by Brock Cooper - news@bcrnews.com
PERU — Distracted driving kills more than 7,000 teens per year, and Miss Illinois, Hannah Smith, is using her fame and title to educate them about the dangers.
“Every time you get behind the wheel of a car. I’m not with you. You’re parents aren’t with you,” Smith said. “It’s your decision.”
Smith visited St. Bede Academy and LaSalle-Peru Township High School on Thursday as part of a “Distracted Driving ... FOCUS,” in partnership with State Farm Insurance.
“Throughout her reign, Miss Illinois will travel the state, working collaboratively with State Farm, speaking to high school students on the importance of safe driving,” St. Bede Principal Michelle Mershon said.
Smith said that when speaking about distracted driving, they are always considered collisions and not accidents because they are 100 percent preventable. Distracted driving is the No. 1 cause of death among teens and is a factor in 80 percent of traffic collisions. It accounts for 500,000 injuies per year.
“I was very shocked to see that,” Smith said.
Miss Illinois visits MCC
Posted: Thursday, September 29, 2011 by Lawerence Synett on triblocal.com
Miss Illinois Hannah Smith spoke to students at McHenry County College Wednesday about distracted driving.
A former MCC student, Smith is taking her message to schools through the state to educate teens and adults about the dangers of distracted driving.
The Huntley native will represent the state at the Miss America pageant in January. Her duties include more than 300 appearances throughout the state, where the 19-year-old promotes the Character Counts program to students as well as State Farm's distracted driver program.
As the state representative, Smith received $11,000 in scholarships, and over the course of the year, will earn more than $100,000 in prizes, which includes clothing, said Amalia Schwerdtmann, Miss Illinois Scholarship Association board chairman.
Smith bested 25 other contestants to win the state crown in July. Her college plans, which included the Rene LeBeau scholarship for dance, are now on hold as she carries out her duties as Miss Illinois through July 2012.
After her reign as Miss Illinois, Smith plans to transfer to Northern Illinois University to study dance performance and business.
Miss Illinois to Speak at MCC Today
Posted: Wednesday, September 28, 2011 on http://crystallake.patch.com/
WHAT: Miss Illinois Hannah Smith to Speak at MCC
WHERE: MCC Conference Center
WHEN: 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28
Description: Miss Illinois Hannah Smith, an MCC alumna, will speak to students, staff, faculty, and community members about distracted driving. She will also be available for Q & A and photographs.
Hannah Smith, of Huntley, is a former MCC student who currently tours the state of Illinois as the spokesperson for “Distracted Driving” State Farm’s safe driving initiative in conjunction with the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.
After her reign as Miss Illinois, she will attend Northern Illinois University to major in dance performance and business. She plans to open a dance studio and be an advocate for her students to implement a healthy, nutritious lifestyle.
Miss Illinois speaks out on distracted driving
Posted: September 26, 2011 by Phyllis Coulter on Pantagraph.com
BLOOMINGTON -- Angela Boettcher, a Central Catholic High School senior, knows what can happen when a driver is distracted.
Last year, the newly licensed 16-year-old texted when she was driving and crashed her car. The car was totaled, and she was hospitalized, scaring the people who loved her.
She said she never texted while driving again.
That memory was fresh in her mind Monday when she attended a presentation led by 2011 Miss Illinois Hannah Smith about distracted driving.
Miss Illinois leads St. Cletus parade
Posted: September 20, 2011 by Jane Michaels on The Doings LaGrange
St. Cletus School welcomed Miss Illinois as the guest of honor to lead the homecoming parade Sept. 18 from the La Grange grade school to two football games at Lyons Township High School's Bennett Field in Western Springs.
Hannah Smith of Huntley wore her crown and waved from a convertible with members of St. Cletus's homecoming court, fifth-grader Ava Riccione, sixth-grader Patrick Kane, seventh-grader Amy Fatora and eighth-grader Jonathan Levitske. The four students were selected after their names were drawn from a hat.
Elk Grove Celebrates Character
Posted: Monday, September 19, 2011 on Journal Online
Elk Grove Village residents are invited to the Elk Grove Community Character Coalition's (CCC) annual "Celebration of Character" at the Al Hattendorf Center on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 4:30 p.m.
Besides free food and games for kids, Miss Illinois Hannah Smith will make an appearance along with Chicago Wolves hockey mascot Skates and the Elk Grove Park Dist. cheer squad.
Plenty of political leaders are expected at the event. Mayor Craig Johnson is expected to deliver a short talk about the importance of character. In the spirit of bipartisanship, both State Sen. Dan Kotowski (D-33rd) and State Rep. David Harris (R-66th) have also both made commitments to attend.
Miss Illinois, Hannah Smith, will attend Fall Festival
Posted on Press Mentor on Sep 15, 2011
Newton, Ill. — On Saturday, September 17, Miss Illinois, Hannah Smith, will be attending the annual Jasper County Fall Festival.
Miss Illinois will begin her day by appearing in the Fall Festival Parade which begins at 10:00 am. on Washington Street in Newton. Immediately following the parade, Miss Illinois will be speaking on the square about her platform issue, Distracted Driving - Focus.
For Miss Illinois, 'Character Counts'
By Matthew Bruce Correspondent September 9, 2011
Miss Illinois recently visited two Tinley Park elementary schools to talk to students about character issues.
Huntley native Hannah Smith made stops at Helen Keller Elementary School, 7846 W. 163rd St., and Bannes Elementary School, 16835 S. Odell Ave., to discuss the character education program at both schools.
The event, sponsored by Kirby School District 140, educated the grade-schoolers on Character Counts, a year-round program that teaches schoolchildren six themes, dubbed character pillars: respect, caring, responsibility, trustworthiness, citizenship and fairness.
Using stories and a color-coded breakdown for each character trait, Smith taught students the importance of respect, told them to set an example for others and advised them to obey their parents and teachers.
"The golden rule is treating others the way you want to be treated," she said during her speech.
Miss Illinois Lectures Congress on Character
Published September 5, 2011 on iwishnews.org
Hannah Smith, 20, the new Miss Illinois stopped in at the Capitol on Tuesday morning to talk to politicians about ‘Character Counts,’ a program used to teach grade school kids about good character.
“Normally we just do this at grade schools but this year we thought it might be handy for our elected leaders in Washington,” she said.
Miss Illinois stops in Tinley for first official appearances
By Ashley Rueff Published on September 2, 2011
Miss Illinois made the first of her expected 300 appearances as pageant royalty in Tinley Park Friday.
Hannah Smith, 20, stopped in at Helen Keller Elementary School Friday morning to talk to students about Character Counts, a program used year-round.
“This is the first school I've visited as Miss Illinois, so this is exciting,” she said.
Huntley's Miss Illinois Holds Fundraiser For Charity
By Tara Grimes on August 29, 2011
Nearly 40 people gathered at Niko's Grill and Pub to join Miss Illinois, Huntley resident Hannah Smith, in raising money for the Children's Miracle Network. Some special guests also accompanied Miss Illinois.
Open house for Miss Ill.
Published on August 25, 2011 on www.daily-chronicle.com
Huntley resident Hannah Smith, a dancer and teacher with the Beth Fowler Dance Company and School of Dance in Genoa and St. Charles, recently was crowned Miss Illinois for 2011.
Smith will be on the televised Miss America pageant in Las Vegas on Jan. 14, 2012.
The Beth Fowler School of Dance is holding an open house to celebrate with Smith on Sept. 3, Beth Fowler said,
“All of our dancers and dance families here are over the moon excited for Hannah,” Fowler said. “It couldn’t have happened to a nicer, more deserving person. Hannah is a natural beauty inside and out. Pageants are a new experience for her, but because she has been dancing for most her life, that experience and dedication has served her well to develop the qualities that helped her earn her crowns.”
Smith first won Miss Windy City 2011 in Chicago before winning the Miss Illinois 2011 title. She won first place for talent (ballet en pointe) and the swimsuit competition. She also had the highest score for evening gown and her interview...
Miss Illinois Plans Visits
By Northwest Herald, The (Crystal Lake, IL) on August 23, 2011
ALGONQUIN – Miss Illinois 2011 Hannah Smith will be making a couple of stops in the area Saturday as part of her yearlong tour of the state.
On Saturday, Smith will be at Buffalo Wild Wings, 461 S. Randall Road, to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network. She will sign autographs and take pictures from noon to 2 p.m.During that time, visitors will receive a coupon to use any time of the day. Also, 15 percent of food purchased will be donated to...
Miracle Treat Day brings in $1,400
By Sara Smith on Suburban Life Publications
Posted Aug 15, 2011
Glen Ellyn, IL — With carnival games, a dunk tank, coloring pages and Miss Illinois making an appearance, Glen Ellyn Dairy Queens had a successful Miracle Treat Day Thursday.
The two participating Glen Ellyn Dairy Queens brought in $1,400 this year for Miracle Treat Day, according to Gary Mayo, owner of the Glen Ellyn franchises.
“Combined with the money we had raised earlier this year, that will put us (at almost $2,500) for 2011, with a few months yet to go,” Mayo said.
Hannah Smith, Miss Illinois, also made her way to Dairy Queens in the area to promote the special occasion.
Miss Illinois set to visit Dairy Queen today
By Sara Smith on Suburban Life Publications
Posted Aug 11, 2011 @ 01:11 PM
Glen Ellyn, IL — Miss Illinois, along with a representative from Children's Memorial Hospital, will be visiting the Glen Ellyn Dairy Queen, 684 East Roosevelt Road, about 2 p.m. today.
Miss Illinois to visit Grafton bingo event
Posted Wednesday, August 10, 2011 on Northwest Herald
HUNTLEY – Miss Illinois Hannah Smith, a Huntley native, will speak Aug. 30 at the Grafton Township Senior Bingo gathering.
Smith is scheduled to speak at 11 a.m. She will talk to the seniors about her experience in the competition for Miss Illinois, which she won last month, and give a short dance performance.
Miss Illinois pageant will return to Marion
BY STEPHEN RICKERL THE SOUTHERN | Posted: Saturday, July 23, 2011 6:00 am
MARION - Just weeks after the conclusion of the first staging of the Miss Illinois Scholarship Pageant in Southern Illinois, the pageant's executive director and chairwoman announced they would return to Marion in 2012.
Amalia Schwerdtmann, chairwoman and executive director of the Miss Illinois Scholarship Pageant, made the announcement Friday as she, along with Miss Illinois 2011 Hannah Smith and Miss Illinois Outstanding Teen Robin Summers, attended the Artstarts ribbon-cutting ceremony in Marion.
"We're very, very appreciative to the city of Marion for everything," Schwerdtmann said. "I've been involved in the Miss America organization since 1995, and the reason first and foremost is just the hospitality of the city of Marion. It's been really fantastic."
Miss Illinois Hannah Smith to visit Huntley health fest
Published on July 16 by nwi.com
HUNTLEY, Ill. | A family health fest in northern Illinois this weekend features a chance to pose with the new Miss Illinois.
Other activities at Saturday's fest in Huntley include a fitness challenge, a climbing wall and discounts on sports physicals. The new Miss Illinois, Hannah Smith, is a 19-year-old from Huntley and kids' health is one of her causes.
Miss Illinois at Health Fest Saturday
Published on July 15 by NORTHWEST HERALD
HUNTLEY – The newly crowned Miss Illinois will make a special appearance at the third annual Centegra Family Health Fest on Saturday in Huntley.
Hannah Smith, 19, was crowned Miss Illinois on June 28 after competing with more than 25 other contestants.
Smith will travel throughout Illinois while focusing on the well-being of youth and believes it is important for children and teens to live a healthy and active lifestyle. In today's world, many boys and girls are faced with body image issues, which is something Miss Illinois is trying to combat.
Summer Robbins Named Illinois Outstanding Teen
Published July 11 by Mary (Galer) Herschelman, The Journal-News Online
Like many little girls, Summer Robbins had dreams of one day becoming Miss America.
After being crowned Miss Illinois Outstanding Teen on Friday night in Marion through the Miss America pageant system, she is one step closer to making that dream come true.
"It's definitely going to be an exciting year for me," Robbins said.
Huntley Teen Named Miss Illinois
Published on July 11 on the Huntley Patch
Hannah Smith begins her reign and heads to Miss America competition, according to the Northwest Herald.
Huntley resident Hannah Smith is having a busy year. She was just named Miss Illinois and will spend the next year doing appearances for the title. In addition, she will be heading to the Miss America pageant, the Northwest Herald reports.
PHOTO: The perfect look
Published on www.mywebtimes.com
The newly-crowned Miss Illinois, Hannah Smith of Huntley (left on riser), and Miss Illinois Outstanding Teen, Summer Robbins of Coffeen (right on riser), were treated like royalty during a day-long wardrobe search at Ottawa's Bridal Elegance Friday. Smith and Robbins won their titles in last weekend's competition held in Marion. Helping the pair with their outfit selections are, from left; Kathy Mufich, Bridal Elegance assistant manager; Amalia Schwerdtmann, executive co-director of the Illinois Scholarship Association; and Bridal Elegance owner Jan Ferracuti. The local dress shop, Illinois' largest bridal and prom store, is partners with the ISA to provide talent outfits, evening wear competition dresses, appearance clothing, and accessories for the two girls who will both attend the Miss America Pageant in Las Vegas next January. Ferracuti said the beautiful and talented winners spent most of the day trying on dozens of stunning outfits to narrow down the "perfect look" for upcoming special appearances and next year's pageant.
Genoa dance instructor ‘shocked’ to be named Miss Illinois 2011
Published on July 6, 2011 on the Daily Chronicle
As a youngster, Hannah Smith recalls watching the Miss America pageant on TV with her mother, Anne. Six months from now, young girls across the country will be watching Smith. On Saturday, after a week of competition, Smith, 19, was stunned when it was announced that she edged out 25 other competitors...
Huntley teen wins Miss Illinois crown
Published on July 5, 2011 by HILARY GOWINS on The Northwest Herald (Crystal Lake, IL)
HUNTLEY – As a youngster, Hannah Smith recalls watching the Miss America pageant on TV with her mother, Anne.
Six months from now, young girls across the country will be watching Smith.On July 2, after a week of competition, Smith, 19, was stunned when it was announced that she edged out 25 other competitors to become Miss Illinois 2011."I was shocked; it still has not set in yet," Smith said. "I started crying, and...
Miss Windy City crowned Miss Illinois
Published on July 3, 2011 on thesouthern.com by Codell Rodriguez
MARION - Miss Windy City Hannah Smith of Huntley could not fight back the tears when she was announced the 2011 Miss Illinois.
The crowning of Miss Illinois was the end of the four-day pageant at Marion Cultural and Civic Center. Smith will repre-sent Illinois in the Miss America pageant in January 2012. She succeeds Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky.