Miss Illinois News Articles
Recent Miss Illinois News Articles
What is the most important personality quality for Miss Illinois to have?
Published on May 9 on bcrnews.com
"I think she should be well-mannered because she's presenting herself to represent the state of Illinois."
Stephanie Garibay of Spring Valley
"She should have a nice personality and be kind to others."
Kasandra Garibay, 8, of Spring Valley
"I think she needs to be loving and caring of others."
Carla Yanez of Bradford
"She should be respectful and nice to others."
Erika Yanez, 8, of Bradford
"Miss Illinois needs to be genuine, to care deeply for what she is doing and to be able to share passionately the platforms in which she believes."
Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky, Miss Illinois 2010
Ms. Illinois Stops At Baum Elementary On Tour Of Illinois Schools
Published on WSOYAM.com
Today the PTA at Baum Elementary School sponsored Ms. Illinois, Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky's visit to Decatur. She spoke about "character counts." 23-year-old Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky of New Baden was crowned Miss Illinois 2010 on June 19th and she is now serving as Illinois' goodwill ambassador for the Children's Miracle Network, the official platform of the Miss America Organization, and she is also a spokesperson for East Aurora-based Triple Threat Mentoring. Whitney will also continue to promote her personal service platform "Breast Cancer: Prevent, Promote, Provide"; a cause near and dear to her heart having lost her great grandmother and great aunt to breast cancer.
Miss Illinois says Just Let It Ring
By Tegan Orpet | Published May 3, 2011
KHQA's Just Let It Ring Campaign continues Tuesday night ... we visited Quincy High School to talk to juniors and seniors about the importance of texting later when behind the wheel.
Miss Illinois Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky joined KHQA and other sponsors to remind everyone that your choice to text touches more lives than your own. "They don't understand that they impact so many other people, family members, their friends, other people in other vehicles so its really important to look beyond yourself and see all the consequences of your choices and just let it ring."
“FIT FOR A CROWN”: THE MISS ILLINOIS TRAINING PLAN
By GINAVENIER | Published 19 APRIL 2011on inside.nike.com
Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing Miss Illinois herself Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky, winner of the ‘Lifestyle & Fitness in Swimwear’ and ‘Community Service’ awards at the 2010 Miss Illinois Pageant—and also got to join in on one of her training sessions. Together, Whitney and I worked up a sweat doing a workout fit for a pageant queen. I must say, it was pretty intense.
Afterward, we sat down to chat about the life of the woman who holds the crown for my home state. I learned a lot about Whitney’s journey, her motivation, and how she keeps in shape with such a chaotic schedule.
“You have to be comfortable with who you are,” Whitney explains. “Before you think you can conquer anything, you have to be happy with who you are and what you represent. The rest will unfold from there.”
Illinois Beauty Queens Run Charity Stairwell Race
by Matt Lindner | Published Fri, Apr 1
CHICAGO -- Question: What do trying to become Miss America and running up 180 fights of stairs have in common?
Answer: "If you're going to do this well, you have to be in great shape," said Miss Illinois 2008 Katie Lorenz. "The same thing with Miss America, you'd better be in the best shape of your life if you're gonna be in front of millions of people in a swimsuit."
Lorenz and two-time Miss Illinois Michelle Lagroue-Conradt joined 1,500 others at Chicago's Presidential Towers for the American Lung Association's Fight for Air Climb on March 27.
Read More: http://espn.go.com/espn/page2/index?id=6281003
Miss Illinois to speak at Peter J. Palombi Middle School
Published March 25, 2011
LAKE VILLA — Miss Illinois Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky will talk about “Character Counts!” during her visit to Peter J. Palombi Middle School in Lake Villa March 17.
Thorpe-Klinsky’s visit will be in two sessions: One beginning at 8:05 a.m. for seventh-grade students, and the other at 9:15 a.m. for eighth-graders. Her “Character Counts!” talk will include the “Six Pillars of Character” — trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. Miss Illinois and “Character Counts!” work together at school assemblies all throughout the year, helping children grow into mature, young adults while making ethical choices.
Painting with a passion to inspire children in a local public school
By KL Robertson Daly | Published on March 24, 2011
While Miss Illinois can be found giving Character Counts programs in schools throughout Illinois on a weekly basis, painting the library with Jeffrey Porter the Principal at Hearst School was a first for Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky, Miss Illinois 2010. The project started as a suggestion from members of Hull House and ... Read more: http://triblocal.com/oak-park-river-forest/community/galleries/2011/03/painting-with-a-passion-to-inspire-children-in-a-local-public-school/
t's Not Too Late to Check Out the Business & Community Expo
By Ken Schnepf | Published March 19, 2011
There's booths giving away prizes, drawings, expo bingo and more at the 2011 Business and Community Expo until 4 p.m. today at Lake Zurich High School.
Hosted by the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce, there are more than 100 booths, enterntainment, refreshments and the chance to meet and greet local business owners, elected officials and members of the community.
Among plenty of other things, attendees can play Expo Bingo and have a chance to win an iPad.
Miss Illinois Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky is walking the aisles until about 2 p.m. today to meet and greet expo attendees.
"It's been fantastic," she said. "There's a lot of great booths."
"The people are very friendly and its been a great experience," said the native of New Baeden. She'll relinquish her crown to the next Miss Illinois in July.
Women Biz Owners Paint for Hearst
By JOE BOYLE | Published March 18, 2011
Jeffrey Porter, principal at Hearst Elementary School, 4620 S. Lamon Ave., Chicago, is smiling a little brighter these days.
He is grateful at the combined efforts of the National Association of Women Business Owners and Hull House.
Seventy-five volunteers from the Chicago area descended on the school Saturday to paint and renovate several rooms at Hearst.
The volunteers included 10 children, parents and grandparents who joined members of NAWBO and Hull House to give Hearst a facelift.
“I am very happy, this is just a wonderful thing they are doing,” said Porter. “This should make the kids feel better about themselves.”
The volunteers began gathering at the school at 10 a.m. They were also joined by Miss Illinois, Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky.
Read More: http://www.swnewsherald.com/news_frontpage/2011/03/031811c_hearst.php
Character Counts for Miss Illinois
By Sun Staff Report | Published on March 18, 2011
Miss Illiniois Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky was at Palombi Middle School in Lake Villa Thursday, speaking about Character Counts.
Thorpe-Klinsky discussed the Six Pillars of Character — trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. She also took time to sign autographs.
Read More: http://newssun.suntimes.com/news/4349368-417/character-counts-for-miss-illinois.html
Dancing with Chicago Celebs!
By KatieSchuppler | Published on March 6, 2011
This next Friday will mark the Sixth Annual "Dancing with Chicago Celebrities Event" which benefits the Susan G. Komen Foundation. There will be dancing, cocktailing, feasting, raffling, and star sightings all night long! And what better place for an extravagant event to take place than the Hyatt Regency Crystal Ballroom in the heart of downtown Chicago.Now, we aren't talking about just your average random audience that will be in attendance. The guests at this event will be high-class and elegant. Noshing...
Read more: http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/fashion-speak/2011/03/dancing-with-chicago-celebs.html#ixzz1HMpooHko
Good Luck, Whitney!
By Pamela Rensing | Published on December 15, 2010
NEW BADEN - A send-off party for Miss Illinois Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky was held at the Parkview Plaza Banquet Hall in New Baden on Sunday, Dec. 12.
Whitney will soon be leaving to participate in the 90th Annual Miss America Pageant on January 15, 2011 held at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, NV. The pageant will be aired on the KDNL-St. Louis (ABC) channel that evening. Her family will also travel to Las Vegas to attend the pageant.
Whitney is the daughter of Dr. Robert Klinsky and Dr. Charissa Thorpe-Klinsky of New Baden. She graduated from Wesclin High School in Trenton and graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University in 2006 with a degree in Biology and a minor in Psychology. She will soon be attending the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Carbondale.
Beauty and talent run in the family. Whitney's sister, Claire, competed in the Miss Missouri pageant in June 2010 where she was one of the Top Ten Semi-Finalist and a Preliminary Interview Winner. She is an enthusiastic supporter of her sister's career. Claire recently notified friends and family regarding the "People's Choice" competition among the Miss America contestants.
"As most of you know, or may not know, my little sister Whitney is Miss Illinois and competing in the Miss America Pageant in January! The Miss America Organization, in an attempt to make Miss America more relevant, is putting out videos of each girl to promote themselves and the pageant! Please vote for Whitney to be the "People's Choice" which means that she would be a Top 15 Finalist at the Miss America Pageant and be on TV!" Claire said in her press release. "You can vote via the link, or text, YouTube, etc. All the ways are listed at the end of the video! Please take a minute to vote - it only takes a second and you don't even have to watch the video to vote if you don't want to! Thank you thank you thank you, and please tell all your friends!" The link is: http://www.missamerica.org/videocontest/contestants/illinois.aspx
During her reign has Miss Illinois, Whitney has traveled Illinois promoting the Childrens Miracle Network and her personal platform Breast Cancer Awareness.
The Miss Illinois pageant started in 1927, several years after the initial Miss America pageant. The first "Miss Illinois" sent to the national pageant, Lois Delander, won the Miss America title. Including Delander, five Miss Illinois representatives have won Miss America.
Good Luck, Miss Illinois Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky!
Holiday Season to Begin in St. Charles With Lighting Ceremony, Parade
By Jackie Birks | Published on November 25, 2010
St. Charles will officially welcome the holiday season with the annual Lighting of the Lights at 5 p.m. Friday downtown in Lincoln Park and the Holiday Homecoming Electric Christmas Parade starting at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.
Randy Miles & Miss Illinois 2010 at USO Fundraiser
By eh re ca | Published on November 24, 2010
Randy Miles, Owner of Village Inn, & Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky, Miss Illinois 2010, smile for a picture at a USO Fundraiser on November 19th. According to Miles, the event raised over $15,000!
Miss Illinois Visits WB!
westbelden.com | Published 10/25/2010
Miss Illinois shared stories from her school days with WB Students at last Friday's assembly. She emphasized the importance of having good character and being kind to others. Students wore yellow shirts to highlight the Character Counts "respect" pillar.
Miss Illinois speaks to students at St. James School
rrstar.com | Staff | Published 10/18/2010
Miss Illinois Whitney Thorpe Klinsky talked today to students at St. James School about the "Six Pillars of Character Counts: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship."
Miss Illinois Supports Anti-Drug Program in Stateline
wifr.com | Published 10/18/2010
Violence and drugs are some of the things school leaders try to teach students to stay away from and a special guest is joining in on that effort.
Miss Illinois 2010 encourages local students to volunteer
wrex.com | Published 10/18/2010
ROCKFORD (WREX) - Kids from Rockford area schools learn about building character from a special guest.
Miss Illinois 2010, Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky, met with kids at St. Bridget and St. James schools today.
She's teaching them about the Character Counts Program. It focuses on six concepts: Trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.
"I like to focus the program specifically on the citizenship pillar and teach kids about how important it is to get out into the community and find something you care about, and then go do something about it. So, I think its really important in society today," Miss Illinois 2010 Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky said.
Miss Illinois visits Harlem High School tomorrow, then Riverview School and South Beloit High School on Wednesday.
Miss Illinois to students: Character counts
southtownstar.com | By STEVE METSCH | Published: 9/15/2010
Even stunning 22-year-old blondes need more than a smile to get through Chicago traffic.
Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky, Miss Illinois 2010, unveiled her secret rush-hour weapon after an appearance Tuesday at Tinley Park's Keller Elementary School.
Stuck for an hour and a half on a Chicago expressway this summer and wanting to change lanes to reach an exit ramp, Thorpe-Klinsky flashed a smile at a 20-something male motorist in the next lane.
"He just looked at me like, 'Who does she think she is?' So I pulled out the crown from my passenger seat, held it up, pointed to it and waved. That's the one time I've done that," she said with a laugh.
Yes, it worked... Read Article.
Photo: Mary Compton/SouthtownStar
Gaga Look-a-Likes Line Up Before Lolla
NBCChicago.com | By JENEL NELS | Published: 8/5/2010
Wanna Gaga?
It came down to eight women, decked out in their most fabulous fashion forward outfit at a Lady Gagalook-a-like contest at State Street Pizza on Thursday afternoon.
From her hair, to her fashion, to her strut, these imposter pop stars gathered at the 400 N. State Street parlor to vie for the title of best-looking Gaga impersonator.
Miss Illinois Whitney Thorpe Klinsky and Miss Chicago April Strong saw them all and said that Anne Boyer's Lady Gaga space outfit gave her the winning edge. Read Article.
Photo: Anne Boyer's Lady Gaga space outfit gave her the winning edge. Source: NBCChicago.com
Two local women competing for Miss Illinois title in St. Charles this week
Herald-Whig | By JESSICA MARIE MARTIN | Published: 6/16/2010 | Updated: 6/24/2010
Quincy has two chances to have a native crowned Miss Illinois this week.
The reigning Miss Quincy, Kshipra Datar, and Miss Macomb, Kelsey Reed, graduated together in 2007 from Quincy High School and are gearing up to compete in the pageant Thursday through Saturday in St. Charles. Read Article
Could Miss America be from New Baden?
Miss Illinois is, and she'll compete in January for the prestigious crown
BND.com | BY WALLY SPIERS - News-Democrat
For the next year, the Miss Illinois crown belongs to Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky, 22, of New Baden.
She won the title Saturday in St. Charles, Ill., beating out 23 other competitors and will compete in the Miss America Pageant in January, which will be televised on ABC. Read Article
New Baden Woman Crowned 2010 Miss Illinois
By Pamela Rensing | Sunday, June 27, 2010
On Saturday, June 19, Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky, 22, of New Baden, was crowned Miss Illinois of 2010. The 24 candidates competed in St. Charles, IL, with Whitney earning the honor of competing in the Miss America Pageant, January 15, 2011 in Las Vegas. Read Article
A new reign begins as Miss Illinois 2010 crowned
Daily Herald
Miss Illinois 2010 was crowned in a sparkling and tear-filled ceremony Saturday night at the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles.
Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky, a 22-year-old Illinois Wesleyan University graduate from New Baden, received $10,000 in academic scholarships and a bid for the Miss America pageant in Las Vegas in January.
Read Article
New Miss Illinois crowned in St. Charles
Kane County Chronicle
Whitney Thorpe Klinsky, Miss River to River, was crowned Miss Illinois on Saturday by Erin O'Connor, Miss Illinois 2009, at the Dellora Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles.
Preliminary winners from Friday night included:
- Omega Group, Lifestyle & Fitness in Swimwear: Miss Mississippi Crown Holley Begyn
- Alpha Group, Talent: Miss Southern Illinois Jamie Lynn Johnson – Ballet en Pointe
Preliminary winners from Thursday night included:
- Omega Group, Talent: Miss Northern Suburbs Corina Harwood – Tap Dance
- Alpha Group, Lifestyle & Fitness in Swimwear: Miss River to River Whitney Thorpe Klinsky
Miss Illinois a special guest at Dundee Library
Dundee Township Public Library | April 13, 2010
East Dundee - Preschoolers were on the edge of their seats Tuesday morning at the Dundee Library as Miss Illinois Erin O'Connor read them A Birthday for Cow during the weekly Alphabet Soup Storytime. The library was pleased to welcome Miss O'Connor as part of their National Library Week celebration.
The Dundee Township Public Library is located at 555 Barrington Ave. (Rt. 68) in East Dundee. Contact the library at (847) 428-3661 or www.dundeelibrary.info.
Tanning Beds to Take the Heat at Thursday Hearing"
Kansas City infoZine
The self-tanner stain on the pageant sash of Erin O'Connor, Miss Illinois 2009, is a sign she doesn't use tanning beds. Her mother died from skin cancer in ... Read Article
FDA To Look At Stricter Tanning Bed Legislation
WFMY News 2
Erin O'Connor, Miss Illinois 2009, spoke emotionally of her mother's losing battle with melanoma, which is the most deadly form of skin cancer. ... Read Article
Miss Illinois learns to tango in Naperville
Dancing with Chicago Celebrities, a fundraising gala to benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation. Read Article
Future Miss America visits St. Francis Xavier?
By Jane Michaels | December 4, 2009
If Girl Scouts and Brownies at St. Francis Xavier School could vote for Miss America, their recent guest, Miss Illinois, would be a sure bet.
As the first- through sixth-graders finished an afterschool snack Dec. 2 and joined hands for a game, a tall, slender young woman slipped into their circle. She had long dark hair and wore a sparkling crown and glittering white sash over a gray and black outfit with black boots. Read Article
Miss Illinois: Beyond the Crown
Poise, beauty, talent, character, intelligence - all of these describe one of the most rewarding experiences in any young woman's life. These are traits that are judged to perfection in order to receive one famous title: Miss Illinois! Ever wondered what Miss Illinois is all about? Who is she, and what's her story? Ladies- want to know what it takes? Gentleman- come on, you know you're interested. I recently got a lucky chance to get the inside scoop from Miss IL 2009 herself: Ms. Erin O'Connor! - Read Article
Miss Illinois to participate in St. Cletus homecoming in La Grange ...
By Renee Tomell
Erin O'Connor, Miss Illinois 2009, will help St. Cletus School kick off its annual homecoming celebration by participating in the school's parade — and meeting local residents and signing photos beforehand — at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. ...
On The Go - Read Article
Returning royalty
Macomb Daily Journal - Macomb,IL,USA
The 2009 Miss Macomb winner turned Miss Illinois came back to the city to say thanks to the volunteers of the Miss Macomb pageant and to crown a new Miss ...Read Article
Miss Illinois 2009 returns to her roots
Western Courier (subscription) - Macomb,IL,USA
The procession will also honor past Miss Macomb and Miss Illinois contestants as well as an appearance by Miss Macomb Princess 2009, Sadee Anselment. ... Read Article
Character Counts!
mywebtimes.com - Published 09.03.09
Miss Illinois 2009, Erin O'Connor, spoke to students at Ottawa Township High School on Wednesday about character education . . . Read Article
Evergreen Park woman lives real-life princess story
Southtown Star - Chicago,IL,USA
The Evergreen Park resident and graduate of Mother McAuley High School was recently crowned the 2009 Miss Illinois and will advance to the Miss America ... Read Article
Slots Still Open For A Great Charity Race.
Chicago Now - Published 07.24.09
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Miss Illinois 2008 Farewell Letter (Printed in the 2009 Program Book)
Katie Lorenz's Blog - Published 06.15.09
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New Miss Illinois to be crowned Saturday
Katie Lorenz's Blog - Published 06.15.09
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Obamas may have two pretty visitors
Las Vegas Review Journal - Published 01.21.09
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Miss Illinois Talks Cheeky
CHEEKY CHICAGO - Published 01.21.09
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Former Plymouth resident eyes Miss America title
THE JOURNAL NEWSPAPERS ONLINE - Published 01.14.09
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Miss Illinois makes character count at Jerling
ORLAND PARK PRAIRIE - Published 12.15.08
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Miss Illinois visits Crab Orchard School
MARION DAILY REPUBLICAN - Published 11.14.08
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Miss Illinois brings Character Counts talk to Phoenix Academy
HERALD & REVIEW - Published 08.23.08
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Miss Illinois to 'treat' kids in St. Charles
DAILY HERALD - Published 08.07.08
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Before the storm: Miss Illinois and Miss Illinois Outstanding Teen beautify DuPage Dragons game
TRIBLOCAL.COM - Published 08.05.08
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And Now...
ARLINGTONPARK.COM - Published 07.07.08
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Miss Illinois Held at Pheasant Run
EXAMINER PUBLICATIONS - Published 06.25.08
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Southern Charm helps capture Outstanding Teen crown
THE SOUTHERN - Published 06.22.08
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