April 18, 2011

Bloomington, IL – Automobile crashes continue to be the leading cause of death and injury to teenage drivers, and teens are nearly ten times more likely to be in an accident within their first year of driving. State Farm Insurance® and the Miss Illinois Scholarship Association are teaming up to combat these statistics and educate teens on safe driving habits.

Through this newly created partnership, the reigning Miss Illinois will appear at events and high schools across the state, working collaboratively with State Farm to promote good decision making behind the wheel by teen drivers, and warning against the many distractions while driving. The current Miss Illinois, 22-year old Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky, is from New Baden, IL and is a recent graduate from Illinois Wesleyan University.

"All of us at State Farm are excited to build this partnership with one of Illinois' true goodwill ambassadors and role models," said Pete Oglesby, Agency Field Executive for State Farm. "We look for Whitney to resonate well with teens from across the state as she shares her own experiences on the dangers of distracted driving."

By speaking to high school students across the state, Miss Illinois will have the opportunity to reach thousands of students with facts, statistics, and her own personal experiences. Having been raised in a small, tight-knit community, Thorpe-Klinsky will draw upon the losses she has witnessed throughout her life to help students truly comprehend the potential consequences of their decisions.

"Year after year, State Farm has shown a commitment to serving communities, and the Miss Illinois Scholarship Association shares in that commitment," said Thorpe-Klinsky. "If even a few students are touched by my message and choose to quit texting while driving, then it has all been worth it."

Thorpe-Klinsky recently appeared at the Williamson County Teen Traffic Safety event in Marion which was attended by over 1,000 area students and sponsored by State Farm. The event included interactive safety stations on seatbelts, motorcycles, tractor-trailers, construction zones, railroads and texting while driving.

www.betterteendriving.com offers tips for teens and parents, information about insurance discounts available for safe drivers and more facts about teens on the road. For more information on the Miss Illinois Scholarship Association, go to www.missillinois.org.

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Contact:
Dave Oloffson, State Farm Public Affairs,
(309) 622-6588

Amalia Schwerdtmann - Chairman of the Board
Illinois Scholarship Association, Inc.
e-mail - ilstatedir@missillinois.org
(847) 997-0294

March 1, 2011

Lake Villa,, IL – On Thursday, March 17, Miss Illinois, Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky, will be speaking at Peter J. Palombi Middle School, located at 133 McKinley Avenue in Lake Villa, Illinois. Miss Illinois is scheduled for two presentations, one beginning at 8:05 am for the seventh grade students, and the other following at 9:15 am for the eighth grade students. She will be available for photo and autograph opportunities after the assemblies.

Miss Illinois will be speaking to students grade about "Character Counts!", the largest character education program in the country today. Miss Illinois will inform the students of 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.

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Contact:
Amalia Schwerdtmann - Chairman of the Board
Illinois Scholarship Association, Inc.
e-mail - ilstatedir@missillinois.org
(847) 997-0294

February 24, 2011

Chicago, IL - The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Chicago Chapter
is pleased to announce that Miss Illinois 2010, Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky, of New Baden, Ill., will be participating in NAWBO Chicago's First Annual Day of Service at Chicago's Phoebe A. Hearst Elementary School, 4640 S. Lamon in Chicago. On Saturday, March 12th between 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Miss Illinois will be on hand to help paint several rooms within the school. This act of volunteerism supports the principles of the Character CountsT program through which
Miss Illinois promotes the values of community involvement to the youth of Illinois.

NAWBO Chicago recently created its Charitable and Social Outreach Committee to open new opportunities for its members to give back to the community through programs like this Day of Service held in conjunction with Jane Addams Hull House Association of which Hearst School is a beneficiary.

"This Day of Service means a great deal not only to Hearst School, but also to our organization," says NAWBO Chicago President, Valerie Beck. "Our vision is to propel women entrepreneurs into economic, social, and political spheres of power. By helping to create a bright and pleasing environment in which the students at Hearst can study, learn and excel,
we're also helping to fulfill the social or charitable side of our mission. We're truly grateful for all our registered Day of Service volunteers including Miss Illinois."

NAWBO Chicago is welcoming all community-minded volunteers, their families and friends to join Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky, Miss Illinois 2010, and other volunteers in this fun-filled event that runs from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Register today, at www.nawbochicago.org. Donations from non-volunteers are gratefully accepted.

Please make checks payable to NAWBO Chicago - Day of Service and mail to: NAWBO Chicago - Day of Service, 230 E. Ohio, Suite 400, Chicago, Ill.,
60611-3265.

NAWBO Chicago provides women business owners with leadership, education, procurement and networking opportunities. It also serves as a voice for its members on economic, social and public policy issues. The Chicago Area Chapter is the largest of NAWBO's 70+ chapters in the U.S. The Chapter's members represent businesses in all major industrial, service and retail sectors. Information about women-owned businesses is available at (312) 224-2605 and nawbochicago.org.

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Contact:
Contact: Mary Kay Slowikowski, Director
NAWBO Chicago Charitable and Social Outreach
marykayslowikowski@gmail.com
P: 630-985-7570 - F: 630-910-8922

February 7, 2011

ILLINOIS – The Miss Illinois Scholarship Organization's Chairman of the Board, Amalia Schwerdtmann announced today the Board of Directors for 2011.

"It is my pleasure to proudly present the Board of Directors," stated Schwerdtmann. "Our Board is comprised of a very unique group of talented individuals who continue to support and add to the success of this organization. They provide us with wonderful direction to grow the nation's leading achievement programs for young women into the future."

"I want to personally take a moment to thank two of our Board Members who have announced their resignation: Betsy McDaniel who has given us great counsel and support over the years and also JoAnne Granquist for her dedicated years of service to our program" Schwerdtmann added. "They will both be missed. We sincerely thank them for their support of the Miss Illinois Scholarship Association and wish them success in their future paths."

The new 201 Board of Directors are as follows:
- Amalia Schwerdtmann- Chairman
- KL Robertson-Daly – President
- Don Haines-Vice President
- Jeanette Marquis – Secretary
- Glen Schwerdtmann – Treasurer
- Katie Frank – Board Member
- Jonathan Gripe - Board Member
- Eric Fischer – Board Member
- Barb Zane - Board Member

The Miss Illinois Scholarship Association thanks its distinguished Board for their continued service and commitment. Stay tuned for the 85th Anniversary Celebration of the Miss Illinois Pageant!

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Contact:
Amalia Schwerdtmann - Board Chairman
Illinois Scholarship Association, Inc.
e-mail - ilstatedir@missillinois.org
(847) 997-0294

February 7, 2011

Bloomington/Ottawa, Illinois - Amalia Schwerdtmann, Board Chairman of the Illinois Scholarship Association, announced today that BRIDAL ELEGANCE, Illinois' largest bridal and prom store, has partnered with the Illinois Scholarship Association. A duly accredited State Scholarship Pageant in the Miss America Organization

Jan Ferracuti, owner of Bridal Elegance-Ottawa and Bloomington, offers thousands of dresses for every occasion, including gowns from top designers such as MacDuggal, Sherri Hill and is a Jovani Premier Store. As the official wardrobe sponsor of Miss Illinois and Miss Illinois Outstanding Teen, the 2011 winners will be awarded a competition wardrobe from Bridal Elegance.

The Miss America Organization is one of the nation's leading achievement programs and the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women. Last year, the Miss America organization and its state and local organizations made available more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance! The assistance is not just for the handful of young women who become Miss America, but is available to the over 12,000 young women who compete in the state and local competitions as well.

Miss America Organization has an opportunity that will help bring any contestant closer to achieving their goals. To become Miss America, a contestant must first win a local competition and then compete to represent her state, a process requiring personal commitment, hard work and talent. A woman may compete as a state titleholder only once at the national Miss America competition. More than 12,000 young women participate each year in the local and state events, culminating in the selection of 53 national finalists who vie for the Miss America title in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Marion Cultural & Civic Center will play host to the preliminary search for MISS ILLINOIS & MISS ILLINOIS OUTSTANDING TEEN 2011 Pageant July 2011. Young women from across the state will vie for the chance to represent Illinois at the Miss America Scholarship Pageant in Las Vegas, NV and Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant in Orlando, FL.

For more information regarding Miss Illinois, Miss Illinois Outstanding Teen please log onto www.missillinois.org

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Contact:
Amalia Schwerdtmann - Board Chairman
Illinois Scholarship Association, Inc.
e-mail - ilstatedir@missillinois.org
(847) 997-0294

January 5, 2011

ILLINOIS – The Miss Illinois Scholarship Association is pleased announce the Miss Illinois Outstanding Teen and Pre-Teen pageants will be joining the Miss Illinois Princess Program and Miss Illinois Scholarship Association pageant this summer in their new home location of Marion, Illinois. All pageants will be held at the Marion Cultural and Civic Center.

Miss Illinois' Outstanding Teen Pageant will take place over two consecutive days. Arrival Date is Thursday, June 30th followed by the pageant on Friday, July 1, 2011. The winner will go on to compete at the national level for the title of Miss America's Outstanding Teen, scheduled in Orlando, Florida for August 2011.

"This program holds a special place in my heart because of the effects it's had on me and the life skills I have learned through competing. The changes in me throughout the years I have competed are unfathomable," Kaitlyn Wehr, Miss Illinois Outstanding Teen 2010 said. "My life has been shaped by the experiences I've had and the people I've met. Competing has helped mold me into the person I am today by helping me reach my full potential. I am truly grateful for the Miss America Organization and all the people, from the local level to the national level, who have made my experiences exhilarating and inspiring".

In conjunction with the 2011 Miss Illinois Pageant, which will be contested June 28, 2011 - July 2, 2011, and the Miss Illinois Outstanding Teen Pageant, the Miss Illinois Scholarship Association will name a third state titleholder, Miss Illinois Outstanding Pre-Teen 2011.

The Miss Illinois Outstanding Pre-Teen Pageant is open to young ladies ages 10-12. Contestants must be residents of Illinois and meet all eligibility requirements as set forth by the Miss Illinois Scholarship Association and the Miss America Organization.

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Contact:
Amalia Schwerdtmann - Board Chairman
Illinois Scholarship Association, Inc.
e-mail - ilstatedir@missillinois.org
(847) 997-0294

December 28, 2010

ILLINOIS - The Miss Illinois Scholarship Association is pleased send off Miss Illinois, Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky to compete for the title of Miss America in the Miss America Pageant live on ABC. The Pageant will take place at the Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino and be broadcasted on ABC (Chicago's ABC 7) on Saturday, January 15 at 8pm CST. The 2011 Pageant marks the organizations 90th Anniversary.

The Miss Illinois Scholarship Association is a duly-accredited state preliminary scholarship association in the Miss America Organization - the world's largest provider of scholarship and cash assistance to young women. Currently, Miss Illinois spends a year touring the state, speaking at schools about CHARACTER COUNTS!sm, the most widely implemented approach to character education, as well as appearing at a variety of community and charitable events, serving as Illinois' goodwill ambassador for Children's Miracle Network, the official platform of the Miss America Organization, and spokesperson for East Aurora-based Triple Threat Mentoring.

The Miss America Organization is one of the nation's leading achievement programs and the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women. Last year, the Miss America Organization and its state and local organizations made available more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance. The winner crowned Miss America will begin a year-long national speaking tour. As a national spokesperson and advocate, Miss America travels approximately 20,000 miles a month, to a different city every other day, addressing diverse audiences, increasing awareness and promoting her chosen platform. Miss America is also the national Goodwill Ambassador for the Children's Miracle Network and is awarded an academic scholarship to continue her education.

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Contact:
Amalia Schwerdtmann - Board Chairman
Illinois Scholarship Association, Inc.
e-mail - ilstatedir@missillinois.org
(847) 997-0294

December 28, 2010

Marion, IL - The Miss Illinois Scholarship Association is pleased to announce the addition of Marion, IL local dancer and choreographer Alison McAuliffe as their new Miss Illinois Outstanding Teen Pageant and Miss Illinois Outstanding Pre-Teen Pageant choreographer. The pageants will take place in conjunction with the Miss Illinois Scholarship Pageant, a preliminary to Miss America at the Marion Cultural and Civic Center beginning June 28-July 2, 2011.

McAuliffe, daughter of Tim and Deanna McAuliffe, is 16 and currently a junior at Marion High School. She is the oldest of three children. She is involved in cheerleading, National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, French Honor Society, and Student Council. She is also President of the 2012 class and Vice President of Tri-Hi-Y. She is actively involved in FBLA, where she is currently the President of all Southern Area chapters and Vice President of both the State and Marion High School chapters. Her involvement in these organizations allows her to continuous participation in community service activities throughout Southern Illinois.

Alison started dancing at Sherry's School of dance at the age of two. After eight years, she enrolled at High Image Dance Academy. She is currently a student teacher and student at Jinna's House of Dance. Alison has been active in "Artstarts", a non-profit organization that promotes the arts through the youth of Southern Illinois, for five years. In March 2010, Alison choreographed her first show, Oliver, with Artstarts. Her second show, as choreographer was "Godspell Jr", with Junior Falcon Production Company, this past summer. Most recently, Alison choreographed a local charity event, "Dancing with Artstarts", in November. After high school, she plans to continue her dancing career in college while she pursues a degree in finance/business.

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Contact:
Amalia Schwerdtmann - Board Chairman
Illinois Scholarship Association, Inc.
e-mail - ilstatedir@missillinois.org
(847) 997-0294

December 28, 2010

Marion, IL - The Miss Illinois Scholarship Association is pleased to announce they will be re-locating its prestigious Princess Program to Marion, IL. The Princess Program will be joining in on the full Miss Illinois move to Southern Illinois, bringing with it the Teen, Pre-Teen and The Miss Illinois Scholarship Association Pageant, a preliminary to Miss America.

"Moving to Southern Illinois should be an exciting transition for the entire program. Hopefully the move will give more young girls the ability to participate in the program, without traveling long distances", Shelby Zane, Princess Program Director said.  

"The Princess program is a one-of-a-kind experience which enables girls, ages 5-12, to be mentored by one of the local titleholders that will be competing for the title of Miss Illinois. No makeup, no elaborate costumes and no pressure - just their sweet smiling faces and the unmistakable look and feel of childhood. Any daughter will love hanging out with her Miss, being on stage, dancing to upbeat music and twinkling lights! From start to finish, she will laugh, play, dance, giggle, twirl, pose and make new friends', Zane commented.

All participants in the Princess Program will receive a Miss Illinois Princess Crown, a Miss Illinois Princess T-shirt and sash, a Princess Crowning with Miss Illinois/Miss Illinois Outstanding Teen, a luncheon with Miss Illinois/Miss Illinois Outstanding Teen, a goody bag, on-stage production participation at the Miss Illinois Scholarship Program and much, much more.

Anyone interested in more information may visit the Miss Illinois Scholarship Association website at www.missillinois.org or e-mail Shelby Zane at princessprogram@missillinois.org

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Contact:
Amalia Schwerdtmann - Board Chairman
Illinois Scholarship Association, Inc.
e-mail - ilstatedir@missillinois.org
(847) 997-0294

December 5, 2010

Marion, IL- The Miss Illinois Scholarship Association is pleased to officially announce they will be moving the location of the annual Miss Illinois Pageant from the Chicago suburb of St. Charles, IL to Marion, in southern Illinois. The annual pageant, which is a preliminary to Miss America, will now be held at the Marion Cultural and Civic Center beginning June 28-July 2, 2011. The Miss Illinois Outstanding Teen and Pre-Teen pageants will also be a part of the five-day event. The official host hotel for Miss Illinois event will be the Drury Inn, also located in Marion.

In addition, the Miss Illinois Scholarship Association is also pleased to bring its Princess Program downstate as well, opening doors to a whole new audience and new participants for this unique experience. The Princess Program is a non-competitive mentoring program enabling young ladies, ages 5-12, to be mentored by one of the local titleholders that will be competing for the title of Miss Illinois 2011.

The Miss Illinois Scholarship Association is a duly-accredited state preliminary scholarship association in the Miss America Organization - the world's largest provider of scholarship and cash assistance to young women. Currently, Miss Illinois spends a year touring the state, speaking at schools about CHARACTER COUNTS!℠, the most widely implemented approach to character education, as well as appearing at a variety of community and charitable events, serving as Illinois' goodwill ambassador for Children's Miracle Network, the official platform of the Miss America Organization, and spokesperson for East Aurora-based Triple Threat Mentoring.

Several recent Miss Illinois title holders have come from southern Illinois, including Miss Illinois 2007 Ashley Hatfield (Anna, IL) as well as the current title holder, Miss Illinois 2010 Whitney Thorpe Klinsky (New Baden, IL.) Klinsky will go on to compete with 52 other titleholders from across the United States for the title of Miss America at the 2011 Miss America Pageant, which will be held in January at Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Miss America will be shown on ABC on January 15th 2011 and celebrating its 90th year anniversary.

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Contact:
Amalia Schwerdtmann - Board Chairman
Illinois Scholarship Association, Inc.
e-mail - ilstatedir@missillinois.org
(847) 997-0294

November 27, 2010

Metropolis, IL - On Saturday, December 4, Miss Illinois, Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky, will be attending the annual Christmas Parade in Metropolis, IL.

Miss Illinois will be joining many excited, anxious children for a special holiday Tea Time at 10:00 am, followed by the parade in downtown Metropolis, featuring not only Miss Illinois, but the one and only, Santa Claus. The parade is scheduled to begin at 1:30 pm.

Miss Illinois will also be available for photo, interview and autograph opportunities.

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Contact:
Amalia Schwerdtmann - Board Chairman
Illinois Scholarship Association, Inc.
e-mail - ilstatedir@missillinois.org
(847) 997-0294

November 17, 2010

22-year-old Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky of New Baden was crowned Miss Illinois 2010 on June 19,
2010 at the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles.

She will now spend the next year touring the state of Illinois speaking at schools about CHARACTER COUNTS!sm, appearing at a variety of community and charitable events, serving as ambassador for Children's Miracle Network, the official platform of the Miss America Organization, and spokesperson for East Aurora-based Triple Threat Mentoring. Whitney will also continue toIllinois'goodwill 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.

She will also compete with 52 other titleholders from across the country for the title of Miss America at the 2011 Miss America Pageant, next January at Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

At the 2010 Miss Illinois Pageant, Whitney earned the award for Lifestyle & Fitness in Swimsuit as well as the Miss America Organization's Community Service Award. For her talent, she performed a tap routine to "Fever".

A recent graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University with a degree in biology and minor in psychology, Whitney held the office of Vice President Scholarship of Alpha Gamma Delta and was Valedictorian of her high school class with a perfect 4.0 GPA. After her year of service as Miss Illinois 2010 is complete, Whitney plans to attend Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and pursue a career in either ophthalmology or oncology.

Midwest All Stars
Vocal-Dance-Flags

The Midwest All Stars combines music, dance and pageantry of young people from throughout the Midwest. This group combines a variety of elements to create a true Holiday production to be featured for the Chicago McDonald's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The group will be showcased during the first hour of the telecast (WGN-9-America) along with other theater and music ensembles.
They will later appear in the parade as an entertainment unit.

for additional information contact:

Michael Th. Embrey, CHO/Executive Director
FunME Events Entertainment & Excursions
Music & Broadway Festivals To You
P.O. Box 463 - DeKalb, IL 60115-0463
P: 815-756-1263 - F: 815-787-3100
www.FunMEevents.com - www.BroadwayToYou.com

November 8, 2010

Chicago, IL - On Thursday, November 25, Miss Illinois, Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky, will be a special guest appearing in the 77th annual McDonald's Thanksgiving Day Parade, marching down the world famous State Street in downtown Chicago on Thanksgiving morning. The parade is scheduled to begin at 8am - 11am and will be featured on the WGN news Thanksgiving day during that time.

Miss Illinois will be joining many accomplished and well-known guests such as WGN news reporters, the beloved McDonald's and Seasame Street characters, and the Grand Marshall, famous actress Jennifer Beals. The parade will also have numerous marching bands and other talented entertainers sure to bring the holiday spirit to all those who tune in.

Miss Illinois will also be available for photo, interview and autograph opportunities.

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Contact:
Amalia Schwerdtmann - Board Chairman
Illinois Scholarship Association, Inc.
e-mail - ilstatedir@missillinois.org
(847) 997-0294

November 8, 2010

Marion, IL- On Saturday, November 20, Miss Illinois, Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky, will be attending the Artstarts annual "Dancing With Artstarts Christmas Spectacular", being held at the Marion Cultural and Civics Center in Marion, IL. Miss Illinois will be sharing the stage with her dance partner, Lawrence O'Neill, representing the CHILDREN'S MIRACLE NETWORK.

This will mark the fourth year for the annual charity fundraiser, in which nine "celebrity couples" will perform two competitive pieces to raise money for their selected charities. Winning couples will be awarded the coveted "disco ball" trophy and will compete for the honor of winning the "Community Fundraiser Award" or the prized "Judges Choice Award".  Charities involved in this year's production are: CHILDREN'S MIRACLE NETWORK      SHAWNEE ALLIANCE FOR SENIORS       NIGHTS SHIELD      MARION CULTURAL AND CIVIC CENTER    WILLIAMSON COUNTY CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER   HABITAT FOR HUMANITY     HERRIN FAMILY CRISIS CENTER     LIGHTHOUSE SHELTER     HOSPICE of SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

Artstarts will be donating $10.00 to Children's Miracle Network for every ticket sold. For more information on the event, please contact Jane Ann Cruise at 618-922-2822 or 618-997-1183. Tickets are still available.

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Contact:
Amalia Schwerdtmann - Board Chairman
Illinois Scholarship Association, Inc.
e-mail - ilstatedir@missillinois.org
(847) 997-0294

October 26, 2010

New Baden, IL - On Saturday, October 30, Miss Illinois, Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky, will be making a special appearance at the 6th Annual Chamber of Commerce Chili and Soup Cook-Off in her hometown of New Baden, IL.

New Baden locals and visitors from all over flock to the town every year to sample some of the finest chili in the area, while checking out local vendors, music, games and hayrides. The event will take place in New Baden's Village Park, located at 1103 East Hanover Street. Events will begin at 3:00 p.m. and go on through the late evening.

Miss Illinois is scheduled to be at the cook-off for the festivities and will be available for photo, autograph and interview opportunities.

To book Miss Illinois for appearances, please contact Betsy McDaniel bmcdaniel.appearances@gmail.com

For more information about Miss Illinois 2010 Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky and the Illinois Scholarship Association, please contact Amalia Schwerdtmann at (847) 997-0294, e-mail ilstatedir@missillinois.org or visit www.missillinois.org

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Contact:
Amalia Schwerdtmann - Board Chairman
Illinois Scholarship Association, Inc.
e-mail - ilstatedir@missillinois.org
(847) 997-0294

October 18, 2010

WATSEKA, IL - On Friday, October 29, Miss Illinois, Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky will be attending a Breast Cancer Awareness Event being held at Iroquois Memorial Hospital at 200 Fairman Avenue in Watseka, IL from 11:30 am - 4:00 pm.

Miss Illinois will be spending the day helping out with the various activities the hospital has planned, as well as speaking to local high school students and hospital visitors about "Character Counts!", the nation's most effective character development program. She will also spend time speaking about Breast Cancer Awareness, a cause very near and dear to her heart. Breast Cancer Awareness is Thorpe-Klinsky's official platform for the Miss America Pageant in January in Las Vegas.

Miss Illinois will also be available for photo, interview and autograph opportunities.

To book Miss Illinois for appearances, please contact Betsy McDaniel bmcdaniel.appearances@gmail.com

For more information about Miss Illinois 2010 Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky and the Illinois Scholarship Association, please contact Amalia Schwerdtmann at (847) 997-0294, e-mail ilstatedir@missillinois.org or visit www.missillinois.org

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Contact:
Amalia Schwerdtmann - Board Chairman
Illinois Scholarship Association, Inc.
e-mail - ilstatedir@missillinois.org
(847) 997-0294

October 3, 2010

St. Charles, IL - On, Saturday, October 9, Miss Illinois, Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky, will be attending the annual "Scarecrow Festival" in St. Charles, IL from 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

2010 marks the 25th year for Scarecrow Fest, a beloved St. Charles tradition that grows every year. Attendees can expect to take in local entertainment, an arts and crafts show, family activities and the ever-popular scarecrow exhibit, which displays hundreds of handcrafted scarecrows and allows all who attend to vote for their favorite.

Miss Illinois will be spending time speaking about the Miss Illinois Scholarship Association pageant, as well as participating in several of the events happening throughout the afternoon. She will also be available for photo, interview and autograph opportunities.

To book Miss Illinois for appearances, please contact Betsy McDaniel bmcdaniel.appearances@gmail.com

For more information about Miss Illinois 2010 Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky and the Illinois Scholarship Association, please contact Amalia Schwerdtmann at (847) 997-0294, e-mail ilstatedir@missillinois.org or visit www.missillinois.org

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Contact:
Amalia Schwerdtmann - Board Chairman
Illinois Scholarship Association, Inc.
e-mail - ilstatedir@missillinois.org
(847) 997-0294

September 28, 2010

Marion, IL- On Saturday, November 20, Miss Illinois, Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky, will be attending the Artstarts annual "Dancing With Artstarts Christmas Spectacular", being held at the Marion Cultural and Civics Center in Marion, IL. Miss Illinois will be sharing the stage with her dance partner, Lawrence O'Neill, representing the CHILDREN'S MIRACLE NETWORK.

This will mark the fourth year for the annual charity fundraiser, in which nine "celebrity couples" will perform two competitive pieces to raise money for their selected charities. Winning couples will be awarded the coveted "disco ball" trophy and will compete for the honor of winning the "Community Fundraiser Award" or the prized "Judges Choice Award".  Charities involved in this year's production are: 

• CHILDREN'S MIRACLE NETWORK
• SHAWNEE ALLIANCE FOR SENIORS
• NIGHTS SHIELD
• MARION CULTURAL AND CIVIC CENTER
• WILLIAMSON COUNTY CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER
• HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
• HERRIN FAMILY CRISIS CENTER
• LIGHTHOUSE SHELTER
• HOSPICE of SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

Artstarts will be donating $10.00 to Children's Miracle Network for every ticket sold. For more information on the event, please contact Jane Ann Cruise at 618-922-2822 or 618-997-1183. Tickets are still available.

To book Miss Illinois for appearances, please contact Betsy McDaniel bmcdaniel.appearances@gmail.com

For more information about Miss Illinois 2010 Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky and the Illinois Scholarship Association, please contact Amalia Schwerdtmann at (847) 997-0294, e-mail ilstatedir@missillinois.org or visit www.missillinois.org

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Contact:
Amalia Schwerdtmann - Board Chairman
Illinois Scholarship Association, Inc.
e-mail - ilstatedir@missillinois.org
(847) 997-0294

September 21, 2010

Chicago, IL -On Saturday, September 25, Miss Illinois, Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky, will be attending the "Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®", being held at Grant Park in Chicago.

Miss Illinois will be attending the Susan G. Komen event from 8:00 am - 11:00 am and will be handing out awards at the end of the race. Miss Illinois will also be available for photo, autograph and interview opportunities.

In addition to the race in downtown Chicago on September 25, the Susan G. Komen foundation is holding an Inaugural Suburban Race on Sunday, September 26 at the Yorktown Center, in Lombard, IL. Miss Illinois will be attending that race as well.

To book Miss Illinois for appearances, please contact Betsy McDaniel bmcdaniel.appearances@gmail.com

For more information about Miss Illinois 2010 Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky and the Illinois Scholarship Association, please contact Amalia Schwerdtmann at (847) 997-0294, e-mail ilstatedir@missillinois.org or visit www.missillinois.org

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Contact:
Amalia Schwerdtmann - Board Chairman
Illinois Scholarship Association, Inc.
e-mail - ilstatedir@missillinois.org
(847) 997-0294

September 15, 2010

Collinsville, IL - On, Wednesday, September 22, Miss Illinois, Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky, will be speaking at Twin Echo Elementary School, located at 1937 S. Morrison in Collinsville, Illinois. Miss Illinois is scheduled to begin her presentation at 1:30 pm, and will be available to sign autographs and for photo opportunities after the assembly.

Miss Illinois will be speaking to students in the first through fourth grade about "Character Counts!", the largest character education program in the country today. Miss Illinois will inform the students of 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.

To book Miss Illinois for appearances, please contact Betsy McDaniel bmcdaniel.appearances@gmail.com

For more information about Miss Illinois 2010 Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky and the Illinois Scholarship Association, please contact Amalia Schwerdtmann at (847) 997-0294, e-mail ilstatedir@missillinois.org or visit www.missillinois.org

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Contact:
Amalia Schwerdtmann - Board Chairman
Illinois Scholarship Association, Inc.
e-mail - ilstatedir@missillinois.org
(847) 997-0294

September 1, 2010

Pekin, IL - On, Saturday, September 11, Miss Illinois, Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky, will be attending the annual Pekin Marigold Festival from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. The Marigold Festival was founded in 1972, in part, to honor the memory of one of Pekin's native sons, Senator Everett McKinley Dirksen. Over the span of 38 years, the parade has grown to attract thousands of attendees.

Miss Illinois will begin her day by appearing in the Marigold Festival Parade, beginning at 10:00 am in Mineral Spring Park. Immediately following the parade, Miss Illinois will be available for autograph, interview and photo opportunities.

To book Miss Illinois for appearances, please contact Betsy McDaniel bmcdaniel.appearances@gmail.com

For more information about Miss Illinois 2010 Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky and the Illinois Scholarship Association, please contact Amalia Schwerdtmann at (847) 997-0294, e-mail ilstatedir@missillinois.org or visit www.missillinois.org

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Contact:
Amalia Schwerdtmann - Board Chairman
Illinois Scholarship Association, Inc.
e-mail - ilstatedir@missillinois.org
(847) 997-0294

August 22, 2010

Elgin, IL - On, Thursday, September 2, Miss Illinois, Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky, will be appear on Elgin's WRMN 1410 "Morning Wake Up Show" beginning at approximately 7:25 am through 7:45 am.

Miss Illinois will be live on-air with the "Morning Wake Up Show" hosts to discuss a variety of topics, including her platform of "Breast Cancer: Prevent, Promote, Provide". In addition, Thorpe-Klinsky will be speaking about the Miss Illinois Scholarship Association itself, a duly accredited state preliminary scholarship association in the Miss America Organization - the world's largest provider of scholarship and cash assistance to young women, and "Character Counts", which is the most widely implemented approach to character education, reaching millions of youth.

To book Miss Illinois for appearances, please contact Betsy McDaniel bmcdaniel.appearances@gmail.com

For more information about Miss Illinois 2010 Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky and the Illinois Scholarship Association, please contact Amalia Schwerdtmann at (847) 997-0294, e-mail ilstatedir@missillinois.org or visit www.missillinois.org

#####

Contact:
Amalia Schwerdtmann - Board Chairman
Illinois Scholarship Association, Inc.
e-mail - ilstatedir@missillinois.org
(847) 997-0294

August 18, 2010

Chicago, IL - On Friday, August 20, Miss Illinois, Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky, will be participating in an exclusive NBC news Style Segment, "How to Get the Runway Look for Less", featuring national stylist Lilliana Vazquez with world-renown retailer "H&M".

The segment will take place at H&M store at 840 North Michigan Ave in downtown Chicago. Miss Illinois will be appearing as a featured model on the segment, scheduled to air during the late morning news between 11:00am - 12:00pm on NBC 5 Chicago.

Other local title holders from the Miss Illinois preliminary pageants will be present, including Miss Chicago, Miss Illinois Valley and Miss Northern Illinois.

Miss Illinois - Whitney Thrope-Klinsky
Whitney Thrope-Klinsky was crowned Miss Illinois on June 19, 2010. A recent graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University with a degree in Biology and a minor in Psychology, Thorpe-Klinsky will now spend the next year touring the state of Illinois, speaking at schools about "CHARACTER COUNTS!" and appearing at a variety of public, community and charitable events. She is serving as the state's goodwill ambassador for Children's Miracle Network - the official platform of the Miss America Organization, and spokesperson for East Aurora based Triple Threat Mentoring. She will also promote her personal community service platform of "Breast Cancer: Prevent-Promote Provide", a cause near and dear to her heart having lost her great grandmother and great aunt to the disease.

To book Miss Illinois for appearances, please contact Betsy McDaniel bmcdaniel.appearances@gmail.com

For more information about Miss Illinois 2010 Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky and the Illinois Scholarship Association, please contact Amalia Schwerdtmann at (847) 997-0294, e-mail ilstatedir@missillinois.org or visit www.missillinois.org

#####

Contact:
Amalia Schwerdtmann - Board Chairman
Illinois Scholarship Association, Inc.
e-mail - ilstatedir@missillinois.org
(847) 997-0294

July 31, 2010

Ottawa, IL - On Monday, August 9, Miss Illinois, Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky, will be participating in tandem jumps with the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team. Being held as part of the Chicago Air and Water show, the jumps will take place at the Skydive Chicago airfield in Ottawa, IL.

Local dignitaries, media representatives, business leaders and educators will join Miss Illinois in a 12,000 jump with the army's world class skydiving team. All those participating in the jumps will attend a two-hour ground school, taught by Golden Knights team members, that covers procedures and safety practices. Miss Illinois is schedule for a jump in the later morning, early afternoon.

Miss Illinois - Whitney Thrope-Klinsky
Whitney Thrope-Klinsky was crowned Miss Illinois on June 19, 2010. A recent graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University with a degree in Biology and a minor in Psychology, Thorpe-Klinsky will now spend the next year touring the state of Illinois, speaking at schools about "CHARACTER COUNTS!" and appearing at a variety of public, community and charitable events. She is serving as the state's goodwill ambassador for Children's Miracle Network - the official platform of the Miss America Organization, and spokesperson for East Aurora based Triple Threat Mentoring. She will also promote her personal community service platform of "Breast Cancer: Prevent-Promote Provide", a cause near and dear to her heart having lost her great grandmother and great aunt to the disease.

For more information about Miss Illinois 2010 Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky and the Illinois Scholarship Association, please contact Amalia Schwerdtmann at (847) 997-0294, e-mail ilstatedir@missillinois.org or visit www.missillinois.org

#####

Contact:
Amalia Schwerdtmann - Board Chairman
Illinois Scholarship Association, Inc.
e-mail - ilstatedir@missillinois.org
(847) 997-0294

August 1, 2010

The U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team will be dropping from the sky at the Skydive Chicago airfield on Aug. 9, through the 12 and they won't be alone.

The Army's world class skydiving team, in town for the Chicago Air and Water Show, is conducting four days of tandem jumps at the Ottawa, Ill. site. The tandem jumps offer local dignitaries, media representatives, business leaders and educators a chance to see first-hand a premier Army unit while falling from 12,000 feet.

The tandem guest jumpers first attend a two-hour ground school, taught by Golden Knights team members, that covers procedures and safety practices.

The Golden Knights are available for interviews throughout the four days in Ottawa. For more information or to schedule an interview, call the Chicago Army Recruiting Battalion Advertising and Public Affairs Office at (847) 688-7259.

Skydive Chicago is located at 3215 East 1969th Road, Ottawa, Ill.

#####

Contact:
Tim Turpin, Chief of Advertising and Public Affairs
847.688.7259

June 22, 2010

St. Charles, IL - On Saturday, June 19, Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky of New Baden was crowned Miss Illinois 2010 by outgoing Miss Illinois 2009 Erin O'Connor of Evergreen Park at the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles.

A recent graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University with a degree in biology and minor in psychology, Thorpe-Klinsky will now spend the next year touring the state of Illinois speaking at schools about CHARACTER COUNTS!sm appearing at a variety of public, community and charitable events, serving as the state's goodwill ambassador for Children's Miracle Network - the official platform of the Miss America Organization, and spokesperson for East Aurora based Triple Threat Mentoring. She will also promote her personal community service platform of "Breast Cancer: Prevent, Promote, Provide"; a cause near and dear to her heart having lost her great grandmother and great aunt to the disease.

She will also compete with 52 other titleholders from across the United States for the title of Miss America at the 2011 Miss America Pageant, which will be held next January at Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Miss America will be shown on ABC on January 15th 2011 and celebrating its 90th year anniversary.

Thorpe-Klinsky earned the award for Lifestyle & Fitness in Swimsuit during Thursday night's preliminary competition as well as the Community Service Award. For her talent, she performed a tap routine to "Fever".

The Top Five consisted of Thorpe-Klinsky, 1st Runner-Up Miss Chicago, April Strong, 2nd Runner-Up Miss Northern Suburbs, Corina Harwood, 3rd Runner-Up Miss Gem City, Aisan Raisdana, and 4th Runner-Up Miss Southern Illinois, Jamie Johnson.

For more information about Miss Illinois 2010 Whitney Thorpe-Klinsky and the Illinois Scholarship Association, please contact Amalia Schwerdtmann at (847) 997-0294, e-mail ilstatedir@missillinois.org or visit www.missillinois.org

Contact:
Amalia Schwerdtmann - Board Chairman
Illinois Scholarship Association, Inc.
e-mail - ilstatedir@missillinois.org
(847) 997-0294

June 14, 2010

St. Charles, IL- The 2010 Miss Illinois Pageant returns to the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles, June 17-19, for three fun filled nights of competition, as twenty-four young women from across the state to compete for the opportunity to represent Illinois at the 2011 Miss America Pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Preliminary phases of competition, including lifestyle and fitness, evening wear, talent and on-stage question, will be contested on the nights of Thursday, June 17th and Friday, June 18th. The week culminates with the coronation of the new Miss Illinois 2010 on the night of Saturday, June 19th.

The Norris Center and the city of St. Charles have proudly served as the home to the Miss Illinois Pageant for the past five years. Tickets are available by phone through the Norris Cultural Arts Center Box Office by calling (630) 584-7200 x 10. Special package pricing is available.

Contact:
Amalia Schwerdtmann - Board Chairman
Illinois Scholarship Association, Inc.
e-mail - ilstatedir@missillinois.org
(847) 997-0294

March 19, 2010

(Lake in the Hills, IL/ 3-19-2010)--On March 25, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be holding a hearing of the Medical Devices Advisory Committee to review the current classification of tanning beds.

To provide insights around the FDA's hearing, the Melanoma Research Foundation is hosting a noon Congressional briefing on Wednesday, March 24, just one day prior to the public hearing. This briefing will discuss the controversies around indoor tanning and current research findings that are driving change.

Speaking at the briefing will be Tim Turnham, executive director of the Melanoma Research Foundation and witness at the FDA hearing: David E. Fisher, MD, PhD, Harvard Medical School and Erin O'Connor, Miss Illinois 2009 who lost her mother Mary O'Connor to skin cancer.

Recent research has shown that using tanning beds before age 35 increases your risk of developing melanoma by 75 percent and occasionally using tanning beds can triple your chances. In fact, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization recently reclassified tanning devices into the highest risk category as "carcinogenic to humans."

We invite Miss O'Conner to share her story with Members of Congress and legislative staffers on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 in the Cannon House Office Building, Room 304 at 12:00 noon.

"It's important for our nation's lawmakers to understand the devastating impact of melanoma and the dangers of indoor tanning. Sadly, Erin has experienced personal loss because of this horrible disease but as a result, she has taken up the critically important work of educating others on skin cancer prevention," said Timothy Turnham, executive director of the Melanoma Research Foundation. "We look forward to helping her share her story in the halls of Congress.

The Miss (Illinois Scholarship Association) is based in Lake in the Hills, IL and helps provide the young women of Illinois who compete in its local and state programs, opportunities for their personal and professional development through the organization's scholarship programs. Miss Illinois competes for the title of Miss America in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information about the Miss Illinois Scholarship Association, visit www.missillinois.org

Press Contact: Betsy McDaniel
Illinois Scholarship Association, Inc.
847-624-2236

March 16, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Illinois Scholarship Association, Inc.
Betsy McDaniel, Business Manager at 847-624-2236
Email: ilstatedir@missillinois.org

Miss Illinois 2009 Erin O'Connor rehearses with dance partner and teacher James Dutton at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Naperville. The pair will perform a tango at the Dancing with Chicago Celebrities fundraiser benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure in Chicago Friday. http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/lifestyles/2096358,6_5_NA11_MISSILLINOIS_S1-100311.article

Rich in history and social significance, the Miss America Organization is a not-for-profit organization that has maintained tradition for many decades of empowering young women to achieve their personal and professional goals, while providing a forum in which to express their opinions, talent and intelligence.

For more information about the Miss Illinois Scholarship Association and Miss Illinois 2009 Erin O'Connor, schedule interviews or to coordinate a visit for your event, please contact Betsy McDaniel, Business Manager at 847-624-2236 or email bmcdaniel.appearances@gmail.com

February 27, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Amalia Schwerdtmann-Board Chairman
Illinois Scholarship Association, Inc.
Email: ilstatedir@missillinois.org
Phone: 847-997-0294

Miss Illinois 2009, Erin O'Connor will visit the Illinois National Guard's Detachment 1, Company B, Military Intelligence, 33rd Brigade Support Troop Battalion as the unit's Shadow 200 Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) are fielded on March 3rd. The Peoria-based unit will field he UAV's, which sends brigade-level commanders real-time intelligence of ground activity and is virtually undetectable.

The flight to Camp Shelby, on board an Illinois Air National Guard C-130, is expected to depart from Peoria, IL and arrive at Bobby Chain Airfield, MS. She will then continue on to Camp Shelby, Mississippi. Miss Illinois is expected to perform with Joe Cantafio and the 101st Rock Division.

Erin O'Connor became Miss Illinois in June-2009. The Illinois Scholarship Association is a State Pageant that then goes on to the Miss America Scholarship Pageant. The Miss America Organization is one of the nation's leading achievement program and the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women.

Miss O'Connor will travel to over 150 schools in Illinois to promote her platform "Skin Cancer Awareness and Prevention" and the State Platform of "Character Counts".

Rich in history and social significance, the Miss America Organization is a not-for-profit organization that has maintained tradition for many decades of empowering young women to achieve their personal and professional goals, while providing a forum in which to express their opinions, talent and intelligence.

For more information about the Miss Illinois Scholarship Association and Miss Illinois 2009 Erin O'Connor, schedule interviews or to coordinate a visit for your event, please contact Betsy McDaniel, Business Manager at 847-624-2236 or email bmcdaniel.appearances@gmail.com

Link to Original Story
Monday, August 3rd, 2009
www.copelink.com

Miss Illinois 2009 Erin O'Connor (pictured above, left, with CancerCare Director of Communications Jeanie M. Barnett) came out to support the "troops" for Teb's Troops' third annual 5K fundraiser on July 26 at Soldier Field in Chicago...
Read Full Story

Link to original story
Examiner.com - USA

One of many cases in point is the newly crowned Miss Illinois' Outstanding Teen, Andrea Novak. She has a grade point average of 5.0 and is a consistent ... Read More

Link to original story
By Tim Kretschmann | PageantCast News Desk

One of many cases in point is the newly crowned Miss Illinois' Outstanding Teen, Andrea Novak. She has a grade point average of 5.0 and is a consistent presence on the A Honor Roll at her high school in Arlington Heights. ... Read More

Issue date: 6/24/09 Publication: Western Courier Section: News

Erin O'Connor, a Western Illinois University theater-acting major and dance minor, was crowned the 2009 Miss Illinois June 20 at the Miss Illinois Pageant in St. Charles. She will advance to the Miss America Pageant, which will be televised live on Jan. 30, 2010 on TLC.

O'Connor (Evergreen Park, Ill.) was crowned the 2009 Miss Macomb on March 30. Her platform, "Take Care: Skin Cancer Education and Prevention," is dear to her heart since her mother passed away from the disease. For her talent, O'Connor danced ballet en pointe.

On Monday before the state pageant, O'Connor was presented with a key to the City of Macomb for good luck.

An American Cancer Society volunteer, O'Connor was a team captain in a Spring 2009 Relay for Life event that raised $1,500 for cancer research. She also speaks to children at area schools about skin cancer prevention.

She has performed in University Theater productions, unrehearsed Shakespeare plays through the theater department and two major dance shows each year.

O'Connor is the fourth Western Illinois University student to be named Miss Macomb and then win Miss Illinois. It has been a decade since Western's Marching Leathernecks Band Baton Twirler Amanda Meadows was crowned Miss Illinois (1999). Previous WIU Miss Macomb to Miss Illinois winners were Nancy Beaty (1977) and Carolyn Paulus Woodman (1972). Macomb High School graduating senior Kristin Castillo won the Miss Illinois title in 2001.

Erin is the daughter of Terrence O'Connor of Evergreen Park and a graduate of Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School. - University Relations

Link to Original Story

Issue Date: Jun 22, 2009 | Macomb, IL | Macomb Journal

Erin O'Connor, Miss Macomb 2009, has been named the new Miss Illinois. O'Connor, a 20-year-old Western Illinois University student from Evergreen Park, was crowned Saturday at the Miss Illinois Pageant, held in St. Charles.

As the new Miss Illinois, O'Connor was awarded a $10,000 scholarship.
She was also a preliminary winner in the swimwear competition on Friday and the winner of a community service award.

The service award, based on the pageant contestant's platform, comes with an additional $1,000 scholarship.

"Take Care: Skin Cancer Education and Prevention" is O"Connor's platform.

Nancy Foote, who along with her husband Bob are co-executive directors of the Miss Macomb Pageant, said O'Connor was thrilled to take the crown.

"It was a big deal," Foote said, adding that O'Connor's father, Terrence, as well as her grandfather and "a bunch of aunts and uncles" attended the pageant.

O'Connor wasn't the only big winner at the Miss Illinois Pageant. The Footes were given a special award for 50 years of service to the Miss Macomb program. O'Connor was unavailable for comment Monday.

However, she is scheduled to participate in the Heritage Days Parade Saturday morning.

O'Connor will advance to the Miss America Pageant, scheduled to be televised live Jan. 30 on TLC.

By Kevin Sherman | Kevin Sherman Photography
The top five contestants for the Miss Illinois 2009 pageant, from the left, Jamie Johnson, Rachel Brock, Corina Harwood, Chelsea Fahey and Erin O'Connor wait for the winner to be announced on Saturday night at the Norris Cultural Arts ...
Kevin Sherman Photography - http://www.kshermphoto.com/ Read Full Story

Thursday, June 25, 2009 | By Michael McGuire
Miss Illinois 2009 Erin O'Connor http://examinermike.blogspot.com/ Read Full Story

By wiunews | http://www.westernillinois.com/
Read Full Story

Publicity Contacts:
Lisa Barnes; 212/572-2014; lbarnes@randomhouse.com
Diana Franco; 212/572-2533; dfranco@randomhouse.com

Promises I Made My Mother
By Sam Haskell
With a foreword by Ray Romano

"People find it hard to believe that a guy with [Sam Haskell's] outlook and approach to life can ever make it in this business, and that's what amazes me. He did and he still does and I don't see him ever compromising who he his. … After reading [PROMISES I MADE MY MOTHER], and learning more about his life, what inspires him, the things he's accomplished, the way he did it, and the core of who he really is, I felt I needed to call my brothers and tell them something. My list of heroes has changed. I have three now." —From Ray Romano's Foreword

"What would my mother say?" As former Worldwide Head of Television for the William Morris Agency, Sam Haskell asked himself that same question more than once in his long career. Haskell has handled the hottest stars and packaged the highest-rated shows. But he didn't land those opportunities by acting like the agents we see on Entourage. His Mississippi roots—and, above all, his devoted and indomitable mother Mary—instilled in him values of faith, integrity, and honor that made this small-town boy successful beyond his wildest dreams, and still guide him to this day. In PROMISES I MADE MY MOTHER (Ballantine Hardcover; April 28, 2009), Haskell reveals how the pledge he made to his mother to live a decent life allowed him to thrive—not only as a husband and father, but in the cut-throat, shark-infested waters of Hollywood.

In amusing, affecting, and frequently warts-and-all anecdotes, Haskell chronicles his upbringing in Amory, Mississippi (pop. 7,000), weaving his mother's life lessons into the fabric of his engaging story. In these pages, you'll discover Haskell as a child, experiencing the power of hope as he waited patiently for the "Cheer Man" (a rep for the detergent company who gave ten dollars to anyone using the brand) to visit his tiny town, as advertised on TV; learning humility after losing an eighth grade "Good Citizenship" award he cockily assumed he'd win; and confronting the complications of human character when a traumatic, near fatal car crash exposed the true nature of his judgmental, unfaithful father.

In Hollywood, Haskell would rely upon honesty, self-reliance, and his mother's teachings of faith to rise swiftly from scoring a gig as a worker in the William Morris mailroom to becoming an agent and then an executive vice president. His capacities for friendship, foresight, and being "thoughtfully political" would allow him to handle client crises like Swoosie Kurtz's deal-breaking insistence on a private bathroom while shooting Sisters, to tense negotiations that nearly scuttled the last year of Everybody Loves Raymond and the entire existence of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. They also helped him breathe new life into the flagging Miss America pageant—desperately in need of a makeover when he took the reins in 2005.

At last, Mary Haskell's precept that "it takes a good parent to make a good child" would help Haskell lovingly (though not infallibly) raise his own family, and both ease and endure his mother's death from cancer. Ultimately, Haskell achieved success with self-respect, and through his story, we learn how we too can maintain our dignity and integrity when faced with life's challenges. This stirring memoir is a testament to mothers everywhere who instill in their sons the lasting values they need to become devoted fathers.

About the Author
SAM HASKELL, former Executive Vice President and Worldwide Head of Television for William Morris, was named by TV Week as one of the 25 Most Innovative and Influential People in Television. Now focused on philanthropy, he lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two children.

PROMISES I MADE MY MOTHER
By Sam Haskell
A Ballantine Books Hardcover; April 28, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-345-50655-9; $24.00; 256 pp.

(St. Charles, IL / 5-12-09) --The 2009 Miss Illinois Pageant returns to the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles, June 18-20, for three fun-filled nights of competition, as twenty-six young ladies from across the state to compete for the opportunity to represent Illinois at the 2010 Miss America Pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Preliminary phases of competition, including lifestyle and fitness, evening wear, talent and on-stage question, will be contested on the nights of Thursday, June 18th and Friday, June 19th. The week culminates with the coronation of the new Miss Illinois 2009 on the night of Saturday, June 20th.

The Norris Center and the city of St. Charles have proudly served as the home to the Miss Illinois Pageant for the past four years. Tickets are available by phone through the Norris Cultural Arts Center Box Office by calling (630) 584-7200 ext. 10. Special package pricing available.

# # #

The Miss Illinois Scholarship Association is a preliminary pageant in the Miss America Organization.
M.A.O. is one of the nation's leading achievement programs and the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women. Last year, the M.A.O. and its state and local organizations made available more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance!

For more information about the Miss Illinois Scholarship Association, Miss Illinois 2008 Katie Lorenz and
the 2009 Miss Illinois Pageant or to request a copy of our Media Kit, please contact:
Amalia Schwerdtmann
Miss Illinois Board Chairman
847/997-0294
ilstatedir@missillinois.org

(St. Charles, IL / 5-12-09) -- The second annual Miss Illinois Scholarship Charity golf outing will be held Saturday, June 20 during Miss Illinois week, which culminates in the crowning of the 2009 Miss Illinois Saturday evening.

The golf outing will tee off on the golf course at Pheasant Run Resort & Spa in St. Charles, where many of the Miss Illinois Week events will also be taking place. Family members and friends of Miss Illinois contestants, as well as the public-at-large, are welcome to participate in the golf outing.

Registration is $100 per person and includes golf, cart, driving range, lunch, raffle prizes, and awards for Longest Putt, Closest to the Pin, and Longest Drive. Lunch entertainment will be provided by 2008 Miss Illinois Katie Lorenz, and the 24 Miss Illinois 2009 contestants. First tee time is 8:00am; lunch and awards will be 2:30-4:00pm.

Hole sponsorships with signage are also available to businesses and individuals: Bronze level for $250; Silver level, which includes registration for two and a ¼-page ad in the Miss Illinois Program book; and Gold level at $1,000 including a foursome registration, ½-page ad in the Program book, and two tickets to the 2009 Miss Illinois Pageant Saturday evening. Diamond and Platinum sponsorships are also available.

Proceeds from the golf outing will benefit the Miss Illinois Scholarship Association, as well as the Children's Miracle Network, the official sponsor of the Miss Illinois Charity Golf Outing. To register and for more information, call or email Glenn Schwerdtmann at 847-917-9279 or gschwerdtmann@comcast.net.

The Miss Illinois Scholarship Association not-for-profit corporation is a duly-accredited state preliminary scholarship association in the Miss America organization - the world's largest provider of scholarship and cash assistance to young women.

The Miss (Illinois Scholarship Association) is based in Lake in the Hills, IL and helps provide the young women of Illinois who compete in its local and state programs, opportunities for their personal and professional development through the organization'sscholarship programs. The Children's Miracle Network is the official platform of the Miss America Organization; every state and local contestant is required to raise $100 at the local level and $250 at the state level for the charity. For more information about the Miss Illinois Scholarship Association, visit www.missillinois.org or call Executive Director Amalia Schwerdtmann, 847-997-0294.

Soundcheck: When Tours Sing the Recession Blues (May 07, 2009)
Concert pianist Jade Simmons once stood on the runway as Miss Illinois and the first runner-up to Miss America, and she's been a spokeswoman for the U.S. Labor Department's Youth Opportunity Movement. But these days she's busy ...
WNYC New York Public Radio - http://www.wnyc.org/?sourceref=rss

Springfield Moms, Dads, and Grandparents Area Family Resources for ...
By Lisa

Miss Illinois Outstanding Teen & Pre-Teen 2009 Pageant - May 24, 2009 at 2pm. The Miss Illinois Outstanding Teen & Pre-Teen Program promotes scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, healthy living and community involvement for ... Springfield Moms, Dads, and Grandpare... - http://springfieldmoms.org

Miss America 2009 Katie Stam's homecoming event was a wonderful tribute to an outstanding young woman. The week long activities culminated in a spectacular show on Saturday evening that opened up with the video of Katie's crowning moment. The Zionsville Performing Arts Center was packed and the applause thunderous as the audience followed Katie through her victory on the big screen. Katie was greeted with a standing ovation as she took her Miss America walk on stage. She then sang the Mariah Carey ballad, "Hero."

Miss Indiana 1983 Teri Schultz yelled to the crowd, "Indiana, it's about time," then the crowd went wild with agreement.

Katie then put the Miss Indiana crown on the head of Megan Meadors. She was chosen to assume Katie's responsibilities as the state's titleholder, now that Katie will serve as Miss America 2009.

Several of Katie's 2009 Miss America Pageant sisters were also in attendance including, Miss Michigan Ashlee Baracy, Miss Utah Kayla Barclay, Miss Oklahoma Kelsey Cartwright, Miss Illinois Katie Lorenz, Miss Kentucky Emily Cox, Miss Arkansas Ashlen Batson, Miss Tennessee Ellen Carrington, Miss California Jackie Geist, Miss Florida Sierra Minott, Miss New York Leigh-Taylor Smith and Miss Iowa Olivia Myers.

MAO Chairman of the Board, Sam Haskell, III, was also in attendance to celebrate Katie's homecoming.

Co-State Executive Directors Frank Ricketts and Aren Howell did a phenomenal job planning this extraordinary event for Miss America and made her week in Indiana feel like a royal tribute!