Miss Illinois Blog
Bragging Rights for the rest of my life
May 1, 2010 | BLOG #11 | by Miss Illinois 2009 Erin O'Connor
The month began with what I can only refer to as "bragging rights for the rest of my life." On Easter Sunday I attended a Chicago Black Hawks game. In between periods I had the chance to go down on the ice and try to score a goal. The crowd cheered as we each took our three shots, I was the last to go. My first two attempts were awful, I didn't even come close! On my last try I took a deep breath, focused and shot...AND I SCORED! The crowd went crazy! I never thought I'd have a stadium full of hockey fans cheering for UN-athletic little me, but I guess the impossible can happen. When I returned to our box my sisters could only shake their heads, laugh and tell me what dumb luck I must have.
April was another busy month for Character Counts presentations. I had the pleasure of attending the Glendale Heights Character Counts! Pillar award ceremony. The Character Counts Coalition of Glendale Heights took the initiative to recognize more then 60 members of their community for displaying excellent character.
On the 13th of April I sang the National Anthem at the Chicago Bulls game. I was in awe while watching the players warm up, they are so much taller in person than I imagined! Also attending the game that night was supermodel Marrisa Miller. She was sitting only about 15 feet away from me as I prepare to sing, she even smiled and waved to me! (It helps to wear a crown). After I sang I enjoyed watching Miss Cook County Imani Josey perform with the LuvaBulls. Way to go Imani!
This month I served as the Fight Back Speaker at several Relays for Life, including Bradley University and University of Illinois. As always, I encouraged students to take action throughout the year to prevent cancer. There are so many simple choices we can make each day to keep ourselves healthy. We can choose to walk instead of drive, eat fruit as a snack instead of candy, or to get a spray tan instead of laying out. These choice can have a positive impact for years to come. At every Relay I attend, I am moved by the survivors and caretakers who participate. Their participation shows their commitment to fight back, and create a cancer-free world.
On the 21st I accompanied my friend Joe Cantafio to the Hines VA Hospital. Joe had me sing a few songs with him and we visited with many of the patients after the show. The most heart wrenching part for me was visiting with the residents of the spinal ward. Many of them cannot leave their rooms, and were so excited to have visitors. It was my honor to give a smile or a kiss on the cheek to these American heroes, and thank them for their sacrifice.
I want to say a special thank you this month to our Board President KL Robertson Daley. She has taken a special interest in me and allowed me to accompany her to several events including the Athena Women's Luncheon and the Chicago Symphony. She is a smart business woman and truly dedicated to community service. The Illinois Scholarship Association is so lucky to have her.
Perhaps one of the most eventful nights as Miss Illinois happened in on the 24th. I was hosting an American Girl Doll Fashion show in Springfield Illinois during a very bad storm. As dinner was coming to a close and I was making my way to the stage to begin the show, a voice came over the PA system. "There is a tornado warning in Springfield, we ask everyone in the hotel to make their way to the basement level for the duration of the warning." A general panic ensued. All of those attending the fashion show made their way to the bottom level. There were about 100 disgruntled people in a very narrow, crowded, hot hallways. Many of the little girls acting as models were hysterical . Still in crown and banner I did my best to keep everyone mind off of our discomfort. I had the chance to take pictures with most of the people sitting in the hallway, or to tell a story or a joke. After we were released the show went on, and I had lots of material for the program! That situation serves as a great lesson for contestants hoping to win the title of Miss Illinois. Sometimes you will be put in frightening or uncomfortable situations, but as Miss Illinois I had the opportunity to lift people's spirits!
I think I will end this months blog with a little Q&A. When I appear at schools I always leave a little bit of time for questions and answers. Certain questions seem to pop up all the time, so I thought I would answer some in my blog, curious minds want to know!
What is your favorite color?
Green.
What is your favorite food?
I love anything chocolate, but I don't like pizza!
What kind of music do you like?
I have very eclectic taste in music. I like everything from rap to traditional Irish folk music.
Do you have a boyfriend?
Nope, there is no "Mr. Illinois." I'm too busy!
Is your crown made of real diamonds?
I wish.
Do you wear your tiara all the time?
No, I would look pretty silly in the grocery store with a crown. Don't you think?
What is the best/worst part of being Miss Illinois?
The best part is having the opportunity to be an advocate for causes I feel passionately about; character education, mentoring, and honoring my mother with my platform of Skin Cancer prevention. The worst part? Butt glue!
Can't wait to see all the contestants at Spring Forum next month!
Erin O'Connor
Miss Illinois 2009