Miss Illinois Blog
FAREWELL BUT NOT GOODBYE
June 1, 2010 | BLOG #12 | by Miss Illinois 2009 Erin O'Connor
Only one year ago I was crowned Miss Illinois 2009. I wanted to become Miss Illinois to change the world, but I didn't anticipate how much it would change me.
Acting as Spokesperson for Character Counts has brought me to schools all across the state. In sharing stories from my own life, I hope to illustrate the importance of the six pillars of character; trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. Acting as a role model for thousands of children has helped me to grow into the kind of person I always wanted to be.
This year we continued our partnership with Children's Miracle Network. While making appearances on behalf of CMN I was proud to say the Miss Illinois Scholarship Association raised over 8,000 dollars during our October 30th benefit. I cannot thank my family enough for organizing and volunteering at the event. After visiting hospitals and meeting families, I have seen what a big difference we can make in the lives of so many children.
One of the most fun experiences this year has been working with Triple Threat Mentoring. Teaching a weekly theatre class for students in the east Aurora area has taught me what a difference one person can make just by being present in a child's life. I hoped to serve as a living example that anything is possible, no matter what obstacles occur in your life.
I am so proud of the work I've done with Joe Catafio on behalf of our troops. Participating in concerts, memorials and welcome home events for our men and women in uniform has taught me what it meant to be a true patriot. Traveling to Mississippi on a C-130 was such a thrill, and I look forward to continuing my work honoring our troops.
In 2007 I lost my Mother to Melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. As Miss Illinois I served as an advocate for the American Cancer Society, encouraging everyone to fight back against cancer at Relays for Life across the state. In April, it was my honor to speak on Capital Hill on behalf of the Melanoma Research Foundation. At every appearance this year, I reminded people that while skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, it is also the most preventable. Wearing sunscreen, covering up outdoors, and avoiding indoors tanning salons will greatly reduce the risk of skin cancer.
In January I set out to Las Vegas to become Miss America, but in coming home I've learned me dreams can expand even farther. It was more likely that my parents would give birth to a son that played in the super bowl than to a daughter that would compete for Miss America. I am so grateful for the opportunity to compete, and for the many friends I made along the way. Thank you to the people of Illinois for embracing me, I hope to continue to embody the values Miss America stands for, Style, Scholarship, Service and Success.
I am so fortunate to have fantastic sponsors who have made my year such a success. Thank you to Boston Proper for supplying my business clothes, and Jewels by Park Lane for my accessories, I felt and looked great! Thank you to Honda on Grand and the Perrin Family for the 2010 Hybrid Insight I drove this year. I would have been lost without your generosity. To Gregory Ellenberg for supplying my Miss America wardrobe, you are brilliant artist and friend. To the ladies at Limelight studio for their beautiful pictures to document my journey. Thank you for your warmth and hospitality.
This year would not have been possible without the love and support of so many dedicated individuals.
To "The Feet" Thank you for introducing me to the world of pageantry, and for your 51 years of service in the Miss America Organization.
To Karen Bloom, Staci Boyer, Jonathan Gripe, Gina McAndrew, Michelle Holmes and everyone who helped prepare me for Miss America, thank you for your time, your patience and your faith in my dreams.
To KL, Betsy, Katie Frank, Don Haines and all the members on the Board of the Miss Illinois Scholarship Association. Without you volunteering your time and services, this program would not be possible. Thank you for your loyalty and support.
To Amalia, you are such a hard worker and so devoted to the Miss Illinois Scholarship Association. Thank you for the opportunity you have given me, and for constantly challenging me to be a better person.
To the big guy, thank you for your kindness, for opening your home, and for all the dinners. I look forward to eating on your dime for many years to come.
To Leenie and Caitlin, or "Sistas Illinois" Thank you for allowing me my year in the spotlight. You kept my head from getting too big, even if my hair was. You are my best friends and love you.
To Mary I love you and am so glad we will all be a family soon. To Dad, thank you for supporting every dream I have. I found myself being a role model for character this year, and everything I learned comes from your example.
I would like to dedicate my year as Miss Illinois to my Mom, Mary Kay O'Connor. Everything I have accomplished is because of her strength, her spirit and her sacrifice.
I will always remember the laughter, the lessons and the love I felt serving as your Miss Illinois. Thank you for the most amazing year of my life.
Love and Kisses,
Erin O'Connor
Miss Illinois 2009