Miss Illinois Blog

August 1, 2009 | BLOG ENTRY #2 | by MISS ILLINOIS 2009 ERIN O'CONNOR

Greetings readers! I hope everyone is having a safe and fun summer, and wearing sun screen everyday! US TODAY just published an article confirming that UV beds can be as poisonous as arsenic and mustard gas, please be careful!

A little update on what I've been up to lately. Last month I attended my first local pageant as Miss Illinois, the Miss Metropolis pageant. I'd like to commend the contestants and volunteers who did a fantastic job! The show went very smoothly and the girls were very impressive. I was so proud of Miranda Davidson who was crowned Miss Metropolis 2009, and Sophia Thomasson the new outstanding teen. Congratulations to all of the contestants!

While down in Southern Illinois, I had my first official photo shoot with Limelight studios. Some of the pictures are already posted to the website, I am so pleased with how they turned out! I had so much fun during our barbecue/photo shoot. A big thank you to all the ladies at Limelight Studios, great job!

This month I attended the Marionjoy Golf outing. Marionjoy is a hospital that specializes in rehabilitation services. All day I heard stories about the wonderful opportunities provided by the hospital, including a scholarship program that benefits physically disabled students. I was so glad I could help out at the event and I can't wait to visit their facilities later this year.

I've also completed my Character Counts! training workshop. I spent three days learning the In's and outs of the CC framework. Character Counts is a non-political, non religious program developed by a council of people from all walks of life that promotes virtues all people can agree are important. As Miss Illinois I am a spokesperson for the Character Counts program. Participating in this workshop has given me the opportunity to examine my life and ask, "Am I living as a person of character?" I'd like to encourage everyone to ask themselves, do I honor the six pillars of character? (Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness Caring and Citizenship.)

The whole Miss Illinois gang attended the Rockin' with the Troops concert on July 18. I was touched by all the stories of heroism and courage, not only from the soldiers but their families as well. Early in the day I had he honor of addressing the whole crowd onstage as they unveiled the new Bob Hope postage stamp. Later we listened to Gary Sinese and the Lieutenant Dan's, they put on a great show!

The big news from this month is of course the new Miss Illinois car! This year I'll be driving a 2010 Honda Insight Hybrid sponsored by Honda on Grand car dealership. I'd like to give a big thank you to Honda on Grand and the Parin family for their generosity and support. I've named the car M.I.A. (For Miss Illinois Association.) The car is fully loaded, and I am pretty sure it can fly if I just find the right button!

This upcoming month will be very busy. I'm asking everyone to keep our Illinois Outstanding teen Andrea Novak in their thoughts and prayers as she compete for the title of Miss America Outstanding teen in Florida this month. I'll be there cheering her on!

I thank God everyday for giving me this amazing opportunity. I have changed so much already, not only emotionally but physically. An extremely important part of being Miss Illinois is learning how to present myself. I've received numerous tips and lots of coaching to improve hair, make up, clothes ect. I am so grateful for everyone who has helped bring out the best in me on the inside and out.

I am also grateful for Glen and Amalia Shwerdtmann. They recognized my need for guidance and have graciously accepted me into their home. They have been a constant source of advice and encouragement. I don't know how I could make the transition into the role of Miss Illinois without their generosity of time and spirit.

My dearest wish is to be a Miss Illinois that my state can be proud of. Everyday I try to be a little bit better than I was the day before. I will continue to do everything I possibly can to bring out the best in myself mentally, physically, and spiritually. Thank you all for your support and faith!

Erin O'Connor
Miss Illinois 2009