Miss Illinois Blog
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM MISS ILLINOIS!
December 1, 2009 | BLOG #6 | by Miss Illinois 2009 Erin O'Connor
Happy Holidays Everyone! I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving, I know I am grateful for all of the wonderful experiences I had this November. We wrapped up October with the Children's Miracle Network Fundraiser. A special Thank you to my family; Terri Walsh and her family, Aunt Margie and all the Hulls, Aunt Nancy and the Dusts, Mary Martin, Noni Burns, all the neighbors from the Millard "Bubble". The members of Most Holy Redeemer Parish and Mother McAuley for their support. I am so proud to report that we raised $6,822.50 for CMN! Our hope for the year was $5,000 so I want to thank everyone who was involved with helping us exceed our goal. The whole night was a blast, and you can see pictures posted on the Miss Illinois homepage.A few days after the CMN fundraiser I had the honor of being a key speaker at the Torch Relay for Children's Miracle Network at Soldier Field. All who attended were thrilled to hear about the Miss Illinois Scholarship Association's efforts on behalf of CMN.
While there is no typical day in the life of Miss Illinois, training for Miss America is a constant part of my life. I meet with the Miss America prep team through out the week working on dance, physical fitness, interview skills and more. Special thanks to Dr. Siegal at Big Smile Dental for all of his support. School presentations appear weekly on the Miss Illinois Calendar. Character Counts is one of my most important jobs. I would encourage any Miss Illinois hopefuls to learn and use the 6 pillars of character in their years of service.
On the 8th I had the pleasure of attending the Miss Kankakee County Pageant. I was so proud to see my friends Marciana Lee and Jeniece Fleming pass along their title. Season Winesburg, Miss Northern Illinois did a fantastic job emceeing the event. Congratulations to Tess Boyer, our new Miss Kankakee County! Another big congratulations to the new Miss Capital City Natalie Sherer!
On the tenth I attended the Book and Brunch Assistance League Luncheon. Also in attendance was Miss America's own Sam Haskell! If anyone has not read his book, "Promises I Made My Mother", I highly recommend it.
Veteran's day was very special for me. I spoke at Lincoln National cemetery on behalf of Flowers for Hero's. My friend Joe Cantafio invited me to sing a few songs before the ceremony. At the opening I sang the National Anthem, and listened to other speakers including Governor Quinn. It is so important to honor those who risk their lives everyday to fight for the integrity of our country. It was my honor to speak at the same place where my Grandfather Bob O'Connor who served as a marine is buried.
In November I wrapped up the last of my 8 week Triple Threat Mentoring class. I worked with 5th graders from Bardwell Elementary on the fundamentals of Improvised Theatre. At our final meeting we invited parents and friends to the first show of our troupe "Elmo-prov." It was a huge success and a great time!
On the 21st I emceed the Canvasses and Corks Gala. It was a fundraiser for the Rainbow's organization that specializes in grief counseling for children. I was able to share my positive experiences with counseling. My Mom was first diagnosed with Melanoma when I was just 12 years old, and I benefited greatly from the presence of counseling in my life. Thank you to Gina McAndrew and the Canvasses and Corks Fundraising Committee.
On the 23rd and 24th I was present at the Illinois Association of County Officials Conference. A special thank you to Bobby Myers and his family for taking such good care of me during my stay.
Thanksgiving week was a whirlwind of parades and family gatherings. On Thursday morning I was in the McDonald's Thanksgiving Day Parade in downtown Chicago. In the last 5 months I've been in many parades and had terrible luck with weather. I also had the wonderful opportunity to perform in a special Christmas Pre-Show with the All Midwest Choir and Color Guard. http://funmeevents.com/ Thursday was no different as it was drizzling and cold, but Andrea, Peyton and I had a great time in our horse-drawn carriage anyway! My unlucky weather streak was broken on Saturday at the St Charles Christmas Parade. Not only was it a beautiful day but it was an amazing parade to see. Each float was decorated with Christmas lights and glowed through the darkened streets of St Charles.
Next month will bring more Miss America prep and events. I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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Erin O'Connor
Miss Illinois 2009