Miss Illinois Blog

Happy Holidays!

December 29, 2009 | BLOG #7 | by Miss Illinois 2009 Erin O'Connor

This is the last blog I'll write before Miss America! I can't wait to get on that stage in Las Vegas, but in the meantime there is a lot of work to do! This month began with a visit to the St. Francis Girl Scouts. While taking pictures with the girls I was passed several notes from tiny hands. Some of the messages the girls wrote me included "We love Miss Illinois." "Miss Illinois is pretty." and my favorite "We hope you win Miss America, and if you do can you mention Sara and Emily?"

I had a very busy week in Southern Illinois splitting my time between Miss America preparation, some radio shows, a photo shoot with Limelight Studios and school appearances in Marion, Paducah and Brook port. Thank you to the ladies from Limelight, the Christmas pictures turned out lovely! A big thank you to Michelle Holmes for all of her support and coaching,

After Southern Illinois we made our way to Greenville South Carolina to see our sponsor Gregory Ellenburg. I cannot thank Greg enough for his generosity and support. I absolutely love all the clothes he has provided for me and I can't wait to show them off in Vegas. Thanks to Jon and the ladies in the shop for all their hard work and advice! I continue to be grateful to Karen Bloom and Staci Boyer for their work week in and week out. I can't believe it's almost here!

I've enjoyed a lovely holiday with my family. As of right now I have about 80 family members and friends coming to Miss America! I ask everyone to watch TLC the week leading up to the pageant and vote for Miss Illinois!

I'd like to thank everyone who has had a hand in preparing me for the challenge of Miss America. Jon Gripe, Gregory Ellenburg, Michelle Holmes, Karen Bloom, Staci Boyer, Glen and Amalia Schwerdtmann and the countless other well wishers along the way. Your faith in me means so much, I will do my best to make you proud!

See you in Vegas!
Erin O'Connor
Miss Illinois 2009