More than a dozen girls from throughout the state will compete at three different pageants at Five Points Washington Saturday.
After a seven-year absence, the Miss Heart of Illinois pageant will return to the area as a local preliminary opportunity for girls to make it to Miss Illinois in June, and then possibly move on to Miss America.
Miss Heart of Illinois is for high-school senior girls to 24 years old.
The day will also include Little Miss Heart of Illinois for girls ages 3 to 7, and Miss Heart of Illinois Outstanding Teen for girls age 13 to high school juniors.
Roni VanAusdall, executive director of the pageant, said the idea to bring in a new regime and start up the pageant again was inspired by her own experience.
“I used to compete in the Miss America system along with the assistant director, and we really gained a lot from it. We use what we learned in both our personal and professional lives, and I hope to offer the same opportunities for these girls,” VanAusdall said.
The last Miss Heart of Illinois pageant held in this area was in 2002. In the five years of its existence, it awarded more than $25,000 in scholarships to young women in Central Illinois.
The winner of Miss Heart of Illinois receives a $250 scholarship paid directly to the college or university of the winner’s choice, while the Outstanding Teen and Little Miss winners receive $250 and $100 savings bonds, respectively.
VanAusdall said the community has been very supportive of the pageant system’s return to the area.
“All of the girls are getting free hair care for a year from Shears Salon in Washington, skin treatments, fitness center passes, and cars are being donated for all future appearances. The prize package is very large, and that’s due to all of the community donations,” VanAusdall said.
VanAusdall said Sleep Inn is also donating rooms for the pageant judges, as well as for Miss Illinois Katie Lorenz.
Lorenz is speaking to students at Central Grade School at 2:30 p.m. Friday, with the topic of “Right Decisions, Right Now.”
Lorenz is also staying for the weekend to perform and preside over the pageant Saturday.
VanAusdall said the girls have been practicing since January at Crossroads United Methodist Church in Washington.
“They’ve been at it every Sunday for three hours at a time. Our theme is ‘Tribute to Broadway,’ and I think it’s going to make for some interesting talents that night,” VanAusdall said.
