Molly Smith never participated in a pageant before running for the title of Miss Heart of Illinois Outstanding Teen 2009.
“My views on pageants were that they are always about how beautiful you are,” she said. “I figured they had nothing to do with who you are as a person or how smart you are.”
The 16-year-old from Dunlap won the title last year at Five Points. She said she was quite surprised after participating in the pageant.
“You learn so much about building confidence in yourself and not being afraid to show the world who you are,” she said.
The pageant’s executive director, Roni VanAusdall, agrees.
“Our pageant is not a beauty program,” she said.
While contestants are scored on eveningwear, and the older Miss Heart of Illinois contenders receive points for the controversial swimwear portion of the program, 40 percent of each girl’s total score comes from the talent competition.
VanAusdall said that in the past, talent at the headlining Miss HOI pageant has included belly dancing, monologue and a flutist.
“This year, we have our first-ever drummer,” said VanAusdall.
The pageant will return to Five Points March 27. Its theme, “Beauty and the Beach,” will deliver summertime music and evoke a little fun-in-the-sun.
Last year’s Miss HOI winner, Jennifer Carr of Chatham, will crown the new winner, who will receive a $500 scholarship, a crown, a sash and a trophy. She will go on to compete for the title of Miss Illinois. If she wins that crown, she will move on to Miss America.
Miss HOI is open to women who are high school seniors to 24-years-old. They will compete in five categories: talent, private interview, swimwear, eveningwear and on-stage question.
Miss HOI Outstanding Teen is for girls 13 to 17-years-old. The recipient of this crown will be eligible to compete in Miss Illinois Outstanding Teen.
Outstanding Teen contestants compete in the same five categories as Miss HOI participants, with the exception of swimsuit. Instead, they compete in sportswear.
“This is something that is cute that they would wear to school and shows their personality,” said VanAusdall.
Miss Heart of Illinois and Outstanding Teen contestants compete with a platform.
“They can pick anything under the sun,” said VanAusdall. “Platforms last year included promoting positive self-esteem and lung cancer prevention.”
The winner will have appearances in areas pertaining to her platform.
