Miss Teen Illinois International Farewell

This weekend I gave up my title as Miss Teen Illinois International 2018. On Friday my sister queens and I went to Feed My Starving Children for our last act of service together. Afterward, Kennedy and I went to get our nails done and we ate sushi at Shakou! Before going back to the hotel we stopped at Target to get snacks and goodies for the weekend. We quickly went to sleep before having to wake up very early for our hair and makeup time slots. Saturday consisted of meeting the contestants at their morning interviews. After they were done I was able to do a Q&A session with them so they could get to know me, and what I did during my year. We were soon off to rehearsals to learn the opening number, walking patterns, and the crowning process for the future queen. The queens then had to go to the Go Red legacy event benefiting the American Heart Association. We were able to bond with legacy queens, record videos to why we Go Red and enjoy the food. After the event, the queens plus our directors went to Ruth Chris for a final meal as a family. We shared our favorite memories from the year, and laughed a lot! On Sunday we went to the theatre for stage rehearsals, and hanging out. It was really nice not having the pressure of competing, and enjoying time with the girls. We had tacos for lunch and soon it was time for the final show. The show was great, and the girls and women performed and spoke fantastically. I am so happy for my successor, Samantha, to embark on her journey and grow as a person, competitor, and queen.

I am so thankful for a year full of growth, love, and opportunity. I will forever have my International family and I can’t wait to see where my journey takes me.

For the last time I am Miss Teen Illinois International 2018, Jacey Johnson