*PHOTOS from MISS ILLINOIS 2010*

Here are the professional photos from the 2010 Miss Illinois pageant--thank you Limelight Studio Photography!!

*Introductions*

*Talent*

*Evening Gown*
*On-Stage Question*

*With Parents after Prelims*

*Princess Luncheon*

*Top Ten Finalist!!*

Wheaton and Pottery Painting

After deferring from school for a year, I am now a new transfer student at Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL, and I am studying Piano Performance in the Conservatory of Music. There have been challenges, but I have really loved my experience here so far. I'm definitely extremely busy with classes and homework--it is very academically rigorous--on top of my piano practicing. I would have to say that my favorite class right now is Philosophy. I also sing in Concert Choir, which is a big commitment, and I'm involved in chamber music and accompanying. It's very important to me to use my passions to serve others, so I'm thankful for the support and encouragement I feel in this uplifting environment, where our faith is integrated with learning. I thank God for the opportunity to be studying at Wheaton and continuing to pursue my educational and career goals. I've also met great friends with whom I'm continuing to develop relationships!! :) The staff and faculty members that I've been in contact with are also really caring and respectable people. And of course, the beautiful campus and amazing dining facilities are icing on the cake! A heartfelt 'thank you' goes to Ted and Donna Loy--family friends who introduced me to Wheaton--as well as Conservatory Admissions Counselor, Debbie Rodgers--one of the most influential people I met at Wheaton who made me feel welcome and valued from the first day I visited. For anyone interested, Wheaton's website is: http://wheaton.edu/.


Before I left for school in August, I took Bella pottery painting after our last piano lesson together. (We went to Artful Designs). Pottery painting is definitely a unique activity and it made for an enjoyable afternoon, even though we were sad to be saying a temporary goodbye. Bella picked out a sock puppet monkey to paint. After carefully choosing the colors, we painted him and he was adorable! We both had a lot of fun! I miss you, Bella!