Miss Illinois USA & Miss Illinois Teen USA

Vanbros became involved in the MISS USA & MISS TEEN USA pageants over 26 years ago. They began as the director for Kansas, and later became the director for Missouri, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Arkansas and Illinois. Vanbros has taken more than 150 women to the national MISS USA & MISS TEEN USA competitions. Under his direction, our states have become regulars in the top-15 and top-5. There have even been six national winners. However, Vanbros is most proud of the 'post-pageant' real-life successes enjoyed by the titleholders and the contestants who write to thank us for their experience. You can read some of the testimonials at www.vanbros.com.

The focus of Vanbros from the beginning, is for this program to provide a fair environment in which young women have the opportunity to better themselves. We hope the pageant encourages the contestants to gain self-awareness, self-confidence, individual pride, and greater social awareness. We hope each contestant improves her ability to communicate effectively, speak in front of people, and stand up for her beliefs. We encourage our contestants to find issues she feel's strongly about, and to become involved in organizations and causes that speak to her heart. Each young lady who enters this program has different goals, and we strive hard to assist each young woman in her own personal quest.

Regardless of what your future career plans are, this is an environment that can open many exciting doors. Each year, career connections are made by contestants during their pageant experience! Or, maybe you have not decided yet on a future career path. That’s okay too because maybe this experience will help you find something you want to do with your life. This could even be your chance to get "discovered!" It’s happened to many young women before!

We're especially proud of the fact that many contestants each year have never been in a pageant and they find it to be a rewarding and worthwhile experience. Many have won on their first attempt, and many others return because it was a positive experience. We like to believe that each young woman who participates in our pageant leaves a little more prepared to deal with the world around them, and more importantly, the world ahead of them! Basically, our philosophy for the MISS ILLINOIS USA & MISS ILLINOIS TEEN USA Pageant is not about encouraging young women to ‘win’ a pageant, but to encourage excellence in young women, and to help them develop life skills that will ultimately help them win in life by being the best they can be in everything they do.

The winners of our State Pageant will each embark on an exciting journey, and receive a prize package including cash, wardrobe, and travel.

Competition Weekend:
While our program places an emphasis on excellence, achievement, and personal growth, we also strive to make the pageant experience FUN!
The winner of MISS ILLINOIS USA will advance to the nationally televised MISS USA Pageant, and the winner of the MISS ILLINOIS TEEN USA title will advance to the MISS TEEN USA Pageant. Should MISS ILLINOIS USA go on to win MISS USA, she would then advance to the ultimate contest... the internationally televised MISS UNIVERSE Pageant.

The Competition:
Each Contestant will compete in three equal phases of preliminary competition: active wear/swimsuit, evening gown, and interview. The scores from the preliminary phases of competition are added up, and the contestants with the highest composite scores become semifinalists. The number of semifinalists will be between 10 and 15, and will be determined by the total number of contestants in the competition.
Scoring is based on the following:

Active Wear/Swimsuit: each contestant is evaluated on her physical fitness, stage-presence, and overall impression.

Evening Gown: each contestant is evaluated on grace, poise, style, stage presence, the confidence with which she carries herself, and overall-impression.

Interview: preliminary interviews are personal one-on-one style. You will have four minute interviews with each of the five judges. Its very comfortable and conversational. Contestants are scored on their communication skills, and personality. They are NOT scored on their opinions or personal beliefs. Once the semifinalists are announced during the final show, they will again compete in swimsuit and evening gown. These two phases of competition will narrow the field to a group of five finalists.

The top-5 will then each have an on-stage interview. The interview will be conducted by the emcee. She will ask them a question submitted by a fellow contestant and one submitted by a judge. The interview will end with one randomly selected question unrelated to their bio, and submitted prior to the show by either the panel of judges or the contestants. After the top-5 interviews, the judges will make the final rankings based on their overall impression of each contestant. The judges will select a winner, 1st runner-up, 2nd runner-up, 3rd runner-up, and 4th runner-up in each age group.

Competition Wardrobe:
Each contestant will need rehearsal clothing (sweats, sweatshirts, tennis shoes, etc.), and a business casual outfit for registration. The required competition and stage wardrobe is as follows:

Private Interview: An outfit that represents your personality and you feel comfortable wearing. This can range from casual to business oriented, but something you would find in your own closet.

Active Wear (TEEN): You will be competing in athletic wear as opposed to swimwear this year. You will need an athletic style sports bra and may chose between compression pants and compression shorts. You can select any color or pattern. Reflect your personality. No customized text (your name or title) is allowed. Wear coordinating tennis or gym shoes.

Swimsuit (MISS): Miss contestants may chose between one and two-piece suits. However, adequate coverage is required and no thongs are allowed. Swimsuits may be any appropriate style, and design, and there are no color restrictions. Patterns and prints are also acceptable.

Evening Gown: all contestants must have a full-length evening gown of their choice. The style, design, and color is up to you. It can be elaborate, or very simple. Choose something that makes you feel like Cinderella. Your gown should represent YOUR own personality and taste. Remember, you can look like a million bucks without spending a million bucks! Teens are encouraged to wear gowns that reflect a more youthful style and look than the Miss contestants.

Fashion Show Opening Introductions: NEW! Beginning this year, we will no longer have an opening number dance routine. Each contestant will select an outfit of their choice to wear in a runway style FASHION SHOW INTRODUCTION. Select an outfit that reflects your own personality, style and sense of fashion. You can select a dress, pants, shorts, jumpsuit/romper of any color or print with coordinating footwear and any accessories (NO FULL LENGTH GOWNS or FLOOR LENGTH TRAINS). Please make sure your outfit is in good taste! Have fun and show your personality! You may select a fashion show opening outfit that can also be worn during your private interview (refer to the private interview information above).

How to Enter:
After reviewing all of the information on our Web site, if you have an interest in becoming a contestant, click on "Apply Today" above and follow the easy steps. There is NO fee required to apply. Once we receive your application, it will be reviewed by a selection committee. If your application is approved, you’ll be contacted by the pageant office.

Pageant History

Check out the winners of the Miss Illinois USA pageants in the past:

Miss Illinois USA 2020 - Olivia Pura
Miss Illinois USA 2019 – Alexandra Plotz
Miss Illinois USA 2018 – Karolina Jasko
Miss Illinois USA 2017 – Whitney Wandland
Miss Illinois USA 2016 – Zena Malak
Miss Illinois USA 2015 – Renee Wronecki
Miss Illinois USA 2014 – Lexi Atkins
Miss Illinois USA 2013 – Stacie Juris
Miss Illinois USA 2012 – Ashley Hooks
Miss Illinois USA 2011 – Angela Sparrow
Miss Illinois USA 2010 – Ashley Bradarich
Miss Illinois USA 2009 – Ashley Bond
Miss Illinois USA 2008 – Shanon Lersch
Miss Illinois USA 2007 – Mia Heaston
Miss Illinois USA 2006 – Catherine Warren
Miss Illinois USA 2005 – Jill Gulseth
Miss Illinois USA 2004 – Molly Graham
Miss Illinois USA 2003 – Angieszka Zakreta
Miss Illinois USA 2002 – Amanda Reynolds
Miss Illinois USA 2001 – Rebecca Ambrosi
Miss Illinois USA 2000 – Constance Stoetzer
Miss Illinois USA 1999 – Christina Lam
Miss Illinois USA 1998 – Mandy Lane
Miss Illinois USA 1997 – Jennifer Salinas
Miss Illinois USA 1996 – Bernadette Przybycien
Miss Illinois USA 1995 – Nichole Holmes
Miss Illinois USA 1994 – Kathleen Farrell
Miss Illinois USA 1993 – Susie Park
Miss Illinois USA 1992 – Leilani Magnussen
Miss Illinois USA 1991 – Lisa Morgan
Miss Illinois USA 1990 – Karla Myers
Miss Illinois USA 1989 – Kelly Holub
Miss Illinois USA 1988 – Gina Zordani
Miss Illinois USA 1987 – Joan Berge
Miss Illinois USA 1986 – Tricia Bach
Miss Illinois USA 1985 – Laura Bach
Miss Illinois USA 1984 – LaVonne Misselle
Miss Illinois USA 1983 – Vanessa Romine
Miss Illinois USA 1982 – Carla Caielson
Miss Illinois USA 1981 – Leslie Renfrow
Miss Illinois USA 1980 – Karen Groat
Miss Illinois USA 1979 – Debra Niego
Miss Illinois USA 1978 – Suzanne Piche
Miss Illinois USA 1977 – Elizabeth Curran
Miss Illinois USA 1976 – Kathy Schmalen
Miss Illinois USA 1975 – Connie Reif
Miss Illinois USA 1974 – Karen Morrison
Miss Illinois USA 1973 – Amanda Jones
Miss Illinois USA 1972 – Jani Hall
Miss Illinois USA 1971 – Paulette Breen
Miss Illinois USA 1970 – Carol Pepoon
Miss Illinois USA 1969 – Christine Jalloway
Miss Illinois USA 1968 – Sandra Wolsfeld
Miss Illinois USA 1967 – Beverly Lacek
Miss Illinois USA 1966 – Cheryl Setser
Miss Illinois USA 1965 – Diane Gortz
Miss Illinois USA 1964 – Karen Wiesbrook
Miss Illinois USA 1963 – Marite Ozers
Miss Illinois USA 1962 – Jean Donnelly
Miss Illinois USA 1961 – Dianne Duffey
Miss Illinois USA 1960 – Patricia Thompson
Miss Illinois USA 1959 – Arlene Kaye
Miss Illinois USA 1958 – June Pickney
Miss Illinois USA 1957 – Marianne Gaba
Miss Illinois USA 1956 – Muriel Blair
Miss Illinois USA 1955 – Betty Daniggelis
Miss Illinois USA 1954 – Celeste Ravel
Miss Illinois USA 1953 – Myrna Hansen
Miss Illinois USA 1952 – Sherry Matulis

The winner of Miss Illinois Teen USA competes at the Miss Teen USA pageant, representing Illinois, for a chance to win the title of Miss Teen USA.

Miss Illinois Teen USA has four phases of competition that include: private interview, on-stage question, evening gown and athletic wear. In order to compete for Miss Illinois Teen USA you must be at least 14 years old and under 19 years of age before January 1st in the year they hope to compete in the Miss Teen USA pageant and you need to have won a preliminary title.

Pageant History


Check out the winners of the Miss Illinois Teen USA pageants in the past:

Miss Illinois Teen USA 2020 - Victoria Blair Rhemrev
Miss Illinois Teen USA 2019 – A’Maiya Allen
Miss Illinois Teen USA 2018 – Sydni Dion Bennett
Miss Illinois Teen USA 2017 – Olivia Bohleber
Miss Illinois Teen USA 2016 – Olivia Pura
Miss Illinois Teen USA 2015 – Megan Riesner
Miss Illinois Teen USA 2014 – Miranda Fenzau
Miss Illinois Teen USA 2013 – Grayson Hodgkiss
Miss Illinois Teen USA 2012 – Alexandra Plotz
Miss Illinois Teen USA 2011 – Paige Higgerson
Miss Illinois Teen USA 2010 – Lexi Atkins
Miss Illinois Teen USA 2009 – Stacie Juris
Miss Illinois Teen USA 2008 – Nora Downs
Miss Illinois Teen USA 2007 – Victoria Davis
Miss Illinois Teen USA 2006 – Ceitlyn Glenn
Miss Illinois Teen USA 2005 – Kelly Cruse
Miss Illinois Teen USA 2004 – Brittany Acosta
Miss Illinois Teen USA 2003 – Tiffiney McCormick
Miss Illinois Teen USA 2002 – Lacey Wilson
Miss Illinois Teen USA 2001 – Brittany Richmond
Miss Illinois Teen USA 2000 – Kimberly Williamson
Miss Illinois Teen USA 1999 – Amber Dusak
Miss Illinois Teen USA 1998 – Nicole Manske
Miss Illinois Teen USA 1997 – Autumn Waterbury
Miss Illinois Teen USA 1996 – Eisa Istok
Miss Illinois Teen USA 1995 – Anne-Marie Dixon
Miss Illinois Teen USA 1994 – Charlotte Martin
Miss Illinois Teen USA 1993 – Jaime Lyn Holbrook
Miss Illinois Teen USA 1992 – Julee Kleffman
Miss Illinois Teen USA 1991 – Kara Kline
Miss Illinois Teen USA 1990 – Terri Bollinger
Miss Illinois Teen USA 1989 – Kimberly Hannell
Miss Illinois Teen USA 1988 – Kathleen McClelland
Miss Illinois Teen USA 1987 – Danielle Reese
Miss Illinois Teen USA 1986 – Dyann Lowery
Miss Illinois Teen USA 1985 – Lisa Jessen
Miss Illinois Teen USA 1984 – Sherise Haugen
Miss Illinois Teen USA 1983 – Linda Burkholder