McCartney, Gerard to represent Quincy at Miss Illinois competition in Marion on June 24-28

QUINCY — Miss Quincy Matti McCartney and Miss Quincy’s Teen Molly Gerard will represent Quincy at the Miss Illinois and Miss Illinois’ Teen competitions on June 24-28 in Marion. Delegates from across the state will compete in five phases of competition: private interview, talent, health and fitness, evening gown and on-stage question.

McCartney, 21, is a daughter of Michael and Crystal McCartney of Pittsfield. She is majoring in elementary education at Western Governors University and plans to pursue a master’s degree in speech pathology from Western Illinois University. Her community service initiative, “Reading Between the Lines: Advocating for Dyslexia Awareness,” aims to break stigma, build resources and promote supportive learning environments for students with learning differences.

“I want to be Miss Illinois because I believe in using my voice to make others feel seen, heard and empowered — especially those who have struggled in silence,” McCartney in a press release. “Through my platform, I advocate for dyslexia awareness and education equity. Miss Illinois would give me the opportunity to bring this mission to a broader audience by visiting schools, working with educators and influencing policy to ensure every child has the tools they need to succeed.”

McCartney will present a self-written HerStory monologue titled “If Only They Knew” for the talent phase of competition. She describes it as a deeply personal reflection on what it felt like to navigate school as a student with dyslexia.

Her resume includes serving on the Junior Leadership Board of Everyone Reading Illinois, founding a pageant for individuals with special needs, earning full-tuition softball scholarships and receiving numerous academic honors, including Phi Theta Kappa, National Honor Society and Illinois State Scholar recognition.

“Preparing for Miss Illinois has been an incredible journey,” McCartney said. “I’ve been doing mock interviews with people from all around the country to sharpen my communication skills, and I’m so grateful for every person who’s helped me grow.”

Gerard, 17, is a daughter of Miranda and Brandon Gerard of Pittsfield. She recently graduated from Pittsfield High School and was dual-enrolled at John Wood Community College. She will attend the University of Missouri this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing with plans to become a pediatric nurse practitioner.

Her community service initiative, “Leap of Faith – Impacting Dancers Directly or Indirectly Affected by Cancer,” raises funds and awareness for the Dancers Against Cancer organization.

“I want to make a difference in my year as Miss Illinois Teen,” Gerard said. “I have a heart for service and will devote my year to serving our state.”

Gerard’s talent is a high-energy musical theatre dance to “Rose’s Turn.” Her accomplishments include being a certified nursing assistant, certified dance assistant, National Honor Society member, first-place FFA extemporaneous speaker and two-time state champion dance team captain.

“This year, I really focused on the mindset part of preparation,” Gerard said. “I am making sure that I know myself well so I can allow the judges to get to know me also.”

McCartney and Gerard were crowned Miss Quincy and Miss Quincy’s Teen on Jan. 11 at Quincy Community Theatre.

Finals for Miss Illinois’ Teen will take place Friday, June 27, followed by the Miss Illinois finals on Saturday, June 28. State titleholders will go on to compete at Miss America and Miss America’s Teen this September.

For more information about the Miss Illinois Competition, visit www.missillinois.org.

The Miss Quincy Scholarship Program, which has been held since 1948, is an official local preliminary to Miss America.