Fray finishes as 4th runner-up at Miss Illinois

MARION, Ill. — Juliana Fray, Miss Quincy 2022, placed fourth runner-up Saturday night at the 2022 Miss Illinois Competition in Marion.

She competed earlier in the week in preliminary competition consisting of interview, talent, evening wear, social impact initiative pitch, and on-stage question. Saturday night’s competition began with the announcement of the top 11 semifinalists, which included Fray.

The semifinalists then competed again in talent, on-stage question and evening wear. The top five finalists were called. They each presented their social impact initiative pitch and answered an additional on-stage question. Fray was named fourth runner-up and won a $1,200 scholarship.

The 2022 Miss Illinois is Monica Nia Jones from Chicago. She held the title of Miss Windy City. Jones served as Miss Chicago in 2021, placed second runner-up and won the best overall talent award at the Miss Illinois Competition. Her talent is violin. She will compete at Miss America in December in Uncasville, Conn. 

Miss Quincy’s Outstanding Teen Alli Peterson placed fifth runner-up in the Miss Illinois’ Outstanding Teen Competition on Friday night. She also won awards for people’s choice, most photogenic and top score in evening gown/on-stage question. Peterson won $500 in scholarships. The winner of Miss Illinois’ Outstanding Teen is Mia Fritsch-Anderson, Miss Chicago’s Outstanding Teen 2022. Her talent is Irish dance. 

“Juliana and Alli are exceptional young women, and I am ecstatic their intelligence and strong talent and public speaking skills were recognized,” Miss Quincy Scholarship Program Executive Director Lindsey Hess said. “They are looking forward to returning to the Gem City and serving as the best Miss Quincy and Miss Quincy’s Outstanding Teen they can be.” 

Fray and Peterson will spend the remainder of their year of service representing Quincy at community events and promoting their social impact initiatives. 

The Miss Quincy Scholarship Program will host its 75th anniversary competition on Jan. 7, 2023 at Quincy Community Theatre.