Fray, Peterson to compete in Marion next week in Miss Illinois, Miss Illinois’ Outstanding Teen pageants

MARION, Ill. — Miss Quincy Juliana Fray and Miss Quincy’s Outstanding Teen Alli Peterson are competing for the titles of Miss Illinois and Miss Illinois’ Outstanding Teen June 7-11. Fray and Peterson won their titles on Jan. 8, 2022 at Quincy Community Theatre. 

Fray, 23, is a daughter of Donnie and Jennifer Fray of Pittsfield. She is working towards her master’s degree in political campaigning at the University of Florida. Fray graduated from the University of Tampa in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in political science.

Fray will compete in talent, interview, evening wear, on-stage question and social impact statement during the Miss Illinois Pageant. Her talent is musical theatre dance.

“When I was Miss Quincy’s Outstanding Teen in 2016, hearing my name called as a Top 11 finalist for Miss Illinois’ Outstanding Teen was a moment I will never forget,” Fray said in a press release. “Hopefully this year at Miss Illinois, I can again place in the Top 11 and even bring back some gems to the Gem City.”

Fray’s social impact initiative is “Reverse the Trend: Educating, Registering and Mobilizing Youth Voters.” Through partnerships with Rock the Vote and League of Women Voters, she is focused on increasing youth voter turnout and participation. 

The winner of the Miss Illinois Pageant will be announced the evening of Saturday, June 11. Miss Illinois 2022 will make appearances throughout the state, serve as an advocate for her social impact initiative and compete for the title of Miss America.

“When I attend an event or parade, I always try to find the person who needs a special wave, hug or picture with Miss Quincy,” Fray said. “As Miss Illinois, I want to foster these same relationships and memories and be that role model for someone.”

Peterson, 16, is a daughter of Eric and Brittany Peterson of Winchester. She will be a junior at Winchester High School in the fall. Peterson will compete in lifestyle and fitness, evening wear, on-stage question, interview and talent at the Miss Illinois’ Outstanding Teen competition. She will be performing a high energy jazz dance for her talent.

“I have been preparing for the competition by participating in many mock interviews with amazing people from around the area,” Peterson said in a press release. “I have also been working hard on perfecting my talent with numerous practices to make sure it is the best it can be.”

Through her social impact initiative, “Unity Within a Community,” Peterson hopes to inspire people of all ages to give their time, get involved and invest in their community.

“I want to bring awareness to people that, even in small numbers, we can work together and promote change and revitalize our villages, towns, and cities for future generations,” said Peterson. “Getting youth involved now will make them feel like they have ownership within their hometown, want to stay involved as they grow up and encourage others to do the same.”

The winner of Miss Illinois’ Outstanding Teen will be chosen the evening of Friday, June 10. She will go on to compete for the title of Miss America’s Outstanding Teen on Aug. 10-12, 2022 in Dallas. 

The Miss Quincy Scholarship Program is an official local preliminary to Miss America, one of the nation’s leading achievement programs and the largest source of scholarships for women in the United States. A tradition since 1948, the mission of Miss Quincy is to empower young women by providing educational scholarships and life-changing opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Miss Quincy 2021 Emma Hildebrand placed in the top ten in the Miss Illinois division last June. Miss Quincy’s Outstanding Teen 2021 Shelby Rose placed third runner-up and won an award for the best interview in the Outstanding Teen division.