Miss Quincy, Miss Quincy’s Teen ready to compete at Miss Illinois pageant June 6-10 in Marion

QUINCY — Miss Quincy Shelby Rose and Miss Quincy’s Teen Molly Gerard will be competing for the titles of Miss Illinois and Miss Illinois’ Teen June 6-10 in Marion, Ill. 

Rose and Gerard were crowned on Jan. 7 during the Miss Quincy Pageant at Quincy Community Theatre.

Rose, 19, is a daughter of Mark and Melissa Rose of Quincy. She will compete in talent, interview, evening wear, on-stage question and lifestyle and fitness at Miss Illinois. Her talent is lyrical dance. 

“I want to be Miss Illinois so I can have an even bigger platform to reach young women and inspire them to follow their dreams,” Rose in a press release. “So many young women dream of accomplishing amazing feats but have no idea how to get started. I would love to help and be a part of their journey to success.”

Rose is a sophomore at The University of Alabama. She is pursuing a degree in public relations with a minor in digital content engagement. Her goal is to pursue a career in law enforcement while owning and operating a public relations firm tailored for local businesses and non-profit organizations. 

At Alabama, Rose is a member of the Student Recruitment Team, Phi Mu, Public Relations Student Society of America and the Capstone Ad Federation. She works as a content creator and has partnered with some of the most reputable brands in the country — Amazon, Wrangler and Tarte Cosmetics. 

At age 13, Rose founded Fostering Hope, an organization that provides resources and support to those in the foster care community, including children, parents/families and youth aging out of the system. 

“Raising nearly $25,000 and helping more than 400 foster children has been the highlight of my life,” Rose said. “Meeting foster families on a consistent basis inspires me to continue expanding my reach, building new partnerships and increasing my fundraising goals. I work hard every day to make an impact on the foster care system and a positive change in the world.”

The winner of Miss Illinois will be announced on Saturday, June 10. Miss Illinois 2023 will make appearances throughout the state, serve as an advocate for her community service initiative and compete for the title of Miss America early next year. 

“I’m most looking forward to my private interview,” Rose said. “I love being able to talk privately with the judges so that I can learn more about them as well. My interview also gives me the chance to share my passion for helping the foster care system. I am truly thankful for every individual who has helped me prepare for Miss Illinois. Quincy has my heart.”

Gerard, 15, is a daughter of Brandon and Miranda Gerard of Pittsfield. She will compete in lifestyle and fitness, evening wear, on-stage question, interview and talent at the Miss Illinois’ Teen competition. Gerard will perform a lyrical dance for her talent. 

“Interview is my favorite phase of competition, because I’m able to explain to the judges the work I’ve accomplished with my platform and my future goals,” Gerard said. “It allows me to personally connect with them, which I love. I’m so thankful for what the Miss America system has offered me so far. I’m more than ready to represent my community to my fullest.”

Gerard is a junior at Pittsfield High School. Her goal is to graduate high school with honors and attend the University of Alabama and major in school psychology. She is a member of FFA and dances at The Studio in Pittsfield. 

Her social impact initiative is Plant a Seed – Educating the Youth on the Importance of Agriculture. Gerard has partnered with Ag in the Classroom and teaches lessons in elementary schools throughout the area. 

“I am so passionate about my platform, because I grew up on a farm and both of my parents work in the agriculture industry,” Gerard said. “Unfortunately, I have witnessed a lack of agriculture literacy among my peers. It is my goal to change that. My plan is to bridge the gap between America’s producers and consumers. With the agricultural state of Illinois supporting me as Miss Illinois’ Teen, we can make it happen.”

The winner of Miss Illinois’ Teen will be selected June 9. She will go on to compete for the title of Miss America’s Teen, which will be held in conjunction with Miss America.

For more information on the Miss Illinois competition, visit www.missillinois.org.

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.