75th Miss Quincy and Miss Quincy Outstanding Teen competition set for Jan. 7 in Quincy Community Theatre

QUINCY — The Miss Quincy and Miss Quincy’s Outstanding Teen Competition, presented by Gully Transportation, will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday. Jan. 7 in the Quincy Community Theatre.

Eight candidates will compete for Miss Quincy and earn a $3,000 college scholarship and thousands of dollars in prizes. Six will compete for the Outstanding Teen and a $1,000 scholarship, courtesy of Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences. The theme for the event is “Havana Nights.” The event will feature special performances by Salsa 29 Productions, Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project and Ashley’s Dance Company.

The winner will represent Quincy at Miss Illinois, a preliminary competition to Miss America. Candidates for Miss Quincy will compete in the areas of interview, talent, red carpet, social impact initiative pitch and on-stage question.

Teen candidates will compete in the areas of interview, lifestyle and fitness, talent, evening wear and on-stage question. The next Miss Quincy and Miss Quincy’s Outstanding Teen will spend their year advocating for their social impact initiatives and making dozens of community appearances.

Miss Quincy Juliana Fray and Miss Quincy’s Outstanding Teen Alli Peterson will be crowning the new titleholders. At the state competition last June, Fray placed fourth runner-up in the Miss Illinois division and Peterson placed fifth runner-up in the teen division. Peterson also took home awards for top score evening gown and on-stage question, people’s choice and most photogenic.

Twelve participants will take the stage in a fun-filled, non-competitive Princess Program, which offers young girls the opportunity to improve upon skills that promote self-confidence and poise. They will perform in the opening number at the competition and walk the stage in a dress of their choosing. Each princess will receive a crown and sash. 

Miss Quincy candidates are:

• Crystal Middendorf, 22, is a daughter of Joe and Julie Middendorf. She attends Quincy University and previously attended John Wood Community College, majoring in psychology with a minor in human services. She will perform a vocal selection to “Purpose,” and her social impact initiative is titled “Little Minds, Big Futures!”
• Lauren Woodward, 22, is a daughter of Randy and Guyla Woodward. She graduated from Quincy University with a major in political science with a pre-law concentration. She is employed by the Adams County Courthouse as a judicial secretary. She will be speed painting to a Civil War medley, and her social impact initiative is titled “Safe and Sound: Advocating for a Brighter Future for Every Child.”
• Madison Baker, 22, is a daughter of Andrea and Mike Baker. She attends Quincy University majoring in criminal justice. She will perform a stand-up comedy routine, and her social impact initiative is titled “End the Stigma.”
• Shelby Rose, 19, is a daughter of Mark and Melissa Rose. She attends the University of Alabama, majoring in public relations with a minor in digital content engagement. She will perform a lyrical dance to “Body Love,” and her social impact initiative is titled “Fostering Hope.”
• Ashley Miller, 24, is a daughter of Chris and Toni Miller. She graduated from Culver-Stockton College with a major in communications and is employed by KHQA as a multimedia journalist. She will be presenting a speech for the talent competition, and her social impact initiative is titled “Stop the Silence, End the Violence.”
• Makenna Post, 18, is a daughter of Lindsey Whitford and Alan Post. She attends John Wood Community College, majoring in nursing. She will perform an instrumental selection to “Hallelujah,” and her social impact initiative is titled “Stand Up, Speak Out.”
• Jasmine Cobb, 20, is a daughter of Brooke Cobb. She attends Quincy University, majoring in marketing. She will perform a lyrical dance to “I Hope You Dance,” and her social impact initiative is titled “Life the Barriers: Dance is for Everyone.”
• Haley Boyd, 20, is a daughter of Scott and Kathy Boyd. She attends Bryant-Stratton College, majoring in medical assistance. She will perform a lyrical dance to “Control,” and her social impact initiative is titled “An Asset to a Healthy Mind.”

Miss Quincy’s Outstanding Teen candidates:

• Lyndi Weatherford, 13, is a daughter of Diana Weatherford and Billy and Catelynn Weatherford. She attends Quincy Junior High School. Weatherford will perform a dance to “Body Talks,” and the topic for her social initiative is “Mental Health, With You in Mind.”
• Olivia Schaller, 15, is a daughter of Dina Schaller and Seth Schaller. She attends Illini West High School. Weatherford will be singing to “Speechless,” and her social impact initiative is “Got Insulin?”
• Kaydee Rennecker, 16, is a daughter of Chad and Lindsey Rennecker. She attends Western High School. Rennecker will perform a dance routine, and her social impact initiative is “We Care” (sending care packages overseas).
• Kennedy Artman, 14, is a daughter of John and Krista Artman. She attends Carthage Middle School. Artman will perform a contemporary jazz dance to “I’ll Be There.” Her social impact initiative will address the mental and physical benefits of youth sports.
• Adriana Pavon, 17, is a daughter of Kevin and Davina Pavon. She attends Quincy High School. Pavon will perform a vocal selection to “Nella Fantasia,” and her social impact initiative supports Homeward Bound Waggin.
• Molly Gerard, 15, is a daughter of Brandon Gerard and Miranda Gerard. She attends Pittsfield High School. Gerard will play the piano and perform a lyrical dance to “The Last Time.” The topic of her social impact initiative is “Plant a Seed.”

Princess Participants:

• Aislynn Griffin, 10, daughter of Eddie and Christina Griffin
• Peightyn Johnson, 6, daughter of Kevin and Shelby Johnson
• Brielle Heidbreder, 8, daughter of Tony and Shasta Heidbreder
• Etana Lilako, 10, daughter of Tiffany and Eddie (no last name provided)
• Quinn Hummel, 5, daughter of Peter and Alyssa Hummel
• Ahna York, 8, daughter of Jerome and Blondale York
• Raelynn Weatherford, 9, daughter of Diana Weatherford and Billy and Catelynn Weatherford
• Eliza Piper, 5, daughter of Chad and Mindi Piper
• Ila Mae Crider, 5, daughter of Shanice Crider and Demeique Humphrey
• Trinity Harrison, 10, daughter of Rusty and Suzy Harrison
• Jolene Willis, 7, daughter of Jessica and Patrick Hollensteiner
• Destiny Hays, 5, daughter of Jordan and Kimberly Hays

Matt Schmidt will serve as master of ceremonies for the evening. Mayor Mike Troup will present the new Miss Quincy with a flower bouquet during her crowning. Miss Quincy also will welcome Mallory Sublette, Miss Missouri’s Outstanding Teen 2022, as a special guest. Sublette is a senior at Palmyra High School.

Ticket price is $15 in advance at Electric Fountain Brewing Company Coffee Bar and Roastery or $20 at the door.