Miss Quincy and Miss Quincy’s Teen competition set for Saturday night at Quincy Community Theatre

QUINCY — The Miss Quincy Scholarship Program recently announced the annual Miss Quincy and Miss Quincy’s Teen Competition, presented by Gully Transportation, will take place at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 at Quincy Community Theatre.

Seven women will compete for the title of Miss Quincy and a $3,000 college scholarship provided by Gully Transportation, along with thousands of dollars in prizes. The winner will advance to Miss Illinois 2025, a preliminary to Miss America, held in June in Marion.

Six contestants will compete for Miss Quincy’s Teen, a pathway to Miss Illinois’ Teen and Miss America’s Teen. The Miss Quincy’s Teen winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship provided by Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences, as well as additional prizes.

The 2025 theme, “An Evening in the Emerald City,” draws inspiration from “Wicked,” “The Wizard of Oz” and “The Wiz,” celebrating magic, strength and resilience.

“When planning this year’s competition, we aimed to capture the magic and heart that make Quincy the Gem City,” Lindsey Hess, executive director of the Miss Quincy Scholarship Program, said in a press release. “The theme reflects transformation and limitless potential, echoing the incredible journeys our delegates embark on throughout this experience.”

A notable addition to this year’s competition is the Frank Haxel Performing Arts Scholarship, awarded to the highest-scoring delegate in vocal or instrumental performance, courtesy of The Bay City Performing Arts Foundation. Additionally, the “Woman of Impact” Awards, sponsored by Quincy Recycle, will recognize one Miss Quincy and one Miss Quincy Teen delegate for their passion and dedication to their community service initiatives.

Delegates will compete in private interview, talent, evening wear, on-stage question and fitness phases. The fitness competition is sponsored by Blessing Health. As part of this phase, delegates will model red activewear to raise awareness for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement.

In collaboration with The WearHouse, a special Go Red for Women-inspired merchandise collection is available, inviting the community to show their support. Items can be bought online at https://thewearhousequincy.com/collections/miss-quincy-2025.

Miss Quincy 2024, Nicole Taylor, and Miss Quincy’s Teen 2024, Alexis Lucie, will crown their successors after a year of service.

“I don’t think anything will compare to the privilege it has been serving as Miss Quincy,” Taylor said. “It truly isn’t just a crown. This experience has provided professional development, lasting friendships, life-changing opportunities, and so much growth.”

“Serving my community is not about me; it is about the impact I can make on someone else,” said Lucie, who placed in the Top 10 at Miss Illinois’ Teen. “This year, I have been able to step outside of my comfort zone and develop so many great qualities that I would not have if it weren’t for this title. I am so thankful for every event, appearance, and volunteer opportunity that I have had this year.”

On competition night, 18 girls ages 3-10 will shine on stage as part of Miss Quincy’s Gems, an official local chapter of the Miss America’s Little Sisters Program. This non-competitive mentorship program fosters confidence and poise in young girls, guided by Miss Quincy and Miss Quincy’s Teen delegates.

Attendees will be treated to a special performance by Eliza Hallal, Miss Indiana 2022, who captivated audiences at Miss America 2023 with her powerful rendition of “Defying Gravity,” earning a preliminary talent award and a Top 7 placement. Additional entertainment will include performances by Ashley’s Dance Company, Square Peg Group Troupe and speed painter Matt Lovell.

Emily Reuschel and KHQA’s Rich Cain will co-host the event. Mayor Mike Troup will present a bouquet to the newly crowned Miss Quincy.

Tickets are available in advance for $20 at Emerald City Jewelers or $25 at the door. Supporters can order flowers for their favorite delegate at lavishfloraldesign.com.

To celebrate this weekend, Bayview Bridge will shine emerald green on Friday and Saturday nights in honor of the competition.

Miss Quincy Delegates

Jaelyn Eilers

• Age: 22
• Parents: Chris and Brad Eilers
• College: Western Illinois University
• Major: Agri Business
• Talent: Dance/Tumbling
• Community Service Initiative: Protecting Those Who Protect Us

Jasmine Cobb

• Age: 22
• Parents: Brooke Cobb
• College: Lindenwood University
• Major: Marketing
• Talent: Musical Theater Dance
• Community Service Initiative: Lift the Barriers: Inclusivity Matters

Emma Dalke

• Age: 24
• Parents: Lisa and Brad Dalke
• College: University of Missouri (2022 Graduate)
• Major: Journalism and Theater Performance
• Employment: Reporter at Muddy River News
• Talent: Vocal
• Community Service Initiative: Read Lead Succeed

Matti McCartney

• Age: 20
• Parents: Michael and Crystal McCartney
• College: Western Governors University
• Major: Speech Pathology
• Talent: HerStory
• Community Service Initiative: Reading Between the Lines: Advocating for Dyslexia Awareness

Adriana Pavon

• Age: 19
• Parents: Kevin Pavon
• College: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
• Major: Business
• Talent: Vocal
• Community Service Initiative: Tails of Giving: Volunteer, Connect, Transform

Amber Schone

• Age: 19
• Parents: Mikayla VanFleet and Michael Schone
• College: Blackburn College
• Major: Pre med-Biology
• Talent: Painting
• Community Service Initiative: Better to be safe than sorry OSHA Safety Violations

Sinead Davis

• Age: 21
• Parents: Michael Davis and Ciara Hutton
• Talent: Vocal
• Community Service Initiative: Be limitless in your youth.

Miss Quincy’s Teen Delegates

Michaela Voth

• Age: 15
• Parents: Lance and Michelle Voth
• School: Unity High School
• Talent: Dance
• Community Service Initiative: Welcome Home: Adopt a Sheltered Animal

Hannah Beckmann

• Age: 14
• Parents: Kurtis & Kelli Beckmann
• School: Jacksonville Middle School
• Talent: Lyrical Dance
• Community Service Initiative: Power Pass Cancer!

Anna Dietrich

• Age: 15
• Parents: Tim and Christina Dietrich
• School: Liberty High School and John Wood Community College
• Talent: Signing
• Community Service Initiative: Bold Steps, Bright Future – Inspiring Youth Leadership

Lillie Brown

• Age: 15
• Parents: Ted and Sissy Brown
• School: Homeschooled
• Talent: Lyrical Dance
• Community Service Initiative: Straightening Crowns: Advocating for Kindness and Safety Online

Anika Reddy

• Age: 16
• Parents: Sudha Reddy and Venu Reddy
• School: Quincy Senior High School
• Talent: Violin
• Community Service Initiative: Sightless Voices: advocating for those with vision loss

Molly Gerard

• Age: 17
• Parents: Miranda and Brandon Gerard
• School: Pittsfield High School and John Wood Community College
• Talent: Piano and Jazz Dance
• Community Service Initiative: Leap of Faith

Miss Quincy’s Gems Participants

Ava Martinez

• Age: 10
• Parents: Lorenzo and Rachel Martinez

Bella Gilmore

• Age: 5
• Parents: Zach Gilmore and Sandy Clark

Aurora Groman

• Age: 7
• Parents: Joel & Tara Groman

Jacqueline Vardaros

• Age: 6
• Parents: Sid and Jacqueline Vardaros

Lynli Carlin

• Age: 8
• Parents: Ryan and Jessica Carlin

Presley Aubuchon

• Age: 5
• Parents: Katherine and William Aubuchon

Rachelle Asher

• Age: 6
• Parents: Garrett and Rachel Asher

Josephine Caldwell

• Age: 6
• Parents: Robert & Christina Caldwell

Vivian Blickhan

• Age: 9
• Parents: Sean & Neely Blickhan

Evie Lovelace

• Age: 6
• Parents: Jessica and John Willis, Corey and Brittany Lovelace

Ila Mae Crider

• Age: 7
• Parents: Shanice Crider and Demeique Humphrey

Rosie Gilmore

• Age: 3
• Parents: Zach Gilmore and Sandy Clark

Adelia Haschemeyer

• Age: 8
• Parents: Chris and Jennifer Haschemeyer

Jolene Willis

• Age: 9
• Parents: Jessica & Patrick Hollensteiner

Paizlynn Gower

• Age: 7
• Parents: Joey & Crichette Gower

Alyda Reuschel

• Age: 5
• Parents: Andrew & Emily Reuschel

Andi Kirlin

• Age: 9
• Parents: Ryne and Kalyn Kirlin

Arabella Hollensteiner

• Age: 4
• Parents: Jessica & Patrick Hollensteiner

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. Its mission is to empower young women by providing educational scholarships and life-changing opportunities for personal and professional growth.