Shelby Rose wins 2023 Miss Quincy pageant

QUINCY — Prior to this weekend, Shelby Rose’s most recognizable claim to fame may have been being one of the most successful drivers in the history of the Quincy Soap Box Derby.

At the top of Rose’s resume now, however, is the Miss Quincy title she earned Saturday night.

“The Soap Box Derby (success) does not compare to this,” said Rose, smiling and thoroughly enjoying the moment shortly after donning the crown as the 75th Miss Quincy. 

Rose was named Miss Quincy before a standing-room-only crowd at the 498-seat Oakley-Lindsay Center.

“I feel so blessed right now,” she said. “This has been such an incredible experience.”

Rose, who has been a part of the pageant process since 2018, will forever be grateful to an old friend she said coaxed her into “trying it.”

“At first I said no, I wasn’t interested at all,” Rose said. “But the more I found out about it, the more interested I became.”

The rest, as they say, history.

“I fell in love with it,” she said.

Rose, who emerged from a field of eight candidates, also received a $3,000 college scholarship, plus thousands of other dollars worth of prizes. She plans on using her platform to benefit foster children.

When does Rose’s reign officially begin?

“As soon as I get up (Sunday) morning,” she said.

Rose, 19, is the daughter of Mark and Melissa Rose, and is majoring in public relations at the University of Alabama with a minor in digital content engagement.

First runner-up honors went to Ashley Miller, 24, with Jasmine Cobb, 20, named second-runner-up and Lauren Woodward, 22, third runner-up.

Other Miss Quincy contestants included Crystal Middendorf, 22; Madison Baker, 22; Makenna Post, 18; and Haley Boyd, 20.

Also part of the night’s activities was naming the new Miss Quincy Outstanding Teen, an honor that went to Molly Gerard, 15. Gerard, who was also presented a $1,000 scholarship, attends Pittsfield High School.

First runner-up was in the Outstanding Teen competition was Kaydee Rennecker, 16, who attends Western High School. Adriana Pavon, 17, who attends Quincy High School, was second runner-up.

Other Outstanding Teens contestants were Lyndi Weatherford, Olivia Schaller and Kennedy Artman.

Those between the ages of 19 and 26 who live, work or attend school in Adams, Brown, Pike, Schuyler or Scott counties were eligible for the Miss Quincy competition. The contest included talent, interview, on-stage questions, social impact pitches and evening wear categories.

The Miss Quincy Outstanding Teen contest was open to those at least 13 years old but not older than 18 by Dec. 31, 2023, with the same residency requirements. Competition included talent, interview, on-stage questions, fitness and evening wear. 

Miss Quincy and Miss Quincy Outstanding Teen will spend much their year’s reign advocating for their social impact initiatives and making dozens of community appearances.

Outgoing Miss Quincy Juliana Fray and Miss Quincy Outstanding Teen Alli Peterson crowned the new titleholders. At the 2022 Miss Illinois competition, Fray was fourth runner-up and Peterson fifth runner-up. Fray told the crowd one the top memories she will take from the last year was learning “to be present where my presence mattered.” Peterson said she “had the time of her life” during her reign.

Lindsey Hess served as executive director for the The Miss Quincy and Miss Quincy Outstanding Teen contests, which also serve as preliminaries for the Miss Illinois and Miss America contests. Both of Saturday’s winners will be part of the Miss Illinois pageant, scheduled for June 5-10 in Marion.

Those between the ages of 19 and 26 who live, work or attend school in Brown, Pike, Schuyler or Scott counties were eligible for the Miss Quincy competition. The contest included talent, interview, on-stage questions, social impact pitches and evening wear categories.

There was also a non-competitive Princess Program for girls ages 5 to 10, designed to build self-confidence and poise, plus learning the importance of manners, kindness and service to community. 

Twelve participants were part of the Princess Program. They performed in the opening musical number of the evening and walked the stage in a dress of their choosing. Each princess received a crown and sash.

The Princess Program participants were Aislynn Griffin, Peightyn Johnson, Brielle Heidbreder, Etana Lilako, Quinn Hummel, Ahna York, Raelynn Weatherford, Eliza Piper, Ila Mae Crider, Trinity Harrison, Jolene Willis and Destiny Hays.

The theme of Saturday’s event was “Havana Nights” and featured performances by Salsa 29 Productions, Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project and Ashley’s Dance Company.

Matt Schmitt served as master of ceremonies for the pageant and Mayor Mike Troup presented Rose with a flower bouquet during her crowning. 

One of the special guests of the pageant was Mallory Sublette, Miss Missouri’s Outstanding Teen 2022. Sublette is a senior at Palmyra High School.

Serving as judges for the Miss Quincy and Miss Quincy Outstanding Queen competitions were Ruthie Kiehl, Paula Hawley, Trent Hollinger, Jessica Garkie and Diane Metternich Flynn.