Lombard woman named Miss Northern Suburbs 2014

On Saturday, Oct. 19, Laura Lake, a 21-year-old from Lombard, was chosen as the new Miss Northern Suburbs.

Held at the Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest, the Miss Northern Suburbs Competition featured 15 contestants competing for the titles of Miss Northern Suburbs, Miss Northern Suburbs’ Outstanding Teen and Miss Northern Suburbs’ Outstanding Pre-Teen.

Kaitlyn Dixon from Delavan was chosen as the new Miss Northern Suburbs’ Outstanding Teen, and Peyton Newman from Vernon Hills was chosen as the new Miss Northern Suburbs’ Outstanding Pre-Teen.

Moments after being selected, Lake shared her excitement about winning the title.

“I am already looking forward to my duties this year — making public appearances, preparing to compete for the job and title of Miss Illinois, getting involved with Children’s Miracle Network, and spreading the message of my platform, which is about working together to end hunger,” Lake said.

As Miss Northern Suburbs, Lake receives a $5,000 Lake Forest College in-kind scholarship, a $250 cash scholarship, courtesy of the Waukegan Masonic Lodge 78, and the opportunity to compete for the Miss Illinois title in Marion June 8-15.

Currently a student at Northern Illinois University, Lake is working on a master’s degree in public administration and hopes to work in development for a nonprofit organization.

During her year as Miss Northern Suburbs, Lake will travel throughout the Lake and McHenry County areas advocating her platform issue. She will talk to various government representatives, business leaders, community groups and citizens-at-large, urging them to get involved in spreading the message about ending hunger.

“Laura embodies the qualities a role model for young women and girls should have,” said Kristen Hadap, president of the Miss Northern Suburbs Organization. “She’s talented, ambitious and accomplished. We are excited about working with her this year.”

A number of other contestants received awards during the competition, including: Miss Northern Suburbs First Runner-up Kristen One of Vernon Hills, recipient of a $3,000 Lake Forest College in-kind scholarship; Miss Northern Suburbs Second Runner-up Adrienne Boni of Villa Park, recipient of a $1,000 Lake Forest College in-kind scholarship; People’s Choice Award, Elisabeth Mies of Lindenhurst; and the Entrepreneur Award, Isabella Solano of Park City.