Lake Zurich resident crowned Miss Illinois High School America
After a recent busy pageant weekend, Suhanee Patel of Lake Zurich was crowned Miss Illinois High School America 2018. Being one of 24 contestants in various age divisions, Suhanee finished with the overall title of Miss Illinois High School America 2018.
"It seemed surreal to hear my name next to the words, 'Your new Miss Illinois High School America is ...,'" said Suhanee. At the recent pageant, she earned the following awards in her age division as well: Best High School Pride Attire, Best Evening Gown and Highest Combined Overall Score.
Under the coordination of directors Vicki Misuraca and Peter Fosco along with their staff, this year's pageant was held in Rosemont Thanksgiving weekend. The 24 young ladies had a fun weekend full of festive rehearsals and competitions. Judging criteria consisted of interview, runway fashion and evening gown competitions.
Patel is well known in her community for her compassion and desire to help others. An added bonus is her thirst for knowledge and public speaking abilities. These traits keep her quite busy through Glitter for the Golden: an Elderly Enrichment Program, which she founded, and the newly added tasks of the Building Respect and Values for Everyone Campaign, an anti-bullying campaign; BRAVE is the national platform for the Miss High School America Pageant System.
Patel plans to use her title to spread the word of BRAVE to groups such as Girls Scouts, local schools and libraries, churches and more. Also, she will continue work with the Glitter for the Golden Program. This month, she will be delivering December Holiday Party Pop-Up Boxes to local senior living centers.
In June, Suhanee will represent Illinois at the national pageant in Little Rock, Arkansas. As one of the approximately 200 contestants, her plan is to bring home the crown.
"I start each day by telling myself that something better is yet to come," said Patel.
For information about Glitter for the Golden, visit www.facebook.com/glitterforthegolden. For information about the America High School Pageant, visit www.americashighschoolpageant.com.
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