St. Charles teen earns pageant cover girl title
St. Charles resident Mercedes Janis, daughter of Martin and Bonnie Janis, was crowned National American Miss Illinois Junior Teen Cover Girl at the state pageant Sept. 6 which was held at Pheasant Run in St. Charles.
She received her state crown, banner and trophy, as well as a special invitation to compete at the national pageant held during Thanksgiving week in Anaheim, Calif.
At the pageant, she received photogenic winner, first runner-up for spokesmodel, actress and best thank you note.
Her activities include singing, dancing, acting, reading and playing the violin.
Each year the National American Miss Pageants awards $1.5 million in cash, scholarships and prizes to recognize and assist the development of young women nationwide.
Each girl that qualifies for the national pageant has a chance to win a new 2010 Ford Mustang Convertible.
For more information, visit namiss.com/car.
Pageants are held in each state for girls ages 4 to 18 in five different age divisions.