Schaumburg crowns Miss Septemberfest 2015
Kelly Christopher, a student at Schaumburg High School, was crowned Miss Septemberfest 2015 Friday afternoon, just in time to preside over events at the big Labor Day weekend festival.
The 17-year-old is involved with the Orchesis team, orchestra and National Honor Society at school, and volunteers for the GiGi's Playhouse annual golf event and Special Olympics.
"I was very excited," Christopher said of her reaction to hearing her name read Friday. "I always looked up to the girls (in the Miss Septemberfest court) when I was younger."
Christopher was selected from among five finalists, all of whom will be members of the Miss Septemberfest court throughout the festival and the Monday morning parade.
The other court members are Kelsey Davis, 17; Elissa Peterson, 17; Michelle Borla, 17; and Annie Finneran, 16. All attend Schaumburg High School.
All applicants for the scholarship pageant are judged on poise, character, community involvement and knowledge of Schaumburg.
As Miss Septemberfest, Christopher receives a $500 scholarship from the Schaumburg/Hoffman Estates Rotary Club and a $1,000 scholarship from The Sons and Daughters of Italy.
The other four court members each get $250 scholarships from both organizations.
All the finalists received gift certificates from Mario Tricoci and a festival gift bag, trophy, flowers and a sash from the village of Schaumburg and the Schaumburg Jaycees.
During the three-day festival, all members of the court share the responsibility of introducing musical acts and interacting with children.