Miss Cary-Grove 2026 pageant winners announced, scholarships awarded
On Wednesday, May 20, 11 young women competed for the crown in the 2026 Miss Cary-Grove Business Leadership Pageant at Cary-Grove High School in Cary.
Congratulations to 2026 Miss Cary-Grove, Ellie McGrath, who was sponsored by the law firm of Vaclavek, Hartman, Vaclavek, PC.
Ellie will receive a $3,000 scholarship for college. First runner-up Cassidy Koester, sponsored by Martin Chevrolet, will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Second runner-up Raelin Ball, sponsored by Cary-Grove Performing Arts Centre, will be receiving a $750 scholarship.
Olivia Parker, sponsored by Outback Steakhouse, was awarded the title of Miss Congeniality. Raelin Ball was also awarded the title of Miss Photogenic.
All the candidates did an incredible job representing our community and their business sponsors.
Many thanks to the event co-directors, Ellen McAlpine of Wintrust Mortgage, and Lanie Johnson of Bish Creative. Chris Betz of HK Events, Kathy Ewing of Music Connection Mobile DJ, David Kearns of Budgeting Made Simple, and Beth Repta of Repta Residential LPT, served on the Miss Cary-Grove committee. The chamber would also like to thank and recognize our 2025 Miss Cary-Grove, Faye Hahnfeld, for her outstanding reign as Miss Cary-Grove.
A special thank you to the candidate sponsors: 750 Cucina Rustica, Advia Credit Union, Aptar, Cary-Grove Performing Arts Center, Edward Jones-Michael Coldwell-Financial Advisor, Edward Jones-Paul Schifferer-Financial Advisor, Infinite Options Counseling, Malooley Chiropractic, Martin Chevrolet, Outback Steakhouse, Premier Commercial Realty, and Vaclavek Hartman Vaclavek PC.
Thank you to our additional event sponsors and supporting businesses: 750 Cucina Rustica, Cary Area Public Library, Cary Park District, La Pizza Via, Lake Barrington Woods, Martina Mathisen, Kids R Kids Learning Academy of Cary, Ashley Blackburn, Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, the Village of Cary, and the Village of Fox River Grove.
A very special thank you to Carrianne Photography-Carrianne Hornok for providing the pre-pageant photography, and K-Adams Photo for being the event photographer. The candidate bouquets were provided by Periwinkle Florist. The crown was sponsored by Nelson’s Jewelry, and the sash was sponsored by the Maynor Family.
They also would like to thank all the Cary-Grove Chamber members that donated to the gift bags the candidates were presented with at the end of the evening: Advia, Aptar, Bonefish Grill, Brunch Cafe, Cary Area Public Library District, Cookies by Victoria, Dr. Gregory Kubik, Edward Jones, Infinite Options Counseling, PLLC, Janis Dental, Kaidence Chiropractic & Wellness, KinderCare Early Learning Academy, Lavelle Law, Mary Kay Cosmetics, McNally’s Heating and Cooling, Nelson’s Jewelry, Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists Ltd., Periwinkle Florist, Refreshed Furnishings, Sage YMCA of Metro Chicago, Tasty Sushi, The Pieceful Project, TMC Custom Apparel, Volo Museum, Walmart Supercenter, and XP Performance.
The Cary-Grove Area Chamber of Commerce is a business organization of more than 575 local business members and community leaders dedicated to a prosperous local economy and a high quality of life for area residents.
The chamber provides business resources and coordinates community events including Cary Main Street Fest, Cary Cruise Nights, Halloween Walks, and the Merry Cary Holiday Parade and Festival.