Algonquin girl crowned Miss Illinois Teen
Sydni Dion Bennett made history last month when she became the first African-American to be crowned Miss Illinois Teen, but the reality of her accomplishment didn't set in right away.
It wasn't until days later that the Algonquin teen began to grasp the responsibilities that come with winning the title - and the opportunities she'd have to implement her pageant platform of serving as a mentor for youths.
"I feel like I have a weight on my shoulders to represent all African-American teens," said Sydni Dion, 16. "I'm just proud to be the first, and to be able to share what I want to do this year - to be there for girls and boys that don't have someone there supporting them."
The 2018 Miss Illinois Teen competition was only Sydni Dion's second experience as a pageant contestant. But even before her first pageant last year, in which she placed second runner-up, she was no stranger to being in front of large crowds.
Sydni Dion is a junior studying dance at the Chicago Academy for the Arts, where she commutes an hour and a half each way every day.
She has been performing since she was 6 years old, teaches ballet classes and remains active in her dance studio, Perfection Dance Artistry & Company in Palos Heights.
Those experiences helped prepare Sydni Dion for the four-day competition over Labor Day weekend, she said, during which she had to get "glammed up," compete in various outfits, participate in photo shoots and answer questions from judges.
"I think it's just helped me with ... not being afraid of being the only person on stage," she said. "It's helped me with how I carry myself every day."
In addition to instilling confidence in the teen, dance has given Sydni Dion the opportunity to serve as a role model to younger students, said her mom, Nicole Bennett.
She also grew up as an active member of Life Changers International Church, and she volunteers regularly with organizations such as Girls Inc. and the Boys and Girls Club.
"She's their go-to person who they can relate to, (and) seeing her be that for other kids is amazing," Nicole Bennett said. "It's something that's been instilled in her from the beginning. She's just being herself, and she doesn't realize how special that is these days."
Over the next year, Sydni Dion will be working with coaches and managers to prepare for the Miss Teen USA pageant next summer. It's a new experience for the teen, who didn't have any formal training ahead of the state pageant.
In the weeks since her victory, Sydni Dion has been visiting churches, schools and other organizations throughout the Chicago area in hopes of inspiring children and teens to pursue their goals.
She's been interviewed by various news stations and has also served as the opening speaker for the UniverSoul Circus.
"I am grateful to break the barrier as the first African-American to win the title, but beyond my race, I believe I won because I was the most qualified to hold the title," Sydni Dion said. "I, as an individual, represent all girls."