Miss Cook County Teen USA Dawn Parks was crowned Miss Illinois Teen USA 2022 on Monday, May 30, 2022, in the Braden Auditorium of Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois.
The Miss Teen USA Pageant System is a globally-recognized pageant platform that is reimagining pageantry. Dawn succeeded Miss Illinois Teen USA 2021 Gissell Bahena and will represent Illinois in the Miss Teen USA pageant.
Contestants from all over Illinois competed in the pageant, aired live on PageantVision.com. Contestants were scored based on their performance in active wear and evening gown. There were also panel style interviews, which included two and a half minute interviews with the judges. The top 5 contestants participated in an on-stage interview.
Dawn is not a stranger to pageantry. She won the title of Miss Teen Illinois International 2021. Then, she went on to place first runner-up at Miss Teen International.
She gives credit to her first pageant coach, Aftan Brown, for encouraging her to dream big. Dawn paid tribute to Brown in an Instagram post for Women's History Month.
"I am proud to say this inspirational woman was my very first pageant coach. She help me understand that no goal is too high and my true competition is with myself."
Dawn is currently a culinary student at Joliet Junior College Culinary Arts. She aspires to become a world renowned chef. The young food creator graduated from Rich Township High School, where she served as a leader, scholar, and mentor. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Scholastic Board, Student Agency Board, captain of the softball team and member of the pom team.
She's also passionate about giving back to the community. Earlier this month, she had the opportunity to speak to 8th graders at Michelle O'bama School of Technology and the Arts.
Dawn Parks developed her pageant platform, Stand Tall, based on her personal trauma. At age 8, she recalls dealing with teachers, coaches, and peers who made her feel small. In her Journey to Miss Teen International YouTube video, she shares her pain and how she wants to help other young people "embrace who they are and to stand tall in their purpose."
There is no doubt that Dawn is living a dream that is inspiring everyone around her. Standing tall at 5'10, Dawn is showing others how you can turn pain into purpose. Now, she has the entire state of Illinois following and supporting her journey as she prepares for the next level of competition.
Wishing you the best, Dawn!
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What are the benefits of competing in a pageant? Scholarships! All contestants who competed in the Miss Illinois Teen USA pageant will receive scholarships from Central Methodist University.
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