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Illinois Pageant Information
Do you love pageants as much as we do? Join us in talking about everything pageant related going on in Illinois.
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ILLINOIS Pageants Board for Teen, Miss, Ms and Mrs
Subject: Talk about something new for the love of God!!! Like USA this weekend! I just saw the contestants! It's going to be tough! A battle to the end between Gina, Zena, Jasmine and Marcela. That's my guess. Good luck ladies!

Author:
No name
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 12:26:54 09/08/15 Tue

Replies:

A lot of over photoshopped pictures. I think Emily Travis might give them a run. (NT) -- No name, 15:55:15 09/01/15 Tue

She will probably make top 15/10 but I don't see her winning. USA likes the glamazons. (NT) -- No name, 16:22:52 09/01/15 Tue

This may be true, but we have to remember Tara Conner was only 5'5" and our Miss Universe Olivia Culpo wasn't much taller. Tall or not, this weekend will be a fun one to watch. (NT) -- No name, 15:32:25 09/02/15 Wed

So the girls listed above are Bridal Elegance girls .....don't tell me another hand picked pageant!!! (NT) -- No name, 19:30:20 09/02/15 Wed

Some of the girls listed have bad nose jobs. I don't care if this is USA they just look over done! (NT) -- No name, 19:35:18 09/02/15 Wed

Jasmine really? Not in this system! (NT) -- No name, 20:42:21 09/02/15 Wed

Jasmine an IJM titleholder? She placed 1st Ru at Nationals a few weeks ago. USA won't allow her to hold two titles. (NT) -- No name, 21:44:32 09/02/15 Wed

She can compete. Her title with IJM was appointed so there isn't anyone to crown anyway. Nationals are over so she doesn't have to sit out. (NT) -- No name, 13:00:58 09/03/15 Thu

Alot of beautiful girls to watch! Good body is the key to getting in the top 5. (NT) -- No name, 21:40:38 09/02/15 Wed
So many of these girls don't look like this in person. (NT) -- No name, 13:43:24 09/04/15 Fri

Several do! Tough competition this year! (NT) -- No name, 13:48:10 09/05/15 Sat

How much does having a brain matter? (NT) -- No name, 18:41:09 09/01/15 Tue

That is subjective. USA has its own standards. They like the model-esque types. Ladies that are telegenic, photogenic and stand out in a crowd. It is not platform, achievement or education based. Their interviews are very short and while they are looking for someone who can form complete sentences they do not need to be rocket scientists. It's a beauty pageant. (NT) -- No name, 19:35:09 09/01/15 Tue

In addition, who in their right mind would send their daughter to Miss Illinois America with the state its in?! The opportunities are better at USA and you won't be raked through the mud or forced to quit school or your job for a year. (NT) -- No name, 19:37:58 09/01/15 Tue
The interview at Miss Illinois USA is 10 mins longer than at Miss Illinois America (NT) -- No name, 19:43:02 09/02/15 Wed

Because it's Round Robin. (NT) -- No name, 21:45:56 09/02/15 Wed

What's that? (NT) -- No name, 22:54:13 09/02/15 Wed

5 tables. 1 judge at each table. 4 minutes. You make your rounds! (NT) -- No name, 19:04:38 09/03/15 Thu

From what I could tell by looking at the website the USA system actually looks like you might actually enjoy competing in it. I agree with the above post. I would try the USA system and stay clear of America until it gets in a better path. (NT) -- No name, 20:09:29 09/01/15 Tue
Horribly photoshopped photos! Glad to see the numbers back up. Question - Isn't Jasmine Guy an IJM queen? Are they allowed to hold two titles? (NT) -- No name, 15:38:31 09/02/15 Wed
Awien Kuanyin-Agoth is competing. She represented South Sudan at Miss World. She is STUNNING! (NT) -- No name, 17:34:25 09/02/15 Wed
Illinois USA -- No name, 22:57:57 09/03/15 Thu

Go to: https://www.facebook.com/MissIllinoisUSA/photos/pcb.10153159430382337/10153159428027337/?type=1 (NT) -- No name, 10:19:52 09/06/15 Sun

I went to the website and only saw the 2015 contestants. can you give the link? ty (NT) -- No name, 14:49:43 09/04/15 Fri

Go to People's Choice. The 2016 girls are there. (NT) -- No name, 16:57:02 09/04/15 Fri

My top three after prelims would have to be Gina, Zena and Jamine or possibly Marcella. I know that we don't see interview but I do know that both Gina and Marcella usually win interview in almost every pageant that they do. It's going to be fun to see the outcome this year. It's very competitive. (NT) -- No name, 08:12:34 09/07/15 Mon

Gina is out this year. She did well last year because there wasn't much competition. She doesnt have a face that can compete with Zena or Jasmine. (NT) -- No name, 20:02:11 09/07/15 Mon

Gina is six feet tall and has amazing stage presence with a killer interview. You obviously don't know her. (NT) -- No name, 20:45:13 09/07/15 Mon

Miss Peoria looked reminded me of a bobble head. She would have looked okay but couldn't stand watching her modeling on stage. Wouldn't have made it to the top 18 based on the modeling alone. Also looks better in photos than in person in my opinion. Don't care for Glenview looks or attitude. She just has a RBF and is very fake. I agreed with about half of the top 18 though. Good luck to the winner! (NT) -- No name, 12:26:54 09/08/15 Tue

Subject: Crystal says (Click In) she's attending Southeast Missouri State University ....Since when? And she looks like an old lady in the Welcome Video.

Author:
No name
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 07:28:34 09/08/15 Tue

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=w1ff0R5aGrg

Replies:

Well, she went from a "junior," to a "senior" to "attending," which is probably the closest to the truth since she reportedly takes "online courses." (NT) -- No name, 13:21:24 09/03/15 Thu
She'll be a Clapper! At best .... (NT) -- No name, 14:45:53 09/03/15 Thu

Miss America is having an identity crisis, so you never know. I don't think they have a clear picture of who they are or what they stand for, even at the national level. (NT) -- No name, 15:38:02 09/03/15 Thu

Oh, God! (NT) -- No name, 15:56:13 09/03/15 Thu

Will the real Crystal Davis please stand up? (NT) -- No name, 15:54:49 09/03/15 Thu

You win the internet today. (NT) -- No name, 15:59:27 09/03/15 Thu

I think you people would even rip to shreds a female version of Jesus Christ, if she were the reigning Miss Illinois. And we wonder why contestant quality is dropping throughout the program. (NT) -- No name, 17:16:17 09/03/15 Thu

I think you would like to think that instead of accepting the alternative. (NT) -- No name, 19:08:50 09/03/15 Thu
Oh, yes! The decline in contestant quality has nothing to do with the way the program has been run for the past nine years. Give me a break! There were plenty of quality contestants at state this year. This titleholder is just a symptom of the problem that has plagued our system. It's not entirely her fault, but let's not pretend this contestant is typical of the ones we usually send to MA. (NT) -- No name, 19:26:04 09/03/15 Thu

Illinois managed to eek out two top tens in the past 9 years, and that's it. The days of Illinois being a competitive state need to be rebuilt from scratch. Crystal isn't any worse than some of the other titleholders that have been sent to Miss America over the past 9 years, and I say that as someone who's seen them all. She may not be your choice for Miss illinois, but so what? Give it a rest. And as for all of those "lies and deep dark secrets" I do not accept something posted on a voy board as proof. When you provide substantiated proof via a legit venue, then (and only then) will I take them seriously. The comment about female Jesus is right on the mark. (NT) -- No name, 19:38:59 09/03/15 Thu

And who are you that anyone should provide proof to you or care what you think? Or that anyone should give it a rest because you said so? Fortunately for me, I don't really care if you take these assertions seriously or not. I can claim responsibility for only one of the above posts. So the idea that it's only one person who is aware of the ways in which Crystal embellished (or whatever) her education or platform is simply not true. Let's be honest, most of the world doesn't care about Miss America, much less Miss Illinois, so it's understandable people would come here to talk about it. At least they're politely keeping it off FB. (NT) -- No name, 20:02:33 09/03/15 Thu
Yes, Miss Illinois does need to rebuild the program from scratch, and I think that we are all hoping that it can be done after years of bad leadership. However, to act as though the last 9 were unworthy because only two made the cut is one of the dumbest things I've read on this board. They all did a fantastic job as titleholders, despite the daily drama that they had to deal with just to be Miss Illinois. Many had the potential to do well, but who knows what went on that may have affected their preparation. Amalia was notorious for talking badly about her own contestant to Miss America before they even got to nationals. We also have to accept that the national organization has changed immensely in the last 9 years. (NT) -- No name, 20:23:57 09/03/15 Thu
Oh please. Dont even try to compare her to the others. They had educations in progress with goal expectations of life. They traveled the state alone and made contacts to improve the program and they deemed a professional appearance and represented the state with poise. (NT) -- No name, 22:15:44 09/05/15 Sat

Just face it, gone are the days that contestants listen to anyone! Mothers think they know best, they think their little darlings know everything, & neither do! Fran, AS or whomever sad but true, they all have a sense of entitlement. Just sayin! (NT) -- No name, 19:32:57 09/03/15 Thu

What does that have to do with anything? (NT) -- No name, 19:50:52 09/03/15 Thu

^^^^^^^what are people smoking! (NT) -- No name, 10:35:49 09/04/15 Fri
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crystal_Davis
Although obviously written after she won and chock-full of detail, this Wikipedia entry makes no mention of Crystal attending Southeast Missouri State University. It says she "attended" Shawnee Community College. So, one might conclude she is a 22-year-old who (apparently) has not even graduated from community college. It's not where she's attending that's important, but how honest and/or consistent she has been. Expectations and accountability in our program need to go up. (NT) -- No name, 14:32:45 09/04/15 Fri

Or perhaps she has now decided to attend a four-year college using the scholarships she earned along the way. Isn't that what the program is supposed to be for? Man, you folks are vicious. Many people finish their college degrees in their 30's or 40's; not everyone does the four year thing right out of high school, and that's o.k. (NT) -- No name, 16:58:42 09/04/15 Fri

You're really reaching. She told people before the pageant that she was attending school at Southeast Missouri State University, as well as saying it at the MA opening ceremony. In no way is it vicious to point out the discrepancies in someone's story. She's the one who told it. And I would assume someone who knows her helped with the details of that Wikipedia entry, but left out her actively attending SEMO. It's absolutely fine to put off one's education, but be honest about it. If that prevents you from being successful in the MAO, then maybe it's not for you. The point is, scholarship is one of the four points of MAO and it's an insult to those who take that seriously for someone to lie simply because they feel entitled to compete without doing the work. (NT) -- No name, 17:17:06 09/04/15 Fri

Look, it's whacko and convoluted and next year, someone needs to pay better attention. That's it. (NT) -- No name, 17:50:37 09/04/15 Fri

Crystal did not reflect this in ANY of her Illinois paperwork. This, like her Platform is BS. How she won is beyond anyone!! (NT) -- No name, 07:37:05 09/05/15 Sat

But she did win; so maybe you should step back and realize that it's just a pageant. We aren't developing the cure for cancer. You'll get through this. If I've lived through seven years of Obama, you'll survive a year of Crystal Davis as Miss Illinois. Trust me. (NT) -- No name, 21:57:29 09/05/15 Sat

Yes, it's just a pageant, but it's still important to the girls who work diligently on their educations, their platforms, their talents and even their overall presentations in order to succeed. Some are girls who could really use the scholarship dollars to achieve the goals they have set for their lives. To them and to the women who have come before them, it's an insult to say "It's just a pageant," and diminish the work they have put into it. Obviously you're right: Crystal did win, however that happened, and no one will die from it. But does being dismissive make it ok? (NT) -- No name, 15:07:05 09/06/15 Sun

and is ranting about it on a voy board going to fix it? (NT) -- No name, 20:07:45 09/06/15 Sun

No, but I don't think anyone is asking for anyone to fix it. (NT) -- No name, 20:39:00 09/06/15 Sun

Tell it^^^ (NT) -- No name, 16:11:42 09/06/15 Sun
It IS just a pageant! Stick with education, it'll get you farther! (NT) -- No name, 21:01:14 09/06/15 Sun

Funny. Most of the girls DO stick with education. That's basically what this post is about. (NT) -- No name, 22:30:39 09/06/15 Sun

Right, formers consist of fitness coaches, dance teachers, make up consultants. Big money there. You'd think more success would come from making all those contacts, but obviously not too much by way of high level degrees. (NT) -- No name, 06:57:04 09/07/15 Mon

Doctors, lawyers, speech-language pathologists... (NT) -- No name, 08:43:17 09/07/15 Mon

And a physician's assistant, I believe. I could be wrong, but it's something similar to that. (NT) -- No name, 10:09:40 09/07/15 Mon
One who just started a professional singing career, one who works for a non-profit as a result of the connections she made as Miss Illinois....and the one you're referring to as the "fitness consultant" does that as a hobby, not a job. She has a degree and a full time job. Frankly, the ones you're insulting are the ones you say managed to "eek" their way into the finals, so what is your point? We all know Amalia was not what the organization needed and we are all glad she is no longer in charge. (NT) -- No name, 10:34:20 09/07/15 Mon

This doesn't sound insulting to me, but rather that the person is pointing out that while you act as though the contestants went through high levels of education to win a pageant, you are missing the point that this IS a pageant! Not every participant desires to go "high level" but to enjoy their accomplishment, and then return to a normal level of life after. Whatever one loves to do does not define WHO they are! (NT) -- No name, 10:47:05 09/07/15 Mon

I'm not going to take the time to recap this thread from start to finish for you and explain how it got to that statement. It would involve dragging Crystal back through the mud and I don't think that serves anyone at this point. I'm also not going to reiterate my point in which I explained why "It's just a pageant," may be insulting to some people. I will just say that if someone's only goal in life is to win a pageant, then they should choose a pageant system for which they are qualified and in which "scholarship" is not identified as one of the four points of the system. "Desiring" and "deserving" are two different things. (NT) -- No name, 11:26:41 09/07/15 Mon

Since you are so forthright in your criticism of Crystal's academics, what's your academic background? I assume that you must have a PHD in physics from Duke University or something equivalent, correct? If you are going to be so insistent and steadfast that girls with mediocre scholastic ambitions not compete in MAO, you obviously have to be someone who's a shining example. Please do tell. Enquiring minds want to know. (NT) -- No name, 13:15:21 09/07/15 Mon

lol I'm not answering your snarky question, not because my education isn't substantial, but because it is irrelevant. In fact, the education of anyone who has commented in this thread, even you, is irrelevant to any discussion about Crystal's choices. If that's your only defense, it's pretty weak. (NT) -- No name, 14:06:25 09/07/15 Mon

No, I just think you are like the 300 lb person who rips into contestants for being 5 lbs overweight in swimsuit. In other words, you don't set the example for what you demand out of Crystal or other titleholders, that's all. ;) (NT) -- No name, 19:24:30 09/07/15 Mon

Your impression is completely off-base, but what you think means literally nothing to me because this isn't about me. You get an A for your effort in trying to change the focus, though. It's as cute as your wink emoji. (NT) -- No name, 19:55:49 09/07/15 Mon
It's interesting you think I am THE person trying to "discredit" Crystal. First of all, I didn't start this thread, nor am I the only one commenting on it. And second of all, she has discredited herself by lying. That's no one else's fault but hers.
If Crystal wants to go to school to become a beautician or a welder, I don't care. I think there's honor in that and I would never be so rude as to call that a "mediocre scholastic ambition." She should just be honest about it. If she doesn't want to go to school at all, that's fine, too. This just isn't the program for her, as has been said before. Seriously, what part of people's complaints has your pants in such a bunch? That Crystal hasn't been able to lie without being caught? (NT) -- No name, 20:34:10 09/07/15 Mon

So what you're saying is there's no middle ground between "mediocre (or even no) scholastic ambitions" and a PhD from Duke? Well, thanks for the clarification. What a relief for the people who actually care about the program to know that they don't have to worry so much about it! It takes a lot of pressure off those people to know we're really just looking for "mediocre." We can start recruiting even more mediocre girls who "desire" to return to a mediocre life. In fact, we might want to consider giving out participation crowns in the future because every girl who "desires" to compete deserves to get what she wants. I mean, it's just a pageant after all. Thanks! That's going to save some people a lot of time, money and effort. (NT) -- No name, 14:38:27 09/07/15 Mon

Did I say that? There was a state titleholder in the 80's who made top 5 at Miss America with the scholastic ambition of finishing cosmotology school. If someone has an educational goal as a means to making an honest living, then I'm all for them using the scholarships in the Miss America program to get there. You missed the point entirely in calling out the person trying to discredit Crystal. While we don't know identity, I'd bet money that there own educational credentials aren't any better than Crystals. If they even have any beyond high school. (NT) -- No name, 19:28:08 09/07/15 Mon

I think you meant "their" credentials. (NT) -- No name, 20:00:03 09/07/15 Mon
I'm not the person who posted that comment so I realize you're not speaking to me, but you are the one missing the point and what you say makes no sense. Most of us do not want to see education minimized in our program. When that happens, it will officially mark the beginning of the end for MAO. (NT) -- No name, 20:00:30 09/07/15 Mon

The beginning of the end was MAO ignoring 9 years worth of complaints about the last group. (NT) -- No name, 00:19:52 09/08/15 Tue

I AM the person who posted that and I can honestly say, "yes," that is what you implied through your extremely flawed reasoning. You essentially said that anything less than a PhD from Duke gives a person no right to comment on a girl with "mediocre scholastic ambitions" competing in the program. There is a huge span of difference between "no" scholastic ambition, "mediocre," "adequate," "exceptional" and "outstanding." As a program, we should always strive to have girls who are (a minimum of) adequate to outstanding. Our expectations should be high, not lowered so the "mediocre" girls don't feel left out. If you want to compete in our program, strive harder. There's nothing wrong with sending that message. It's not the program for every girl. (NT) -- No name, 20:51:22 09/07/15 Mon

You come on here claiming that Crystal is a liar, as if you are "in the know" and then make half-a**ed excuses by saying the press has better things to cover and MAO is too busy. You have no freakin clue, but keep coming on here ranting and raving about how Crystal has lowered the bar and she's some sort of fraud. The fraud is the person posting this crap on an anonymous message board. If I had proof that someone was a liar or fudging their credentials, I'd step forward, and keep stepping forward until someone listened. But you keep posting here. And you do that because you are either full of crap or don't have any tangible proof. And if truth be known, you probably are a beauty school dropout yourself, and have no business ranting about anyone else. (NT) -- No name, 00:08:10 09/08/15 Tue

Keep thinking all that stuff you just said. It's really ok. You'll eventually realize what many of us (I say "us," because again it's not just ONE person) already know: there's nothing that can be done about this. It doesn't matter because it just isn't that important to anyone but people who care about this pageant, and that is a very small number of people. Crystal is at MA and she'll be Miss IL for a year. And then we'll have new leadership who will hopefully be sure to do a better job checking paperwork, choosing judges and not using their personal insecurities to influence the outcome of the pageant. That's it. You can make this about us, but why aren't you asking someone you believe to be TRULY "in the know" about her? (NT) -- No name, 07:28:34 09/08/15 Tue

I think you meant "inquiring." (NT) -- No name, 20:01:35 09/07/15 Mon
Here, I mean, I think you meant "inquiring." (NT) -- No name, 20:10:58 09/07/15 Mon

lol This thing...never mind. You can figure it out. (NT) -- No name, 20:12:05 09/07/15 Mon
You either have no sense of humor or no clue about 70's and 80's pop culture. It's "Enquiring minds" (NT) -- No name, 00:00:15 09/08/15 Tue

Subject: ZENA MALAK IS MISS ILLINOIS USA!

Author:
No name
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 23:15:50 09/07/15 Mon

Replies:

Do you know the Top 5 and the Semi-Finalists? (NT) -- No name, 22:01:58 09/07/15 Mon

1RU Jasmine Guy • Norwood Park 2RU Gina Melchiorri • Lakeview 3RU Gemma Berto • Glenview 4RU Elaina Cokinos • Elsah (NT) -- No name, 23:15:50 09/07/15 Mon

Subject: Why Does Glen Schwerdtmann have a Facebook page titled Julie Schoenbeck? Is this Amalia's spy page?

Author:
No name
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 10:28:11 09/07/15 Mon

Replies:

What could there possibly be for her to spy on that anyone would care about her knowing? It's both funny and pathetic that she would feel the need to have a "spy page" or even to be anonymous. (NT) -- No name, 13:40:48 09/04/15 Fri

This is exactly like when my kids were toddlers and would hide their faces, thinking that made them invisible. (NT) -- No name, 13:45:28 09/04/15 Fri

Well, now Amalia's FB page is under Scwerdtmann Amalia, with her feckless one's photo! Funny! (NT) -- No name, 10:28:43 09/06/15 Sun
Would you please just leave these people BE!!! Get another hobby -- No name, 11:19:44 09/06/15 Sun

Mr. nameless Feckless stalker you are over the top....you're one possessed person! Get a life oh wait, you have a desperate separate home in MI don't you to get away from your family.... (NT) -- No name, 15:42:48 09/06/15 Sun

No, this IS our hobby! These people did not let us be! Karma is a b****!!! (NT) -- No name, 21:05:53 09/06/15 Sun
Ok Paul, keep going.... That's why your daughter is SUCH a Diva dating that he/she.....pffft! Took a position many of our daughters would have loved to have... Instead of her wearing her dresses up to her hoo Haaah thinking it was sexy! Not! Ask Jane Ann, she spoke about her as well! (NT) -- No name, 09:20:22 09/07/15 Mon

I'm sure this would be offensive if anyone could make any sense of the flow of logic from one disjointed phrase to the next. (NT) -- No name, 10:28:11 09/07/15 Mon

Subject: Photo from USA Prelims

Author:
No name
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 00:47:20 09/06/15 Sun

Miss Illinois USA 2016 Preliminary Award Winners - Miss South Loop Brittany Middlebrooks (Spirit Award) - Miss Glenview Gemma Berto (Congeniality) and Miss Carol Steam Zena Malak (Photogenic)

CONGRATULATIONS!

Subject: Michela Moe

Author:
No name
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 14:38:13 09/04/15 Fri

Michela Moe, Miss Windy City and 2nd RU at Miss Illinois, is competing in the National Sweetheart Pageant in Hoopeston this weekend. Good luck, Michela!

Replies:

Best of luck this weekend, Michela! (NT) -- No name, 14:38:13 09/04/15 Fri

Subject: I am so sick of people feeling sorry for Crystal. I feel sorry for the girls that spent lots of money this year and got screwed. I cannot imagine how they feel in this situation.

Author:
No name
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 11:17:18 09/04/15 Fri

Replies:

Crystal -- No name, 21:54:56 08/28/15 Fri
I feel the same. There was amazing girls on that stage and they would have had a chance to win at MIss America. I don't think the pageant was fair and that is what is not right about sending Crystal to MA. I think she should just feel lucky that she was the chosen one and make the most of her year. It isn't her fault she won, and by no means do I think she shouldn't enjoy her year. It is just sad for contestants this past year at Miss Illinois. (NT) -- No name, 08:37:14 09/04/15 Fri
Omg! Moms! Get over it! Your girls didn't win! Sad, but life isn't fair! Get over it and move on! What about past winners who definitely could have won MA? They were held back due to poor leadership. Do you see us complaining? (NT) -- No name, 08:53:39 09/04/15 Fri

Ha! What makes you think the commenters are moms or even contestants? You formers don't have to complain, we're all thinking it for you. But if you are a former who worked at winning, who was dedicated to your platform, who spent years honing your talent, and/or who made an effort in your education, how are YOU not insulted? I can only assume you haven't looked into things deeply enough or you're too close to Crystal for people to share the truth with you. (NT) -- No name, 09:28:21 09/04/15 Fri

I'm not a mom of a contestant this year or a former. Just was there and thought that there were a couple of other contestants that had a better chance of winning at MA. I think we look bad when we don't send our best and to be honest it was a horrible pagent. Especially during prelimaries when it was a talent show for directors. I felt the titleholder from last year and from the past that performed were very talented and well spoken. I came to this board to see what was happening since it is Miss America is so close. Sorry I offended anyone, but I still think that this is the best we can do, then YES, I do agree with many of the posts. Change is definitely need so that Illinois has a chance at Miss America. (NT) -- No name, 11:17:18 09/04/15 Fri

Subject: Miss IL USA Contestants/ IL Teen USA Contestants

Author:
No name
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 23:05:13 09/03/15 Thu

Madison Mueller (4RU)

Contestants

MISS IL USA 2016 (87)
•Helen Alex • Darien

•Vickie Apostolopoulos • Barrington

•Jazz-Min Arceneaux • Bolingbrook

•Emily Argo • Washington Strong

•Kristen Batte • Macon County

•Pamela Bazan • Lake Villa

•McKenzie Behrends • Tremont

•Shani Belshaw • Western Illinois (NF 14)

•Julia Benson • Fighting Illini

•Gemma Berto • Glenview (3RU 15, SF 14, NF 13)

•Giavanna Bettinardi • Lemont

•Allysa Blaylock • Madison County

•Amber Bond • Normal (NF 15)

•Beautyful Brown • Glencoe

•Carrington Bruton • City of Champions (NF 11-14)

•Brittney Burks • Native Violet

•Nicole Capone • Greater Chicago

•Elaina Cokinos • Elsah (SF & Photogenic MD TUSA 14)

•Grayse Cook • Henry

•Ciara Corley • Centreville (NF 14)

•Alexis Dames • Channahon (NF IL TUSA 14)

•Donna Davis • Kane County

•Caitlin del Rosario • Montgomery

•Courtney Ecton • Chicago

•Sadira Fauntleroy • Aurora

•Daniela Fernandez • Warbound

•Emily Fiedler • Lisle (NF 15)

•Taylor Foster • Granite City

•Hannah Fronczak • Streeterville

•Tiffany Gabriel • Orland Park

•Marcela Gillen • Peoria County

•Natalia Globa • Chicagoland

•Hannah Gowdy • Heart of the South (SF 14, SF IL TUSA 13)

•Jasmine Guy • Norwood Park (SF 14, 3RU 13, SF 11, SF 10)

•Taylor Hardy • Mississippi Valley

•Jenna Harner • Southern Illinois

•Krstina Harvel • Lions

•Wandjell Harvey-Robinson • The Prairie State

•Kaylea Heideman • Iroquois County

•Amanda Henry • Lake Forest

•Maya Hufman • Island Lake

•Deimante Jakelaityte • Evergreen Park

•Jayde Johnson • Windy City

•Courtney Jurick • Lakeshore

•Ashley Kamins • Bloomington

•Taara King • Jewel of the Midwest

•Trisha Kopchik • City of Lights (NF IL TUSA 09)

•Paw Ku • City of Diversity

•Awien Kuanyin-Agoth • Cook County (Miss South Sudan World 2014)

•Jessica Kunamalla • Naperville

•Kathryn Lanute • Sugar Grove

•Melissa LaValle • North Shore

•Samantha Lewis • Tri State

•Brooke Major • Bourbonnais

•Zena Malak • Carol Stream (4RU & Photogenic 13)

•Tasha Meehan • Lake Zurich (NF IL TUSA 13)

•Gina Melchiorri • Lakeview (1RU 15, 3RU IA USA 14, 3RU IA USA 13)

•Brittany Middlebrooks • South Loop (NF 13, NF 12)

•Brittany Moore • Christian County (SF 15, NF IL TUSA 14)

•Rachel Mytnik • Romeoville (NF IL TUSA 13)

•Jessica New • Metro Chicago

•Ashley Orozco • Plainfield

•Emma Peele • Tinley Park

•Christy Praljak • Gold Coast (SF 15)

•Claudia Price • Silver Creek (NF IL TUSA 15)

•Jacqueline Pytko • Oak Forest

•Jennifer Rich • Franklin County (NF IL TUSA 14)

•Gabriella Roth • Lombard (4RU 15, NF 14)

•Nicole Rutkowski • Streamwood (NF 14)

•Alana Sadkin • Skokie

•Sabrina Scott • DuPage County

•Amanda Signorelli • West Loop (SF 15, 3RU MO USA 13, 3RU NV TUSA 09, NF NV TUSA 07)

•Caitlyn Smith • Mokena

•Amethyst Stephens • Kankakee County

•Lina Survilaite • Hickory Hills

•Katielynn Sutterlin • Boone County

•Courtny Svendsen • Central Illinois

•Abigail Taylor • Nature's Acres

•Jessica Thuma • Northern Illinois

•Emily Travis • Skyline

•Megan Vladic • Antioch

•Jessica West • Kankakee (NF 15, NF 14, NF IL TUSA 13)

•Elizabeth Whitney • Quad Cities

•Gabriela Wilewska • City by the Lake (NF 13)

•Rebekah Williams • Heart of Illinois

•Holly Wysong • Bourbonnais Midas

•Melissa Zeman • Northern Suburbs (SF 10)

MISS IL TEEN USA 2016 (46)
•Natasia Barrett • Lake County

•Chloe Bergmann • Plainfield

•Becca Bernier • La Grange

•Mallory Borcky • Newark

•Jennifer Branch • Oakwood

•Amanda Brockmeier • Naperville

•Caroline Campbell • Heart of the South (2RU 15, SF 13)

•Raegen Cavanaugh • Grundy County

•Vonda Cochran • Murphysboro

•Ashton Curtis • Union County

•Katrina Espano • RightMed HHCS

•Reilly Farren • Champaign County

•Juleigh Furry • Platinum Athletics

•Harleigh Goodman • Glenview

•Amanda Graves • Madison County

•Kelisy Grob • Rend Lake

•Sara Hampsten • Cumberland County

•Jasmine Hawkins • DuPage County (NF 15)

•Faith Johns • Pike County

•Amrita Krishnan • Michigan Shores

•Hannah Kupferschmid • Woodford County

•Sarah Lewis • Midwest

•Iryna Lozovatska • Kendall County

•Ellie McGee • Greater Naperville

•Alexis McVicker • Guard 911

•Katelyn Mernack • BMB Motors (SF 15)

•Briona Mogelberg • Cook County (NF 14)

•Leah Morris • La Salle County

•Serena Napolitano • Wood Dale

•Michelle Norris • Springfield (NF 15)

•Amanda Perez • North Chicago

•Alexis Pikul • New Lenox

•Olivia Pura • Deer Park

•Emma Riley • North Shore

•Kaytlin Schmidt • Columbia

•Cassandra Schofield • Monticello Sage

•Sydney Shanine • South Naperville

•Marlene Slaughter • South Suburban

•Shayla Sullivan • Mokena

•Bradi Thornton • Crystal Lake

•Sara Toth • Orland Park

•Isabella Trojanek • Northern Kane County

•Cindy Valdez-Barrios • Alborada (NF 15)

•Felicia Widen • Tinley Park

•Angelina Zanfardino • Windy City

•Alexandra Zimbrakos • Chicago

Replies:

Pictures -- No name, 23:05:13 09/03/15 Thu

Subject: I know it would never had happened but If Amalia would have had a Miss Illinois become Miss America it would have been. Big mess. So actually we can thank MAO for taking it away from Fran. Thanks a lot MAO!!

Author:
No name
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 08:10:06 09/03/15 Thu

Replies:

What the huh? (NT) -- No name, 14:57:57 08/27/15 Thu
Was this written by a drunk person? what does this mean? (NT) -- No name, 16:40:14 08/27/15 Thu
Maybe if you would just try again explaining what you meant...? (NT) -- No name, 09:05:30 08/28/15 Fri
I wanted to say thank god we had Fran Skinner to prepare many of Miss Illinois and look how everyone of them did so very well except for Tania! But really who cares about Tania (NT) -- No name, 10:48:20 08/28/15 Fri

There were many girls with potential during the Amalia years. She just couldn't do what FSL could do. (NT) -- No name, 12:07:05 08/28/15 Fri

You are so right! She would never ask for help or good recommendations for coaches.she failed as a state Ed and hurt so many possibilities.shame on Mao for letting this happen!!!! (NT) -- No name, 12:45:00 08/28/15 Fri
Are we REALLY still talking about AS on this board? Next topic..... (NT) -- No name, 13:26:51 08/28/15 Fri
Oh my God yes we are still talking about Amalia! It took many years for all of you stupid people and her stupid puppets to ruin things and now I think we still need to discuss the bad person! (NT) -- No name, 13:40:46 08/28/15 Fri

Cry me a fucking river..... (NT) -- No name, 13:54:13 08/28/15 Fri

Oh good talk dirty! Is this Amalia or one of her freaks? (NT) -- No name, 14:04:56 08/28/15 Fri

I'm always entertained by the profanity-ridden, desperate outbursts of Team Amalia. (NT) -- No name, 14:39:01 08/28/15 Fri

This is so true. But why the bad language. (NT) -- No name, 14:11:23 08/28/15 Fri
I really think it's best not to dwell on her, but let her serve as a bad example. Let's use her to talk about how NOT to do things. Complete this sentence, "In the future, let's NOT..." (NT) -- No name, 14:15:20 08/28/15 Fri

In the future, let's not come up with excuses not to pay out scholarships. (NT) -- No name, 15:13:27 08/28/15 Fri
In the future, let's not piss off sponsors and volunteers. (NT) -- No name, 15:15:15 08/28/15 Fri
In the future, let's not minimize the importance of intelligence and scholastic achievement in our program. (NT) -- No name, 15:16:15 08/28/15 Fri
In the future, let's not forget that we can delegate, that people are capable of doing their jobs and that they don't need to be micromanaged. (NT) -- No name, 15:18:24 08/28/15 Fri
In the future, let's not underestimate the importance of maintaining a level of professionalism within the organization and in interpersonal relationships with titleholders. (NT) -- No name, 15:19:45 08/28/15 Fri
In the future, let's not forget that the program is about the contestants, not the leader. (NT) -- No name, 15:20:45 08/28/15 Fri
In the future, let's not share 4" of our cleavage at all times. (NT) -- No name, 15:21:58 08/28/15 Fri
In the future, let's not make up the rules as we go. (NT) -- No name, 15:22:53 08/28/15 Fri
In the future, let's not wear short shorts and stilettos, please. (NT) -- No name, 15:39:17 08/31/15 Mon

Ha! Perfect! (NT) -- No name, 16:35:08 08/31/15 Mon

In the future, let's not pick "average" because we want a "girl next door," or go with mediocre because it's less intimidating, and let us not ask our girls to downplay their looks or intelligence so that they have a better chance of being the girl they want. (NT) -- No name, 20:26:28 09/02/15 Wed

I love this!!! (NT) -- No name, 23:25:11 08/28/15 Fri
Oh, and let's not seperate the contestants who win from the people who made them who they are! (NT) -- No name, 18:23:56 08/31/15 Mon

Good one (NT) -- No name, 19:23:06 08/31/15 Mon

That is not true. You are lying. Matty would never do that even though he and AS we're very good friends (NT) -- No name, 18:29:37 08/31/15 Mon

Do what? Did this get posted to the wrong thread? (NT) -- No name, 18:53:38 08/31/15 Mon
Yes, this was posted to the wrong thread, but Matty DID do that because I took a photo of his explaination to me because I couldn't believe it! MAO now has it as part of the proof of how devisive AS is and how cowardly people under her can be! (NT) -- No name, 06:30:11 09/01/15 Tue

AS was SO JEALOUS of FSL it was comical. She thought she could waltz in and take FSL's positions on the national level, garner the same respect etc. The country shut her down. She was hated. People put her on their judging panel to stop getting badgered by her to judge. You notice none of the big states would send their top people to judge Illinois. Always scrambling for bottom feeder judges. Our program lost a lot when we lost FSL and got stuck with AS for political reasons. Maybe the new group will be smart and invite FSL to the pageant and gain some of her knowledge. Many formers will not get involved until that bridge is mended. WE can only hope. At least the rubbish that was AS, GS and her whole team is finally gone. Now we just have to clear the stench. (NT) -- No name, 09:58:41 09/02/15 Wed

Unfortunately, as long as the current leadership is in place at MAO, I think the new leadership at the state level will not be able to include FSL in any capacity AND keep their job. One of the reasons MAO overlooked complaints about AS was because of their mutual dislike of FSL. (NT) -- No name, 10:38:08 09/02/15 Wed
We all agree that Fran was a great leader, and that her ability to identify and foster excellence in our contestants is unmatched. I think we would all be happy if she was able to return, but I don't see MAO allowing that to happen. It is unfortunate. Unless somehow Fran and Sam are able make amends, and maybe that is possible with Amalia out of the picture, I'm not sure what the new leadership can do...other than try to do an excellent job. Will it be as good as Fran's organization? Maybe not, but hopefully it will be a vast improvement. (NT) -- No name, 10:52:38 09/02/15 Wed
Amalia was over the top in her paranoia about Fran. And the MAO people have been just as bad. MAO embarrassed itself with the way they refused to attend Caressa Cameron's homecoming, all because Fran was going to be in attendance. Love her or hate her, Fran was 1,000 times better for the program than Amalia could ever hope to be. AND, Miss Illinois titleholders RESPECTED Fran after their year was over. Amalia couldn't manage that even one time in nine years. (NT) -- No name, 21:53:20 09/02/15 Wed

You said it! Fran was the best! (NT) -- No name, 08:10:06 09/03/15 Thu

Subject: MA

Author:
No name
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 21:44:45 09/02/15 Wed

After seeing Crystal in the few pics of her that have been posted, I have to wonder who helped her pack? I do a massive *facepalm* every time I see her standing next to some of the really polished contestants she's up against.

Replies:

Are we surprised? She probably does not even realize it. (NT) -- No name, 16:46:48 09/01/15 Tue

It's kind of pitiful. I know she has better clothes than this and certainly could have acquired a decent wardrobe. (NT) -- No name, 16:55:51 09/01/15 Tue

Really? This is the best you can come up with? So the worst that can happen is that she's a clapper at Miss A and she comes home to finish her year as Miss ILL. Won't be the first time that's happened and won't be the last. And here's a newsflash, majority of girls who go to Miss America every year don't make the semifinal cut. Gheez people! (NT) -- No name, 17:42:48 09/01/15 Tue

Your response is hilarious. It's like, "Who gives a crap about how she does at MA?" Why try? Heck, why even go?!? If the attitude she had when packing was, "Meh," it shows. But what an insult to the girls who would have at least tried. (NT) -- No name, 17:58:14 09/01/15 Tue
I can do one better.

http://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2015/09/01/baseball-wings-and-ellen-meet-the-miss-america-hopefuls

You have people who have survived actual hardships and then Crystal, whose "distracted driving" accident is at best a manipulation of the facts. She should be embarrassed. (NT) -- No name, 18:11:35 09/01/15 Tue

No you should be embarrassed for having nothing else better to do than come on an anonymous message board and make these claims. If you are so "in the know" then go to the press? Or contact MAO to inform them of the fraud? But I guess you get your jollies hiding behind voy, where you don't have to provide proof of your accusations. (NT) -- No name, 00:41:28 09/02/15 Wed

Again, the press would be the inappropriate place to go. And MAO has bigger fish to fry. I think you're grossly overestimating Crystal's importance. But since she's been publicly talking about her accident as long as this has been her platform, why not have her provide proof she's telling the truth? (NT) -- No name, 07:15:05 09/02/15 Wed

In all fairness, when Crystal chose this platform, she probably never imagined she would get so far that her story would be told this publicly. Or she just didn't think that far ahead. (NT) -- No name, 07:45:07 09/02/15 Wed
you are so full of crap with all of your lame excuses. You are a coward for making these accusations and hiding behind voy. (NT) -- No name, 09:04:11 09/02/15 Wed

Whatever makes you feel better. Those accusations were made months ago when people came out in droves. Name-calling is not a defense of the truth, it's just a defensive behavior. I won't be losing sleep over it. (NT) -- No name, 09:40:06 09/02/15 Wed

You may not lose sleep, but constant posting on an anonymous message board about Crystal isn't going to change anything. (NT) -- No name, 21:44:45 09/02/15 Wed

Crystal will do nothing at Miss America. You'll see her introducing her @eyelashes@ lol!!! (NT) -- No name, 06:42:10 09/02/15 Wed
It is really a shame that she didn't get some good help. Wow thanks a lot MAO (NT) -- No name, 07:24:42 09/02/15 Wed
Yea, well some who got "good help" bombed when they could have done great, but we owe that to the old regime. (NT) -- No name, 07:31:33 09/02/15 Wed

Also true. (NT) -- No name, 07:46:05 09/02/15 Wed

Who did Crystal's gown? Ellenburg? Yearick? Bowls? Sherri Hill? Mac Duggal? That might be an indicator that at least she will look beautiful. I have liked the photos of her that I have seen so not sure what the negativity is about. She looks cute. A little old school but that is probably Susan Shea's influence (NT) -- No name, 09:44:04 09/02/15 Wed

Not sure how much SS had to do with wardrobe prep, but we still don't know who helped her pack. Except the dress for the ceremony last night, her wardrobe has been dismal. Many states (and we used to be one of them) help their titleholder choose, pack and organize their wardrobe, taking most of the guesswork out of it when the girl arrives at MA. Every year, these girls look polished and are consistently put together. Crystal looks thrown together and never appears to have the right undergarments, even at regular appearances. Again, last night the dress was cute, but the shoes were too much (as people have mentioned on other boards). That said, her hair looks the best it has ever looked. So kudos to the person who did her extensions. (NT) -- No name, 10:25:09 09/02/15 Wed

Thank you for the undergarment statement. Mom should have taken care of that several years ago (NT) -- No name, 12:48:20 09/02/15 Wed

I agree! Good grief! (NT) -- No name, 13:01:36 09/02/15 Wed

Subject: Matty J

Author:
No name
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 07:26:26 09/02/15 Wed

Please do not spread rumors about Matty J. I know him very well and he is extremely grateful for everything ISA provided him. He and AS are close, were close still have a relationship. Leave him out of things. You people are dispicable at best.

Replies:

What rumors? All I have seen is that he put in a bid and that he de friended someone for a stupid reason (of which they have proof.) I do t see anything all that bad on here about him. (NT) -- No name, 07:48:25 09/01/15 Tue
I understand! How do you think ALL of us felt when we were getting trashed everyday ? Called filthy names and lied about? Did that bother you as well? (NT) -- No name, 08:37:45 09/01/15 Tue
There are a Lot of lies and others who make shit up....not everything on here is factual. It's like the telephone game . Pageant people at their worst! Just like soccer moms and dads. Coach is never right... Kids are... So keep that in mind. Not everyone gets a trophy. It will be the sane with the next person in charge. No one will be happy. It will always be someone else's fault! (NT) -- No name, 08:58:55 09/01/15 Tue
Matty J is a great guy, he was enthusiastic about the services he provided for the program, and always made the contestant's experience a good one while they were competing at state. He provided a wonderful service, and likely didn't want to get involved in the drama. I highly doubt that he is "close" with the previous leadership, people have different definitions of "close." He may have known only a small portion of the information. People who are not involved in the daily inner workings of the org may not have access to all the info. He's a good guy, let's not throw him under the bus. He wasn't the problem. (NT) -- No name, 11:27:13 09/01/15 Tue

Can we just stop bashing everyone that has been involved??? It's over stop the AS the Jane Ann the Matty the Board!!! Really move on!!! If you can do sooo much better running the State programs end in your RFP!! Let's see what you can do positive with your time!! People just need to be adults instead of grade school gossip, bashing everyone, and yes BULLYING!! (NT) -- No name, 13:57:58 09/01/15 Tue

AMEN!!! So glad someone agrees with what I do!! How can people feel good about them selves being so negative about everyone and everything! (NT) -- No name, 19:35:08 09/01/15 Tue

What has been said about him that's so awful? (NT) -- No name, 19:51:05 09/01/15 Tue

Nothing. Just people taking note on who drank Amalia's kool aid, and who did not! (NT) -- No name, 07:26:26 09/02/15 Wed

Subject: What's the truth?

Author:
No name
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 09:34:18 08/31/15 Mon

"AS has not and is not a part of Crystal being Miss IL...She has nothing to do with anything and hasnt since the weekend of Miss IL. This airfare issue or anything regarding Miss A prep has nothing to do with AS. That's complete bullshit." Friday at 1:29 pm
"Again, AS has not been a part of anything regarding Crystal. She wasnt even involved when the contracts were signed. Nothing. She has had nothing to do with her. You clearly dont have your facts straight." Friday at 1:52 pm
"FYI for all.... ISA is working diligently to get funds released for both Crystal and Peyton's travels to MAO...." Saturday at 9:43 am
"Who said they had nothing to do with Crystal?..." Saturday at 3:58 pm
"They have supported her from day one..." Saturday at 5:21 pm

Looks to me like some of AS's supporters have heard two different stories and have come here to defend her, each believing they are "in the know." You're just learning what others have learned before you. You can't believe a thing she says. Don't waste your time defending her. Let her defend herself.

Replies:

So you know all????? Only one that does is AS. And why is AS such a big topic still???? Move on people!!! Support our State titleholder and give her some positive while she competes at MA (NT) -- No name, 15:39:00 08/30/15 Sun

I think the point of this post was made in your comment, but with more exclamation points and question marks. Only Amalia knows the truth and she's telling different truths to everyone. If her folks would have just accepted that she wasn't really an essential part of the conversation about Crystal's airfare, we could have moved on. Instead, they came on the board, making contradicting statements, calling people stupid and reminding everyone why they really prefer the version of Amalia's story in which she has nothing to do with anything anymore. She should stick with that one in real life and everyone would be happier. (NT) -- No name, 08:25:46 08/31/15 Mon

Well, you're the fool because I know for a FACT she has communicated with Crystal, is helping with the airfare as they did with MAOT & $1,000 a month. Give em' credit for something! Giving it to she and Peyton later would be a nightmare. You people are NEVER happy. God help the ED's she still speaks with or anyone else! You bitches will never let THAT rest either. (NT) -- No name, 08:40:05 08/31/15 Mon

Oooh! You showed me...by completely missing the point. (NT) -- No name, 09:34:18 08/31/15 Mon

Subject: I'm aware that Illinois America has many more components than USA, which is solely based on looks, but I'm a little confused. If it is heavily based on talent, how are some people able to win? It all just seems so random. How was Rayni (who I met at Illinois USA) not in the top 5? Someone posted the top 10 or something on here and I thought maybe she just didn't compete this year? I've never seen her talent, but she is ridiculously beautiful and a really cool girl. I have a friend who is stunning and a professional dancer not place at a local level pageant for Illinois too. The judging confuses me.

Author:
No name
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 11:43:36 08/30/15 Sun

Replies:

The judging confuses everyone, not just you. Selection of judges needs to improve in Illinois, both at the local and state levels. It is clear that under the previous leadership the organization lost it's focus and was unable to remember what qualities a scholarship program is supposed to promote. We need to get our priorities straight. Regardless of who our new leader ends up being, we all need to rethink what it is we are looking for in our winners. It is hard to expect quality contests to continue to compete when their accomplishments are overlooked. (NT) -- No name, 12:11:40 08/23/15 Sun

*contestants (NT) -- No name, 12:38:58 08/23/15 Sun
This is the most diplomatic, rational response anyone could ask for. (NT) -- No name, 13:32:35 08/23/15 Sun
I am also not a mother of a former. Look up the vote for your state videos. I dare to date you will not find one less Miss America ready than Crystal Davis. If my daughter had been competing and got beat by her I would have probably shown my but bc it was the worse pageant outcome I have ever been to. If good enough is what you wanted I am not even sure you got that. She could not deliver a few words at her reception the night she won or a speech at her going away party. She could have even cheated on note cards for the send off. (NT) -- No name, 20:06:31 08/25/15 Tue

Exactly, when you graduate number 1 in your class from your university, travel internationally promoting your plateform and have the looks to go with it, who do Emily Travis not make it to the top 5. (NT) -- No name, 14:34:43 08/23/15 Sun

I know they wanted a Southern girl to win and I just don't know why it couldn't have been Emily. She won a prelim, is very pretty, Knows how to put on make up and fix her hair. (NT) -- No name, 11:15:23 08/25/15 Tue

Emily would have been an excellent choice. (NT) -- No name, 11:16:44 08/25/15 Tue
But more importantly, she was a strong student, did extensive work internationally on her platform, and presents herself very appropriately in public. She was also our teen, and served us very well in that position. We'll never know or understand what happened here, but I hope Emily has much success in the USA system. (NT) -- No name, 11:22:18 08/25/15 Tue

Absolutely! I hope she gets the attention she deserves. (NT) -- No name, 12:06:03 08/25/15 Tue

I think it's been established this year's result was a real head-scratcher. We can only hope it will improve under the next leadership. (NT) -- No name, 15:46:52 08/23/15 Sun
This year was mind-blowing to say the least. The top 5 made little sense (not all, just the majority). The winner didn't win a single prelim, and you can't say she won it in interview because she can't speak to save her life. I know this is the same stuff we hear every year, but this year was the worst I believe I can ever recall. As to why Rayni didn't make top 10: I have no idea. You are right, she is absolutely stunning. You said you didn't know what her talent was, well I can guarantee the winner wasn't much better, if better at all. Then please explain how our People's Choice goes from apparently not being in the top 10 to magically getting boosted to second runner up? Something is definitely fishy there. If the composite scores are carried over, how is this mathematically possible? I'm not saying she didn't deserve top 5, I am just saying this goes to show that scores mean nothing. (NT) -- No name, 19:30:05 08/24/15 Mon

You're right that we hear grumbling every year, but this is completely different. Last year, her friends & family had to buy her way into the top 11. This year, her paperwork was embellished, if not downright fabricated. She didn't win a single preliminary. Her OSQ was horrible, although I have no idea about interview. Her talent was mediocre. Her educational background is questionable. In fact, no one can seem to figure out exactly what it is. Her platform is a farce. Overall, I would describe her as "average," which is not a word I would have used to describe many (if any) of our past titleholders. I believe it comes down to AS influencing the judges to find a hungry, pliable, southern girl she could manipulate. That being said, there's not a thing that can be done about it now. We can only hope that MAO chooses great leadership who will strive to make sure this never happens again and help our program rebuild its credibility. (NT) -- No name, 07:40:40 08/25/15 Tue

I am wondering how you would feel if someone said this about YOUR daughter? (NT) -- No name, 09:17:40 08/25/15 Tue

I guess I would hope that if this were my daughter & she wanted to compete in the MAO, I'd encourage her first & foremost to do the work in her personal development, not just pageant development, in order to uphold the ideals of what the program stands for. She'd have to earn her spot honestly & on her own merit. I wouldn't encourage her to look for ways to circumvent the qualifications. I'd discourage her from choosing a platform which could be in any way perceived as controversial based on personal history. As a parent, you want your kids to have everything they want, but sometimes they just aren't up to it. Maybe they're not a good enough athlete to play in college. Maybe they're not a good enough student to attend Harvard. And maybe they're not a good enough competitor to win Miss Illinois. The point, albeit the hardest one, is to teach them to have character in the face of disappointments, NOT that you should manipulate or let me buy your way in. (NT) -- No name, 10:01:37 08/25/15 Tue

To be honest, I'm not sure I'd be proud of my daughter if I thought she hadn't won honestly. I would also understand that any time my daughter put herself out there by competing, she and I would have to develop some pretty thick skin. (NT) -- No name, 10:15:41 08/25/15 Tue

I am wondering how YOU would feel if, after years of lessons and recitals, after working hard to get into college, after doing actual work on her platform, after becoming a worldly, poised young woman, after competing to get to state and after all the resources you've put into supporting her and her dreams, your daughter went to state and lost because AS didn't want the most qualified competitor, but rather one that suited her own personal agenda. (NT) -- No name, 10:08:58 08/25/15 Tue

What about all the money you put into this crap year after year. I think Illinois MAO big scam! (NT) -- No name, 11:22:05 08/25/15 Tue
I think it was JA pick (NT) -- No name, 11:30:51 08/25/15 Tue

Idk if Crystal was exactly Amalia's pick, but Amalia had issues with the more qualified contestants which were mostly not based in reality. So, while she was eliminating the more qualified contestants, she wasn't paying attention to who was left. (NT) -- No name, 11:38:26 08/25/15 Tue
Don't start this blaming everybody crap again! You think AS would let anyone pick the winner. You just sound mad because whoever you wanted to win didn't! Perhaps the judges picked the winner. (NT) -- No name, 11:51:10 08/25/15 Tue

Do you mean does the OP think Amalia would let anyone other than herself pick the winner? (NT) -- No name, 11:54:25 08/25/15 Tue
Do I think Amalia would let anyone pick the winner? I think she herself is not above doing so or at least influencing the judges to manipulate the outcome. But I'm not interested in getting into another conversation about Amalia. I'm exhausted by it, to be honest, and ready for her administration to be a long distant memory. I'm also not interested in making this about me, so I'll be ignoring the bait. The fact is the ball was dropped. Period. And now someone else (I can't wait to find out who) gets to pick it up and run with it. Hopefully, they'll do an excellent job. (NT) -- No name, 12:04:43 08/25/15 Tue

Yes! Move on to something else! The BLAME GAME is old! and wrong again!!! (NT) -- No name, 12:41:25 08/25/15 Tue

Actually, this thread is not really about you, Amalia. You're just a small part of the conversation. (NT) -- No name, 13:16:38 08/25/15 Tue

Well if JA had to choose a southern competitor, I'm sure she would have chosen Crystal for personal reasons. Again, what is wrong with a system who doesn't pick its titleholder based on the values of MAO and who will best represent the state at the MA pageant, but rather based on the director's "feelings?" The bottom line is no one had their head on straight and this was the result. So we just have to hope the next leadership has their act together. (NT) -- No name, 11:52:17 08/25/15 Tue

I heard Joe Perri picked Crystal with the help from Scott! Spread that around while your at it' (NT) -- No name, 12:09:40 08/25/15 Tue

Yeah - and they are both experts in pagentry. What is this a comedy - what are they to each other? (NT) -- No name, 00:46:10 08/30/15 Sun

This is a giant game of hot potato because no one wants to take responsibility. (NT) -- No name, 11:43:36 08/30/15 Sun

How in the world would you know what anyone's personal feelings are? You DON'T! (NT) -- No name, 12:45:32 08/25/15 Tue

Preferences, which are based on feelings, can be pretty apparent from the way people interact with one another. (NT) -- No name, 13:22:17 08/25/15 Tue

Ok Mrs. M. Give it up. (NT) -- No name, 20:35:54 08/25/15 Tue

Poor Mrs. Murphy. lol (NT) -- No name, 20:51:45 08/25/15 Tue

As another poster said earlier, we may never know how or why this happened, but what I find most interesting about this thread (and others like it in the past two months) is that not one person has defended Crystal's selection as a good one. One said she's nice. One said we should support her. One said she's a "pretty girl." But no one...and I mean no one...has said she was a legitimate contender, a good student, a devoted advocate of her platform, talented, poised, outstanding, etc. Her win is tainted by the stench left by the previous administration and is something I think we're all politely trying to ignore. So while we may not understand the outcome, I repeat my earlier statement that we can only hope MAO will choose great leadership who will strive to rebuild our program's credibility and make sure this never happens again. (NT) -- No name, 13:54:27 08/25/15 Tue
I roll my eyes at the conspiracy theories regarding her win. Did anyone ever think that no one manipulated the outcome, and perhaps it was just a bad set of judges? Or perhaps in a field of contestants with offsetting strengths and weaknesses, Crystal was "good enough" in each category to emerge as the most consistent across all categories of competition? Like it or not, she's Miss Illinois, so everyone just needs to make the best of it. (NT) -- No name, 14:30:41 08/25/15 Tue

Actually all of those things crossed our minds and that's certainly the best case scenario. Nevertheless, how it's possible that someone "just good enough" won is still perplexing and an outcome I think most would like to avoid in the future. You're right, though, we have to make the best with what we've got and keep going, but what a depressing thought. She was "just good enough," so we have to "make the best of it." Pitiful. I look forward to the day we have another outstanding Miss IL that we can all be excited about sending to AC. (NT) -- No name, 14:47:06 08/25/15 Tue

well for all of you who sat back and were too afraid to take any action for 9 years, this is what you get in return for not sticking your necks out. So you get what you deserve. In the meantime, Crystal is the current Miss Illinois. Support her with your best efforts and give her the best year possible, under the circumstances. (NT) -- No name, 15:51:13 08/25/15 Tue

First, you know nothing about where my neck has been. And second, during the past nine years, I can't think of a single winner who has been of this low caliber. I think that was the OP's point. So, I'm not sure how you're relating one to the other. Assuming you're one who stuck your neck out, is this what you deserve as well? We're all in this together. (NT) -- No name, 16:02:28 08/25/15 Tue

I wasn't one of the people who did the wGN interview, but I did write MAO and left the program due to the previous leader. And I don't care where your neck has been, nor do I want to touch it. BUT my point is that when you allow the program to flounder for nine years under a leader who exercises poor and erratic judgement, AND who controlled every single judge's selection for the state panel, you get the result that comes with that. It's not Crystal's fault, but rather the failure of bad leadership. So accept it for what it is and give Crystal your best support. I am. (NT) -- No name, 19:10:53 08/25/15 Tue

Well, you implied I haven't stuck my neck out and yet you don't know if I have or not. I didn't "allow" anything. So to say that I, or any of these posters, "deserve" this is to presume to know a lot about people you can't even identify. (NT) -- No name, 20:50:18 08/25/15 Tue

Whatever......it's not about you, OK!? And in a "back at ya" way I'm going to say that unless you were sitting in the judges interviews at Miss Illinois, you have no clue on how Crystal conducted herself with the judges and are equally off-base in your presumptions about the outcome of the pageant. (NT) -- No name, 21:49:30 08/25/15 Tue

You're the one that made it about other people when you said it was what they deserve! That wasn't me. That was you. (NT) -- No name, 08:58:36 08/26/15 Wed

You know, reading your posts I feel like I'm listening to 12 year old junior high girls in action....."That wasn't me, that was you"........."you started it first" (NT) -- No name, 10:13:39 08/26/15 Wed

Because I ask you to make sense, own your statements and have a clear direction in your line of thinking? It appears when you're held accountable, you like to throw the ball back in my court. I'm simply not catching it. I guess you're perceiving my statements at the level of which you are capable. Again, not my problem. (NT) -- No name, 14:15:11 08/26/15 Wed

So what you're insinuating is that Crystal is punishment? The booby prize, if you will? (NT) -- No name, 16:13:11 08/25/15 Tue

No one seems to be saying that Crystal is the booby prize. I think they are saying that AS controlled every bit of who was selected to judge Miss Illinois. The outcome will most likely match the quality of her choice in judges. (NT) -- No name, 21:57:59 08/25/15 Tue

When someone essentially says "This (Crystal) is what you all deserve for allowing nine years of AS to happen," they are insinuating that this undesirable result is their punishment. But I agree with your points about the judging. (NT) -- No name, 09:05:04 08/26/15 Wed

As the mom of a former, I must say how sad it is for anyone get on this board to cricize these young women. You must know that they read them, and no matter what "thick skin" you think they should have, you should be ashamed of yourself for questioning their win. It's apparent that some of you are the mothers of the contestants who didn't win, and maybe this attitude is one that you have passed on to your daughters and perhaps that is why they didn't win. Just because you are sure that your daughter is the best, and we all do, maybe the judges saw it differently! Here's an idea, why don't we all show a little class and restraint here and support Crystal in her year as Miss Illinois, and work on more important things in our lives! (NT) -- No name, 18:44:16 08/25/15 Tue

Setting aside my immediate reaction to anyone besides my own mother donning a condescending tone with me and telling me what I should or should not be ashamed about, let me reassure you I am not the mother of anyone who competed, although I can't speak for the other posters. If you are a mother of a former, then you know the culture of the administration that was recently fired by MAO. No one has done anything but question this win since it happened & for good reason. (NT) -- No name, 19:44:13 08/25/15 Tue

I'm sure your daughter deserved to win. In fact, she probably worked hard at achieving the goals which qualified her for the position. That said, it invalidates all that hard work & insults those who have done it when someone who hasn't done that same work achieves the same position. Crystal's win is just one more inexplicable result after 9 yrs of inexplicable things. Were we talking about a healthy system, no one would be suspicious. But we're talking about trust that has been broken again & again. Additionally, Crystal bears some responsibility as well. One can't lie & finagle & expect to never be called out. Yes, we have to make the best of it, but please don't tell a group of people who've been damaged by this system that they shouldn't question what experience has taught them to question. Don't tell people who worked hard that they don't have a right to be offended. And it's not classy to condescend to & insult people, no matter how passive-aggressively you try to dress it up. (NT) -- No name, 19:50:54 08/25/15 Tue

I really dont think the system wants any one to support her. Since the contestants were not invited to the going away party.... Why is that? (NT) -- No name, 11:52:39 08/26/15 Wed

I think that's more attributable to the fact there currently IS no system and no one really in charge but the titleholder. (NT) -- No name, 14:21:43 08/26/15 Wed

And of course your responses are condescending. You have no idea what we went through during our year of Miss IL. You also should know that we were key in getting this aministration out. I stand by the thought that still feel it is in bad taste to rip at a young woman. It is this attitude that will in fact ruin any future of this program finally going in a good direction. (NT) -- No name, 20:28:33 08/25/15 Tue

To be condescending is to take a position of superiority. In no way did I condescend to you. I have no doubt you went through hell and I appreciate your willingness to speak up. But it doesn't change that people are entitled to their opinions, no matter how distasteful you may find them. And people are entitled to discuss their confusion with one another. I don't believe that we have to ignore what happened to be able to move on in a positive direction. In fact, if we can't make sense of it (for example, in the case of a judging error), we might be doomed to repeat it. I have maintained that we can't change what happened, only prevent it from happening again. I don't think that's negative at all. (NT) -- No name, 20:44:10 08/25/15 Tue

AS is gone. Get over it. Move on. No one HAS to compete in the MAO system. It is a choice. It's a done decision. It is over. Support or move forward. (NT) -- No name, 20:49:36 08/25/15 Tue

Uhhhh. Ok? (NT) -- No name, 21:15:23 08/25/15 Tue

Basically, if you feel better about yourselves "calling out" someone you feel finagled their way to a win, then carry on. It just shows more about your character than hers. Life isn't fair. And btw, let's hope if your daughter does win, that we all share the "dirt" on her as well. (NT) -- No name, 06:54:33 08/26/15 Wed

Actually, telling the truth about someone of questionable character doesn't say anything about my character. It's a nice thought for those who want to justify their choices, but no. It's not a "feeling" that Crystal manipulated the truth about her education, nor that she did the same about her platform. It's not a "feeling" that she didn't place in the top 10 last year, nor did she win a single prelim this year. Those are all facts. The point is that understanding why it happened is imperative to making sure it doesn't happen again as we're rebuilding the program. I personally care about the quality and character of the girls we send to MA. If you don't, that says more about you than it does about me. (NT) -- No name, 08:56:23 08/26/15 Wed

For heaven's sake........GIVE IT UP PLEASE! (NT) -- No name, 10:17:47 08/26/15 Wed

No thanks. (NT) -- No name, 10:29:23 08/26/15 Wed
Oh wise sage -- No name, 01:28:13 08/29/15 Sat

For months, people have come on this board in droves to rehash every sin AS ever committed. Many people in the organization had negative interactions with her and are still having a hard time letting it go, rightfully so. Others had a negative experience at state because the judges selected someone that many have issues with seeing as Miss Illinois because she lied and cut corners. When young women give their all and a winner is selected that they feel doesn't appropriately represent the title, that can be heartbreaking and hard to get over, rightfully so. The new Miss Illinois is someone's daughter, but so is AS and her bad behavior didn't just happen over night. It likely started when she was much younger with lying, cutting corners and not being held accountable. Behavior like her's always starts that way. The point is that we all have a different experience in this organization, but bad behavior, whether it is coming from AS or from a titleholder, is offensive. (NT) -- No name, 09:36:43 08/26/15 Wed

^^^ THIS ^^^ (NT) -- No name, 09:42:39 08/26/15 Wed
Again, give it up. If you have proof of Crystal telling lies and cutting corners then take it to press. Making your long-babbling-vague insinutations on this board is very annoying. If you are offended, then move on. Use Crystal's win, and your offense over it, as a reason to close the chapter on Illinois MAO and find something else to do with your time. (NT) -- No name, 10:22:26 08/26/15 Wed

Ha! I feel like the press has better things to do with their time than talk about Crystal. Since when is the press our "go to?" And are you under the impression there is just one person posting all of this? How naïve! There is always the option for you not to read any of the posts. We wouldn't want you to be annoyed, after all. (NT) -- No name, 10:27:41 08/26/15 Wed

My goodness! Some very hard feelings here! I competed as a young woman and the 1st runner up was my roommate. She was pristine on stage, and a potty mouthed pig back in our room. I learned a very valuable lesson...life isn't fair, and judges opinions are truly subjective! Sounds like some of you should avail yourselves by getting involved in the program to make sure the change is made! It's a pageant for goodness sakes. Believe me when I say, our experiences with MAO have been horrid, but use some of your anger towards it as some of the change for it! We have. (NT) -- No name, 09:50:28 08/26/15 Wed

I agree with everything you said. Unfortunately, I think the questions are centered on whether or not the judges' opinions were truly subjective and whether or not they had the proper information to work with. And, yes, there are some very hard feelings, both about the previous administration and about the mess they've left us to clean up. It's unfortunate your experiences with MAO were so horrid. I think most of us agree we are hoping for a positive change. (NT) -- No name, 10:06:38 08/26/15 Wed

To the people that say Crystal won it in the interview that we did not see. I could see your side of that if I had not seen her speak since she became Miss IL. No way could she have been that good on interview to out her over the top. As someone said she is good enough. Is that what other states strive to send to Miss America is good enough. I don't think so, Crystal will be eaten alive at Miss America. The thing is she is so out there she probably will not notice. (NT) -- No name, 11:28:02 08/26/15 Wed

The theory is that her interview score might have been made stronger by the fact that the judges may have been discouraged from considering several other stronger interviewees because of She-who-shall-not-be-named's personal issues with either those contestants or their directors. (NT) -- No name, 14:35:47 08/26/15 Wed

Just wondering, what did AS have against Mrs. Murphy? (NT) -- No name, 14:42:35 08/26/15 Wed

She's an attorney and a threat, would be my guess. Was Kogan affiliated in the past with either of the "Chicago three?" (NT) -- No name, 14:45:28 08/26/15 Wed

No, she's not an attorney! Works at a nursing home. (NT) -- No name, 15:23:17 08/26/15 Wed

Oh! Well that was what was insinuated on here before. Who knows what the issue is, then? But poor Mrs. Murphy gets blamed for everything. (NT) -- No name, 15:27:45 08/26/15 Wed

Never happy no matter who was picked it's always someone's fault! (NT) -- No name, 20:59:58 08/27/15 Thu

This topic has been addressed in full and it's been well noted that these are not the typical complaints received after state. But it is what it is. So let's move on. (NT) -- No name, 06:46:32 08/28/15 Fri

Subject: ISA is now refusing to pay Crystal's airfare to Miss America

Author:
No name
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 09:38:36 08/30/15 Sun

Our beloved former Board Chair and her Treasurer husband are now refusing to pay Crystal's airfare to Miss America, after promising she'd receive all of her prizes listed in the program book at the most recent Miss Illinois Pageant. Can't say that I'm surprised, but sort of sad that Crystal has to worry about this just a few weeks before leaving for Atlantic City.

A group of Crystal's supporters are now taking up a collection to pay her airfare.

If the Schwerdtmann's had decided to quit earlier this year, as they are trying to convince others (even though we know better), why would you deny Miss Illinois her airfare? This is the same type of stuff they pulled when FSL fired them from running Miss Chicago in the late 90's, so no one is surprised.

True colors come to light! Let's hope Crystal's supporters are successful in getting the money for airfare.

MAO needs to step in and they need to act quickly to get a new group in place.

Replies:

Why don't they use the $1000 that MAO sends them for the girl to use before Miss America, or do they make that disappear like they have for all the other girl's? (NT) -- No name, 10:36:05 08/23/15 Sun
While I wasn't there, it's my understanding that Crystal had a fairly successful send off party and has received donations made in her name, not the organization's. She'll just have to manage her money well and take advantage of her sponsors. Others have gotten by with less under Amalia's reign. (NT) -- No name, 11:18:26 08/23/15 Sun

Why did they not invite all the girls that competed with her to her send off. most of them knew nothing about it. (NT) -- No name, 11:26:01 08/25/15 Tue

My guess is "lack." Lack of organization. Lack of leadership. Lack of sophistication. I think they thought a FB post was an adequate invitation for most. (NT) -- No name, 14:04:24 08/25/15 Tue

Rather than asking for donations, maybe MAO should get the bill for dragging their a$$es. (NT) -- No name, 11:21:45 08/23/15 Sun
I'm sure people will donate to get her there (NT) -- No name, 12:01:06 08/23/15 Sun

People already have. (NT) -- No name, 13:33:14 08/23/15 Sun

Not defending AS, but people complain if ISA pays or if they don't pay. They're no longer in charge, so maybe this decision was made relative to the legal proceedings. Maybe they were told not to pay it. I have no idea. (NT) -- No name, 12:41:41 08/23/15 Sun

The point you miss is that ISA agreed to pay Crystal her prizes and awards after they were informed by MAO that they were fired and in the holding pattern during their appeal. Now they are refusing. If MAO had control of the money they'd see that Crystal got paid for her airfare. So ISA revoked their promise. (NT) -- No name, 15:13:56 08/23/15 Sun

Maybe they reneged on their promises as per business as usual or maybe there is a legal reason they cannot follow through on that. People were complaining that there needed to be a "cease and desist" order to prevent them from draining the account, which included the money in prizes and awards they HAVE given to Crystal and Peyton. That's one reason I'm not sorry the flow of funds to them has stopped. Experience tells us to expect the worse from the AS & GS, but maybe they've been told to stop. I don't know. I'd like an explanation, but there has to be a better counter-argument than "you promised" against people who are notoriously unscrupulous. (NT) -- No name, 15:45:04 08/23/15 Sun

Let's just pretend that MAO has halted AS and GS. Why wouldn't MAO step in and make sure that Crystal had whatever she needed to get to Atlantic City, given that her state organization is in limbo? Either way, someone has not upheld their end of the deal. (NT) -- No name, 16:52:21 08/23/15 Sun

I agree. I think MAO should be accountable. (NT) -- No name, 17:14:06 08/23/15 Sun

Well the city of Marion is holding the money not Isa. Was by order of MAO. (NT) -- No name, 13:27:49 08/23/15 Sun

Yes, for the ticket money from this year's pageant. But what about the rest of the money the organization was holding onto? You know, the money for local franchise fees, Miss Illinois Appearance fees, program book sales, merchandise sales, etc.? That money is in their possession, as it does not yet appear that they've turned it over to MAO. MAO needs to take tougher actions to rectify this situation. (NT) -- No name, 15:15:35 08/23/15 Sun

How would you even know if "any money" was turned over to MAO yet unless you are a board member.... get real! If everything is in limbo thanks to MAO, do you actually think anyone can even write a check at this point. AS and GS are out with no authority to sign checks... Marion has the money Mao is probably being shady as usual so let them be accountable for any payouts (NT) -- No name, 11:15:12 08/24/15 Mon

Lack of authority to write checks hasn't stopped AS and GS from throwing money at Crystal and Peyton so far. What changed? (NT) -- No name, 11:31:00 08/24/15 Mon

NO, LACK of information! there are deadlines and cut off dates, if you want to know, contact MAO for answers ISA is done , checked out ya know ! (NT) -- No name, 11:37:04 08/24/15 Mon

So ISA's responsibilities didn't end when they were fired, but have since expired and they are no longer required to pay for Crystal, am I reading that right? (NT) -- No name, 13:07:21 08/24/15 Mon

REFUSING? I hardly think so! There you go, making stuff up again. They are not even in contact or active in anything anymore, It is the MAO Circus now with Marion as the new puppets. Illinois is a mess It may have started with AS but it falls on all who broadcast their thoughts and slanderous stuff like this just to stir things up while nothing is getting accomplished. I almost think everyone's out loud bitch sessions made a mockery out of Illinois. This could have been done in good taste, correctly! we will pay the price for damage control for the next 5 to 8 years. Two wrongs do not make a right, everyone here did not make this right so if you are gonna talk, say something constructive to move forward or shut the hell up! (NT) -- No name, 11:32:09 08/24/15 Mon

It was not STARTED in good taste so it probably won't end in good taste. We.'re all sorry the whole thing even happened. It did not have to go this far nor continue past the initial resignation. Many people were told how bad it was going to get before it blew up but they wouldn't stop. So, here we are. (NT) -- No name, 12:14:14 08/24/15 Mon
Nine years of damage won't go away overnight. No one chose all this to happen to them. Let's remember why we are in this situation to begin with. (NT) -- No name, 12:23:27 08/24/15 Mon
So, wait. Did ISA pay other commitments to Crystal and Peyton after they had been fired or not? And are they now paying for Crystal to fly to AC or not? If not, what precipitated that change? I'm not being snarky. I'm just trying to figure out what people are making up and what is fact. (NT) -- No name, 13:04:39 08/24/15 Mon

I repeat: it's my understanding that Crystal had a fairly successful send off party and the donations she has received have been made in her name. Since that money does not belong to the organization and no one is taking their cut, I would say she can pay her own way to AC. It should be a write off for her when the time comes to pay taxes on those donations. Keep the receipts! (NT) -- No name, 09:21:06 08/26/15 Wed
She may have had a successful party but from what I hear only one titleholder and local director showed up. That speaks volumes to me. (NT) -- No name, 19:00:01 08/27/15 Thu
Crystal's airfare -- No name, 23:26:44 08/27/15 Thu

The cruel, mean-spirited derogatory comments on here for the last few months have finally shown me that I don't want to come back to volunteer. I never truly realized how nasty our organization can be. (NT) -- No name, 08:06:41 08/28/15 Fri
I'm not sure what your point is here. It is specifically because her funds aren't associated w/ISA, & because she has access to her money, that Crystal can afford to pay for her own ticket. All the previous formers had to wait for their money, including that collected in their name at their send off, to be doled out at AS's discretion. For this reason & many others, other formers & their families paid a lot more out of their pockets during their tenure than Crystal's family is being asked to do. Crystal is not the victim. She's the lucky one. She has a lot more support than others have had, a lighter schedule & she doesn't have to deal w/AS. Also no one is bothered that she's from SoIL. Quit coddling her. This is a program for independent, dynamic young women. She wanted this position, let her accept the responsibilities (good & bad) that go w/it. Out of curiosity, what do you think people believed they were donating that money for if not her expenses? It wasn't her birthday party. (NT) -- No name, 08:38:06 08/28/15 Fri

AS has not and is not a part of Crystal being Miss IL. She was finishing out the week at Miss IL, so she was obviously there right after she won. She has nothing to do with anything and hasnt since the weekend of Miss IL. This airfare issue or anything regarding Miss A prep has nothing to do with AS. That's complete bullshit. (NT) -- No name, 13:29:35 08/28/15 Fri

AS set the tone for the direction of the organization, picked the judges, and was still very much involved with decision-making all week at the pageant, even though she was distracted by the other goings on (MAO, WGN). Ever since Art McMaster (her safety net) left, her strategy has been to say she was leaving just in case MAO decided to finally act & get rid of her. That way, she could always say, "I quit you first." It has been a transparent strategy and has played out exactly like that in this forum. Up until recently, she was continuing to pay Crystal's expenses, as noted in a previous thread on this board. But ultimately, again, AS is only a small part of this conversation, so no need to get one's pants in a bunch. (NT) -- No name, 13:42:44 08/28/15 Fri

Again, AS has not been a part of anything regarding Crystal. She wasnt even involved when the contracts were signed. Nothing. She has had nothing to do with her. You clearly dont have your facts straight (NT) -- No name, 13:52:48 08/28/15 Fri

The contracts are one thing, but to say she hasn't been involved at all is another. In fact, Crystal thanked AS and GS on her FB for helping her financially (a post that has since been removed). So, I'm not sure what the motivation is for denying it now, but it's seriously immaterial. No one's listening to or believing a thing AS says anyway. And no one really cares. Seriously. No one cares. I think I speak for many when I say we hope she isn't involved because she's already left a big enough mess for us to clean up. (NT) -- No name, 14:03:56 08/28/15 Fri
No one really believes this. You can keep saying it, but the fact that she "quit", came back, "quit again", appealed and failed, and is now suing on behalf of the ISA, doesn't really make sense within the confines of the explanations you keep trying to convince us of. Several years ago, she personally told me that she was resigning, but that never happened. It's hard to believe when someone cries wolf every time they are upset about something. (NT) -- No name, 14:07:40 08/28/15 Fri

It's hard to believe you care so much about what happened-quit, resigned, fired. Does it matter at this point?? She is GONE...move on!! Focus on the future and stop dwelling. And...for the love of god, stop making up stories. (NT) -- No name, 14:33:39 08/28/15 Fri

Specifically which stories are made up? (NT) -- No name, 14:42:24 08/28/15 Fri
Would you like to see the email from her specifically saying she was going to resign several years ago? I'm happy to share that. Post an email address I can send it to and I'd be happy to forward it along. No made up stories here. I'm thrilled that she's gone no matter how it happened, but I have just as much right as anyone to express my opinion. (NT) -- No name, 18:49:57 08/28/15 Fri

You're not the only one she told that to. We believe you. (NT) -- No name, 19:14:42 08/28/15 Fri

I was referring to the person who said "for the love of god, stop making up stories", if I misunderstood that statement, I apologize. (NT) -- No name, 19:56:19 08/28/15 Fri

I understood. :) (NT) -- No name, 20:49:01 08/28/15 Fri

It's interesting how they never answer when they're asked to explain themselves. (NT) -- No name, 19:44:18 08/28/15 Fri

Bottom line: Crystal can afford her own ticket. Crystal can ask to be reimbursed when (if?) the money is handed over to the new group. Crystal can write off her expenses if need be. In fact, she may need the deductions. So no need to worry about Crystal and whether or not she's going to make it to AC. BOOM! Let's move on. (NT) -- No name, 14:28:57 08/28/15 Fri
FYI for all.... ISA is working diligently to get funds released for both Crystal and Peyton's travels to MAO. They are waiting for MAO. Crystal is aware and appreciative of ISA efforts and support. (NT) -- No name, 09:43:57 08/29/15 Sat

But I thought Amalia and ISA was done, as in they resigned. How can it be both? (NT) -- No name, 11:17:34 08/29/15 Sat

Yes. It's strange to go from the vehement insistence that they have "nothing to do with Crystal" to "working diligently" for Crystal in less than 24 hours. So very strange...and yet validating for those who don't believe anything they say anyway. I don't know about you, but I for one am so relieved to know Crystal is "aware and appreciative." Ha! (NT) -- No name, 12:43:57 08/29/15 Sat

Who said they had nothing to do with Crystal? MAO changed that when they abruptly terminated them. They were going to fulfill until Nov when license expired. And have plans on attending. (NT) -- No name, 15:58:51 08/29/15 Sat

Wait so now MAO did terminate them? ISA supporters keep talking out of both sides of their mouth. And try reading up a few lines and you'll see that it was said numerous times that AS has nothing to do with Crystal. It's like their group can't keep up with their own lies. (NT) -- No name, 16:46:18 08/29/15 Sat

It would be funny if it weren't so crazy. (NT) -- No name, 19:54:54 08/29/15 Sat

They have supported her from day one. Only through lawsuit, the money is under Marion's control because the FREAK Gladys Kravitz stuck her nose in it! And rumor has it So IL has someone who applied. So of course they are keeping the money. There are NO secrets where you think there are....,, (NT) -- No name, 17:21:55 08/29/15 Sat

We are simply pointing out the drastic inconsistencies in the post from supporters of AS and the ISA. (NT) -- No name, 17:58:27 08/29/15 Sat
You do realize Gladys Kravitz is a fictional character that the WGN reporter used as an example of the nosiness of the Marion city official that popped out of nowhere, don't you? I have a hard time believing someone who thinks that was the woman's actual name. You clearly aren't as "in the know" as you want people to think you are. (NT) -- No name, 18:04:18 08/29/15 Sat

And you are just "stupid" 😜 (NT) -- No name, 07:58:51 08/30/15 Sun

Actually far from it. But nice try. (NT) -- No name, 09:38:36 08/30/15 Sun

Subject: No one really believes this. You can keep saying it, but the fact that she "quit", came back, "quit again", appealed and failed, and is now suing on behalf of the ISA, doesn't really make sense within the confines of the explanations you keep trying to convince us of. Several years ago, she personally told me that she was resigning, but that never happened. It's hard to believe when someone cries wolf every time they are upset about something.

Author:
No name
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 14:06:49 08/28/15 Fri

Replies:

Sorry this was in response to something further below. (NT) -- No name, 14:06:49 08/28/15 Fri

Subject: Remember when someone posted that the new leadership had already been chosen and they would be holding a meeting in August? Just four more days!

Author:
No name
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 17:10:20 08/27/15 Thu

Replies:

Yes, I remember! Knew it wasn't true then. (NT) -- No name, 16:39:28 08/27/15 Thu
Good times. (NT) -- No name, 17:10:20 08/27/15 Thu

Subject: I nominated Doug Black for the Miss America Lifetime Achievement Award - he deserves it!

Author:
No name
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 18:58:01 08/25/15 Tue

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Subject: Talk about something new for the love of God!!! Like USA this weekend! I just saw the contestants! It's going to be tough! A battle to the end between Gina, Zena, Jasmine and Marcela. That's my guess. Good luck ladies!
Author: No name [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: 12:26:54 09/08/15 Tue
Replies:
A lot of over photoshopped pictures. I think Emily Travis might give them a run. (NT) -- No name, 15:55:15 09/01/15 Tue She will probably make top 15/10 but I don't see her winning. USA likes the glamazons. (NT) -- No name, 16:22:52 09/01/15 Tue This may be true, but we have to remember Tara Conner was only 5'5" and our Miss Universe Olivia Culpo wasn't much taller. Tall or not, this weekend will be a fun one to watch. (NT) -- No name, 15:32:25 09/02/15 Wed So the girls listed above are Bridal Elegance girls .....don't tell me another hand picked pageant!!! (NT) -- No name, 19:30:20 09/02/15 Wed Some of the girls listed have bad nose jobs. I don't care if this is USA they just look over done! (NT) -- No name, 19:35:18 09/02/15 Wed Jasmine really? Not in this system! (NT) -- No name, 20:42:21 09/02/15 Wed Jasmine an IJM titleholder? She placed 1st Ru at Nationals a few weeks ago. USA won't allow her to hold two titles. (NT) -- No name, 21:44:32 09/02/15 Wed She can compete. Her title with IJM was appointed so there isn't anyone to crown anyway. Nationals are over so she doesn't have to sit out. (NT) -- No name, 13:00:58 09/03/15 Thu Alot of beautiful girls to watch! Good body is the key to getting in the top 5. (NT) -- No name, 21:40:38 09/02/15 Wed So many of these girls don't look like this in person. (NT) -- No name, 13:43:24 09/04/15 Fri Several do! Tough competition this year! (NT) -- No name, 13:48:10 09/05/15 Sat How much does having a brain matter? (NT) -- No name, 18:41:09 09/01/15 Tue That is subjective. USA has its own standards. They like the model-esque types. Ladies that are telegenic, photogenic and stand out in a crowd. It is not platform, achievement or education based. Their interviews are very short and while they are looking for someone who can form complete sentences they do not need to be rocket scientists. It's a beauty pageant. (NT) -- No name, 19:35:09 09/01/15 Tue In addition, who in their right mind would send their daughter to Miss Illinois America with the state its in?! The opportunities are better at USA and you won't be raked through the mud or forced to quit school or your job for a year. (NT) -- No name, 19:37:58 09/01/15 Tue The interview at Miss Illinois USA is 10 mins longer than at Miss Illinois America (NT) -- No name, 19:43:02 09/02/15 Wed Because it's Round Robin. (NT) -- No name, 21:45:56 09/02/15 Wed What's that? (NT) -- No name, 22:54:13 09/02/15 Wed 5 tables. 1 judge at each table. 4 minutes. You make your rounds! (NT) -- No name, 19:04:38 09/03/15 Thu From what I could tell by looking at the website the USA system actually looks like you might actually enjoy competing in it. I agree with the above post. I would try the USA system and stay clear of America until it gets in a better path. (NT) -- No name, 20:09:29 09/01/15 Tue Horribly photoshopped photos! Glad to see the numbers back up. Question - Isn't Jasmine Guy an IJM queen? Are they allowed to hold two titles? (NT) -- No name, 15:38:31 09/02/15 Wed Awien Kuanyin-Agoth is competing. She represented South Sudan at Miss World. She is STUNNING! (NT) -- No name, 17:34:25 09/02/15 Wed Illinois USA -- No name, 22:57:57 09/03/15 Thu Go to: https://www.facebook.com/MissIllinoisUSA/photos/pcb.10153159430382337/10153159428027337/?type=1 (NT) -- No name, 10:19:52 09/06/15 Sun I went to the website and only saw the 2015 contestants. can you give the link? ty (NT) -- No name, 14:49:43 09/04/15 Fri Go to People's Choice. The 2016 girls are there. (NT) -- No name, 16:57:02 09/04/15 Fri My top three after prelims would have to be Gina, Zena and Jamine or possibly Marcella. I know that we don't see interview but I do know that both Gina and Marcella usually win interview in almost every pageant that they do. It's going to be fun to see the outcome this year. It's very competitive. (NT) -- No name, 08:12:34 09/07/15 Mon Gina is out this year. She did well last year because there wasn't much competition. She doesnt have a face that can compete with Zena or Jasmine. (NT) -- No name, 20:02:11 09/07/15 Mon Gina is six feet tall and has amazing stage presence with a killer interview. You obviously don't know her. (NT) -- No name, 20:45:13 09/07/15 Mon Miss Peoria looked reminded me of a bobble head. She would have looked okay but couldn't stand watching her modeling on stage. Wouldn't have made it to the top 18 based on the modeling alone. Also looks better in photos than in person in my opinion. Don't care for Glenview looks or attitude. She just has a RBF and is very fake. I agreed with about half of the top 18 though. Good luck to the winner! (NT) -- No name, 12:26:54 09/08/15 Tue

Subject: Crystal says (Click In) she's attending Southeast Missouri State University ....Since when? And she looks like an old lady in the Welcome Video.
Author: No name [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: 07:28:34 09/08/15 Tue https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=w1ff0R5aGrg
Replies:
Well, she went from a "junior," to a "senior" to "attending," which is probably the closest to the truth since she reportedly takes "online courses." (NT) -- No name, 13:21:24 09/03/15 Thu She'll be a Clapper! At best .... (NT) -- No name, 14:45:53 09/03/15 Thu Miss America is having an identity crisis, so you never know. I don't think they have a clear picture of who they are or what they stand for, even at the national level. (NT) -- No name, 15:38:02 09/03/15 Thu Oh, God! (NT) -- No name, 15:56:13 09/03/15 Thu Will the real Crystal Davis please stand up? (NT) -- No name, 15:54:49 09/03/15 Thu You win the internet today. (NT) -- No name, 15:59:27 09/03/15 Thu I think you people would even rip to shreds a female version of Jesus Christ, if she were the reigning Miss Illinois. And we wonder why contestant quality is dropping throughout the program. (NT) -- No name, 17:16:17 09/03/15 Thu I think you would like to think that instead of accepting the alternative. (NT) -- No name, 19:08:50 09/03/15 Thu Oh, yes! The decline in contestant quality has nothing to do with the way the program has been run for the past nine years. Give me a break! There were plenty of quality contestants at state this year. This titleholder is just a symptom of the problem that has plagued our system. It's not entirely her fault, but let's not pretend this contestant is typical of the ones we usually send to MA. (NT) -- No name, 19:26:04 09/03/15 Thu Illinois managed to eek out two top tens in the past 9 years, and that's it. The days of Illinois being a competitive state need to be rebuilt from scratch. Crystal isn't any worse than some of the other titleholders that have been sent to Miss America over the past 9 years, and I say that as someone who's seen them all. She may not be your choice for Miss illinois, but so what? Give it a rest. And as for all of those "lies and deep dark secrets" I do not accept something posted on a voy board as proof. When you provide substantiated proof via a legit venue, then (and only then) will I take them seriously. The comment about female Jesus is right on the mark. (NT) -- No name, 19:38:59 09/03/15 Thu And who are you that anyone should provide proof to you or care what you think? Or that anyone should give it a rest because you said so? Fortunately for me, I don't really care if you take these assertions seriously or not. I can claim responsibility for only one of the above posts. So the idea that it's only one person who is aware of the ways in which Crystal embellished (or whatever) her education or platform is simply not true. Let's be honest, most of the world doesn't care about Miss America, much less Miss Illinois, so it's understandable people would come here to talk about it. At least they're politely keeping it off FB. (NT) -- No name, 20:02:33 09/03/15 Thu Yes, Miss Illinois does need to rebuild the program from scratch, and I think that we are all hoping that it can be done after years of bad leadership. However, to act as though the last 9 were unworthy because only two made the cut is one of the dumbest things I've read on this board. They all did a fantastic job as titleholders, despite the daily drama that they had to deal with just to be Miss Illinois. Many had the potential to do well, but who knows what went on that may have affected their preparation. Amalia was notorious for talking badly about her own contestant to Miss America before they even got to nationals. We also have to accept that the national organization has changed immensely in the last 9 years. (NT) -- No name, 20:23:57 09/03/15 Thu Oh please. Dont even try to compare her to the others. They had educations in progress with goal expectations of life. They traveled the state alone and made contacts to improve the program and they deemed a professional appearance and represented the state with poise. (NT) -- No name, 22:15:44 09/05/15 Sat Just face it, gone are the days that contestants listen to anyone! Mothers think they know best, they think their little darlings know everything, & neither do! Fran, AS or whomever sad but true, they all have a sense of entitlement. Just sayin! (NT) -- No name, 19:32:57 09/03/15 Thu What does that have to do with anything? (NT) -- No name, 19:50:52 09/03/15 Thu ^^^^^^^what are people smoking! (NT) -- No name, 10:35:49 09/04/15 Fri https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crystal_Davis Although obviously written after she won and chock-full of detail, this Wikipedia entry makes no mention of Crystal attending Southeast Missouri State University. It says she "attended" Shawnee Community College. So, one might conclude she is a 22-year-old who (apparently) has not even graduated from community college. It's not where she's attending that's important, but how honest and/or consistent she has been. Expectations and accountability in our program need to go up. (NT) -- No name, 14:32:45 09/04/15 Fri Or perhaps she has now decided to attend a four-year college using the scholarships she earned along the way. Isn't that what the program is supposed to be for? Man, you folks are vicious. Many people finish their college degrees in their 30's or 40's; not everyone does the four year thing right out of high school, and that's o.k. (NT) -- No name, 16:58:42 09/04/15 Fri You're really reaching. She told people before the pageant that she was attending school at Southeast Missouri State University, as well as saying it at the MA opening ceremony. In no way is it vicious to point out the discrepancies in someone's story. She's the one who told it. And I would assume someone who knows her helped with the details of that Wikipedia entry, but left out her actively attending SEMO. It's absolutely fine to put off one's education, but be honest about it. If that prevents you from being successful in the MAO, then maybe it's not for you. The point is, scholarship is one of the four points of MAO and it's an insult to those who take that seriously for someone to lie simply because they feel entitled to compete without doing the work. (NT) -- No name, 17:17:06 09/04/15 Fri Look, it's whacko and convoluted and next year, someone needs to pay better attention. That's it. (NT) -- No name, 17:50:37 09/04/15 Fri Crystal did not reflect this in ANY of her Illinois paperwork. This, like her Platform is BS. How she won is beyond anyone!! (NT) -- No name, 07:37:05 09/05/15 Sat But she did win; so maybe you should step back and realize that it's just a pageant. We aren't developing the cure for cancer. You'll get through this. If I've lived through seven years of Obama, you'll survive a year of Crystal Davis as Miss Illinois. Trust me. (NT) -- No name, 21:57:29 09/05/15 Sat Yes, it's just a pageant, but it's still important to the girls who work diligently on their educations, their platforms, their talents and even their overall presentations in order to succeed. Some are girls who could really use the scholarship dollars to achieve the goals they have set for their lives. To them and to the women who have come before them, it's an insult to say "It's just a pageant," and diminish the work they have put into it. Obviously you're right: Crystal did win, however that happened, and no one will die from it. But does being dismissive make it ok? (NT) -- No name, 15:07:05 09/06/15 Sun and is ranting about it on a voy board going to fix it? (NT) -- No name, 20:07:45 09/06/15 Sun No, but I don't think anyone is asking for anyone to fix it. (NT) -- No name, 20:39:00 09/06/15 Sun Tell it^^^ (NT) -- No name, 16:11:42 09/06/15 Sun It IS just a pageant! Stick with education, it'll get you farther! (NT) -- No name, 21:01:14 09/06/15 Sun Funny. Most of the girls DO stick with education. That's basically what this post is about. (NT) -- No name, 22:30:39 09/06/15 Sun Right, formers consist of fitness coaches, dance teachers, make up consultants. Big money there. You'd think more success would come from making all those contacts, but obviously not too much by way of high level degrees. (NT) -- No name, 06:57:04 09/07/15 Mon Doctors, lawyers, speech-language pathologists... (NT) -- No name, 08:43:17 09/07/15 Mon And a physician's assistant, I believe. I could be wrong, but it's something similar to that. (NT) -- No name, 10:09:40 09/07/15 Mon One who just started a professional singing career, one who works for a non-profit as a result of the connections she made as Miss Illinois....and the one you're referring to as the "fitness consultant" does that as a hobby, not a job. She has a degree and a full time job. Frankly, the ones you're insulting are the ones you say managed to "eek" their way into the finals, so what is your point? We all know Amalia was not what the organization needed and we are all glad she is no longer in charge. (NT) -- No name, 10:34:20 09/07/15 Mon This doesn't sound insulting to me, but rather that the person is pointing out that while you act as though the contestants went through high levels of education to win a pageant, you are missing the point that this IS a pageant! Not every participant desires to go "high level" but to enjoy their accomplishment, and then return to a normal level of life after. Whatever one loves to do does not define WHO they are! (NT) -- No name, 10:47:05 09/07/15 Mon I'm not going to take the time to recap this thread from start to finish for you and explain how it got to that statement. It would involve dragging Crystal back through the mud and I don't think that serves anyone at this point. I'm also not going to reiterate my point in which I explained why "It's just a pageant," may be insulting to some people. I will just say that if someone's only goal in life is to win a pageant, then they should choose a pageant system for which they are qualified and in which "scholarship" is not identified as one of the four points of the system. "Desiring" and "deserving" are two different things. (NT) -- No name, 11:26:41 09/07/15 Mon Since you are so forthright in your criticism of Crystal's academics, what's your academic background? I assume that you must have a PHD in physics from Duke University or something equivalent, correct? If you are going to be so insistent and steadfast that girls with mediocre scholastic ambitions not compete in MAO, you obviously have to be someone who's a shining example. Please do tell. Enquiring minds want to know. (NT) -- No name, 13:15:21 09/07/15 Mon lol I'm not answering your snarky question, not because my education isn't substantial, but because it is irrelevant. In fact, the education of anyone who has commented in this thread, even you, is irrelevant to any discussion about Crystal's choices. If that's your only defense, it's pretty weak. (NT) -- No name, 14:06:25 09/07/15 Mon No, I just think you are like the 300 lb person who rips into contestants for being 5 lbs overweight in swimsuit. In other words, you don't set the example for what you demand out of Crystal or other titleholders, that's all. ;) (NT) -- No name, 19:24:30 09/07/15 Mon Your impression is completely off-base, but what you think means literally nothing to me because this isn't about me. You get an A for your effort in trying to change the focus, though. It's as cute as your wink emoji. (NT) -- No name, 19:55:49 09/07/15 Mon It's interesting you think I am THE person trying to "discredit" Crystal. First of all, I didn't start this thread, nor am I the only one commenting on it. And second of all, she has discredited herself by lying. That's no one else's fault but hers. If Crystal wants to go to school to become a beautician or a welder, I don't care. I think there's honor in that and I would never be so rude as to call that a "mediocre scholastic ambition." She should just be honest about it. If she doesn't want to go to school at all, that's fine, too. This just isn't the program for her, as has been said before. Seriously, what part of people's complaints has your pants in such a bunch? That Crystal hasn't been able to lie without being caught? (NT) -- No name, 20:34:10 09/07/15 Mon So what you're saying is there's no middle ground between "mediocre (or even no) scholastic ambitions" and a PhD from Duke? Well, thanks for the clarification. What a relief for the people who actually care about the program to know that they don't have to worry so much about it! It takes a lot of pressure off those people to know we're really just looking for "mediocre." We can start recruiting even more mediocre girls who "desire" to return to a mediocre life. In fact, we might want to consider giving out participation crowns in the future because every girl who "desires" to compete deserves to get what she wants. I mean, it's just a pageant after all. Thanks! That's going to save some people a lot of time, money and effort. (NT) -- No name, 14:38:27 09/07/15 Mon Did I say that? There was a state titleholder in the 80's who made top 5 at Miss America with the scholastic ambition of finishing cosmotology school. If someone has an educational goal as a means to making an honest living, then I'm all for them using the scholarships in the Miss America program to get there. You missed the point entirely in calling out the person trying to discredit Crystal. While we don't know identity, I'd bet money that there own educational credentials aren't any better than Crystals. If they even have any beyond high school. (NT) -- No name, 19:28:08 09/07/15 Mon I think you meant "their" credentials. (NT) -- No name, 20:00:03 09/07/15 Mon I'm not the person who posted that comment so I realize you're not speaking to me, but you are the one missing the point and what you say makes no sense. Most of us do not want to see education minimized in our program. When that happens, it will officially mark the beginning of the end for MAO. (NT) -- No name, 20:00:30 09/07/15 Mon The beginning of the end was MAO ignoring 9 years worth of complaints about the last group. (NT) -- No name, 00:19:52 09/08/15 Tue I AM the person who posted that and I can honestly say, "yes," that is what you implied through your extremely flawed reasoning. You essentially said that anything less than a PhD from Duke gives a person no right to comment on a girl with "mediocre scholastic ambitions" competing in the program. There is a huge span of difference between "no" scholastic ambition, "mediocre," "adequate," "exceptional" and "outstanding." As a program, we should always strive to have girls who are (a minimum of) adequate to outstanding. Our expectations should be high, not lowered so the "mediocre" girls don't feel left out. If you want to compete in our program, strive harder. There's nothing wrong with sending that message. It's not the program for every girl. (NT) -- No name, 20:51:22 09/07/15 Mon You come on here claiming that Crystal is a liar, as if you are "in the know" and then make half-a*ed excuses by saying the press has better things to cover and MAO is too busy. You have no freakin clue, but keep coming on here ranting and raving about how Crystal has lowered the bar and she's some sort of fraud. The fraud is the person posting this crap on an anonymous message board. If I had proof that someone was a liar or fudging their credentials, I'd step forward, and keep stepping forward until someone listened. But you keep posting here. And you do that because you are either full of crap or don't have any tangible proof. And if truth be known, you probably are a beauty school dropout yourself, and have no business ranting about anyone else. (NT) -- No name, 00:08:10 09/08/15 Tue* Keep thinking all that stuff you just said. It's really ok. You'll eventually realize what many of us (I say "us," because again it's not just ONE person) already know: there's nothing that can be done about this. It doesn't matter because it just isn't that important to anyone but people who care about this pageant, and that is a very small number of people. Crystal is at MA and she'll be Miss IL for a year. And then we'll have new leadership who will hopefully be sure to do a better job checking paperwork, choosing judges and not using their personal insecurities to influence the outcome of the pageant. That's it. You can make this about us, but why aren't you asking someone you believe to be TRULY "in the know" about her? (NT) -- No name, 07:28:34 09/08/15 Tue I think you meant "inquiring." (NT) -- No name, 20:01:35 09/07/15 Mon Here, I mean, I think you meant "inquiring." (NT) -- No name, 20:10:58 09/07/15 Mon lol This thing...never mind. You can figure it out. (NT) -- No name, 20:12:05 09/07/15 Mon You either have no sense of humor or no clue about 70's and 80's pop culture. It's "Enquiring minds" (NT) -- No name, 00:00:15 09/08/15 Tue

Subject: ZENA MALAK IS MISS ILLINOIS USA!
Author: No name [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: 23:15:50 09/07/15 Mon
Replies:
Do you know the Top 5 and the Semi-Finalists? (NT) -- No name, 22:01:58 09/07/15 Mon 1RU Jasmine Guy • Norwood Park 2RU Gina Melchiorri • Lakeview 3RU Gemma Berto • Glenview 4RU Elaina Cokinos • Elsah (NT) -- No name, 23:15:50 09/07/15 Mon

Subject: Why Does Glen Schwerdtmann have a Facebook page titled Julie Schoenbeck? Is this Amalia's spy page?
Author: No name [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: 10:28:11 09/07/15 Mon
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What could there possibly be for her to spy on that anyone would care about her knowing? It's both funny and pathetic that she would feel the need to have a "spy page" or even to be anonymous. (NT) -- No name, 13:40:48 09/04/15 Fri This is exactly like when my kids were toddlers and would hide their faces, thinking that made them invisible. (NT) -- No name, 13:45:28 09/04/15 Fri Well, now Amalia's FB page is under Scwerdtmann Amalia, with her feckless one's photo! Funny! (NT) -- No name, 10:28:43 09/06/15 Sun Would you please just leave these people BE!!! Get another hobby -- No name, 11:19:44 09/06/15 Sun Mr. nameless Feckless stalker you are over the top....you're one possessed person! Get a life oh wait, you have a desperate separate home in MI don't you to get away from your family.... (NT) -- No name, 15:42:48 09/06/15 Sun No, this IS our hobby! These people did not let us be! Karma is a b***!!! (NT) -- No name, 21:05:53 09/06/15 Sun* Ok Paul, keep going.... That's why your daughter is SUCH a Diva dating that he/she.....pffft! Took a position many of our daughters would have loved to have... Instead of her wearing her dresses up to her hoo Haaah thinking it was sexy! Not! Ask Jane Ann, she spoke about her as well! (NT) -- No name, 09:20:22 09/07/15 Mon I'm sure this would be offensive if anyone could make any sense of the flow of logic from one disjointed phrase to the next. (NT) -- No name, 10:28:11 09/07/15 Mon

Subject: Photo from USA Prelims
Author: No name [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: 00:47:20 09/06/15 Sun Miss Illinois USA 2016 Preliminary Award Winners - Miss South Loop Brittany Middlebrooks (Spirit Award) - Miss Glenview Gemma Berto (Congeniality) and Miss Carol Steam Zena Malak (Photogenic) CONGRATULATIONS!

Subject: Michela Moe
Author: No name [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: 14:38:13 09/04/15 Fri Michela Moe, Miss Windy City and 2nd RU at Miss Illinois, is competing in the National Sweetheart Pageant in Hoopeston this weekend. Good luck, Michela!
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Best of luck this weekend, Michela! (NT) -- No name, 14:38:13 09/04/15 Fri

Subject: I am so sick of people feeling sorry for Crystal. I feel sorry for the girls that spent lots of money this year and got screwed. I cannot imagine how they feel in this situation.
Author: No name [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: 11:17:18 09/04/15 Fri
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Crystal -- No name, 21:54:56 08/28/15 Fri I feel the same. There was amazing girls on that stage and they would have had a chance to win at MIss America. I don't think the pageant was fair and that is what is not right about sending Crystal to MA. I think she should just feel lucky that she was the chosen one and make the most of her year. It isn't her fault she won, and by no means do I think she shouldn't enjoy her year. It is just sad for contestants this past year at Miss Illinois. (NT) -- No name, 08:37:14 09/04/15 Fri Omg! Moms! Get over it! Your girls didn't win! Sad, but life isn't fair! Get over it and move on! What about past winners who definitely could have won MA? They were held back due to poor leadership. Do you see us complaining? (NT) -- No name, 08:53:39 09/04/15 Fri Ha! What makes you think the commenters are moms or even contestants? You formers don't have to complain, we're all thinking it for you. But if you are a former who worked at winning, who was dedicated to your platform, who spent years honing your talent, and/or who made an effort in your education, how are YOU not insulted? I can only assume you haven't looked into things deeply enough or you're too close to Crystal for people to share the truth with you. (NT) -- No name, 09:28:21 09/04/15 Fri I'm not a mom of a contestant this year or a former. Just was there and thought that there were a couple of other contestants that had a better chance of winning at MA. I think we look bad when we don't send our best and to be honest it was a horrible pagent. Especially during prelimaries when it was a talent show for directors. I felt the titleholder from last year and from the past that performed were very talented and well spoken. I came to this board to see what was happening since it is Miss America is so close. Sorry I offended anyone, but I still think that this is the best we can do, then YES, I do agree with many of the posts. Change is definitely need so that Illinois has a chance at Miss America. (NT) -- No name, 11:17:18 09/04/15 Fri

Subject: Miss IL USA Contestants/ IL Teen USA Contestants
Author: No name [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: 23:05:13 09/03/15 Thu Madison Mueller (4RU) Contestants MISS IL USA 2016 (87) •Helen Alex • Darien •Vickie Apostolopoulos • Barrington •Jazz-Min Arceneaux • Bolingbrook •Emily Argo • Washington Strong •Kristen Batte • Macon County •Pamela Bazan • Lake Villa •McKenzie Behrends • Tremont •Shani Belshaw • Western Illinois (NF 14) •Julia Benson • Fighting Illini •Gemma Berto • Glenview (3RU 15, SF 14, NF 13) •Giavanna Bettinardi • Lemont •Allysa Blaylock • Madison County •Amber Bond • Normal (NF 15) •Beautyful Brown • Glencoe •Carrington Bruton • City of Champions (NF 11-14) •Brittney Burks • Native Violet •Nicole Capone • Greater Chicago •Elaina Cokinos • Elsah (SF & Photogenic MD TUSA 14) •Grayse Cook • Henry •Ciara Corley • Centreville (NF 14) •Alexis Dames • Channahon (NF IL TUSA 14) •Donna Davis • Kane County •Caitlin del Rosario • Montgomery •Courtney Ecton • Chicago •Sadira Fauntleroy • Aurora •Daniela Fernandez • Warbound •Emily Fiedler • Lisle (NF 15) •Taylor Foster • Granite City •Hannah Fronczak • Streeterville •Tiffany Gabriel • Orland Park •Marcela Gillen • Peoria County •Natalia Globa • Chicagoland •Hannah Gowdy • Heart of the South (SF 14, SF IL TUSA 13) •Jasmine Guy • Norwood Park (SF 14, 3RU 13, SF 11, SF 10) •Taylor Hardy • Mississippi Valley •Jenna Harner • Southern Illinois •Krstina Harvel • Lions •Wandjell Harvey-Robinson • The Prairie State •Kaylea Heideman • Iroquois County •Amanda Henry • Lake Forest •Maya Hufman • Island Lake •Deimante Jakelaityte • Evergreen Park •Jayde Johnson • Windy City •Courtney Jurick • Lakeshore •Ashley Kamins • Bloomington •Taara King • Jewel of the Midwest •Trisha Kopchik • City of Lights (NF IL TUSA 09) •Paw Ku • City of Diversity •Awien Kuanyin-Agoth • Cook County (Miss South Sudan World 2014) •Jessica Kunamalla • Naperville •Kathryn Lanute • Sugar Grove •Melissa LaValle • North Shore •Samantha Lewis • Tri State •Brooke Major • Bourbonnais •Zena Malak • Carol Stream (4RU & Photogenic 13) •Tasha Meehan • Lake Zurich (NF IL TUSA 13) •Gina Melchiorri • Lakeview (1RU 15, 3RU IA USA 14, 3RU IA USA 13) •Brittany Middlebrooks • South Loop (NF 13, NF 12) •Brittany Moore • Christian County (SF 15, NF IL TUSA 14) •Rachel Mytnik • Romeoville (NF IL TUSA 13) •Jessica New • Metro Chicago •Ashley Orozco • Plainfield •Emma Peele • Tinley Park •Christy Praljak • Gold Coast (SF 15) •Claudia Price • Silver Creek (NF IL TUSA 15) •Jacqueline Pytko • Oak Forest •Jennifer Rich • Franklin County (NF IL TUSA 14) •Gabriella Roth • Lombard (4RU 15, NF 14) •Nicole Rutkowski • Streamwood (NF 14) •Alana Sadkin • Skokie •Sabrina Scott • DuPage County •Amanda Signorelli • West Loop (SF 15, 3RU MO USA 13, 3RU NV TUSA 09, NF NV TUSA 07) •Caitlyn Smith • Mokena •Amethyst Stephens • Kankakee County •Lina Survilaite • Hickory Hills •Katielynn Sutterlin • Boone County •Courtny Svendsen • Central Illinois •Abigail Taylor • Nature's Acres •Jessica Thuma • Northern Illinois •Emily Travis • Skyline •Megan Vladic • Antioch •Jessica West • Kankakee (NF 15, NF 14, NF IL TUSA 13) •Elizabeth Whitney • Quad Cities •Gabriela Wilewska • City by the Lake (NF 13) •Rebekah Williams • Heart of Illinois •Holly Wysong • Bourbonnais Midas •Melissa Zeman • Northern Suburbs (SF 10) MISS IL TEEN USA 2016 (46) •Natasia Barrett • Lake County •Chloe Bergmann • Plainfield •Becca Bernier • La Grange •Mallory Borcky • Newark •Jennifer Branch • Oakwood •Amanda Brockmeier • Naperville •Caroline Campbell • Heart of the South (2RU 15, SF 13) •Raegen Cavanaugh • Grundy County •Vonda Cochran • Murphysboro •Ashton Curtis • Union County •Katrina Espano • RightMed HHCS •Reilly Farren • Champaign County •Juleigh Furry • Platinum Athletics •Harleigh Goodman • Glenview •Amanda Graves • Madison County •Kelisy Grob • Rend Lake •Sara Hampsten • Cumberland County •Jasmine Hawkins • DuPage County (NF 15) •Faith Johns • Pike County •Amrita Krishnan • Michigan Shores •Hannah Kupferschmid • Woodford County •Sarah Lewis • Midwest •Iryna Lozovatska • Kendall County •Ellie McGee • Greater Naperville •Alexis McVicker • Guard 911 •Katelyn Mernack • BMB Motors (SF 15) •Briona Mogelberg • Cook County (NF 14) •Leah Morris • La Salle County •Serena Napolitano • Wood Dale •Michelle Norris • Springfield (NF 15) •Amanda Perez • North Chicago •Alexis Pikul • New Lenox •Olivia Pura • Deer Park •Emma Riley • North Shore •Kaytlin Schmidt • Columbia •Cassandra Schofield • Monticello Sage •Sydney Shanine • South Naperville •Marlene Slaughter • South Suburban •Shayla Sullivan • Mokena •Bradi Thornton • Crystal Lake •Sara Toth • Orland Park •Isabella Trojanek • Northern Kane County •Cindy Valdez-Barrios • Alborada (NF 15) •Felicia Widen • Tinley Park •Angelina Zanfardino • Windy City •Alexandra Zimbrakos • Chicago
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Pictures -- No name, 23:05:13 09/03/15 Thu

Subject: I know it would never had happened but If Amalia would have had a Miss Illinois become Miss America it would have been. Big mess. So actually we can thank MAO for taking it away from Fran. Thanks a lot MAO!!
Author: No name [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: 08:10:06 09/03/15 Thu
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What the huh? (NT) -- No name, 14:57:57 08/27/15 Thu Was this written by a drunk person? what does this mean? (NT) -- No name, 16:40:14 08/27/15 Thu Maybe if you would just try again explaining what you meant...? (NT) -- No name, 09:05:30 08/28/15 Fri I wanted to say thank god we had Fran Skinner to prepare many of Miss Illinois and look how everyone of them did so very well except for Tania! But really who cares about Tania (NT) -- No name, 10:48:20 08/28/15 Fri There were many girls with potential during the Amalia years. She just couldn't do what FSL could do. (NT) -- No name, 12:07:05 08/28/15 Fri You are so right! She would never ask for help or good recommendations for coaches.she failed as a state Ed and hurt so many possibilities.shame on Mao for letting this happen!!!! (NT) -- No name, 12:45:00 08/28/15 Fri Are we REALLY still talking about AS on this board? Next topic..... (NT) -- No name, 13:26:51 08/28/15 Fri Oh my God yes we are still talking about Amalia! It took many years for all of you stupid people and her stupid puppets to ruin things and now I think we still need to discuss the bad person! (NT) -- No name, 13:40:46 08/28/15 Fri Cry me a fucking river..... (NT) -- No name, 13:54:13 08/28/15 Fri Oh good talk dirty! Is this Amalia or one of her freaks? (NT) -- No name, 14:04:56 08/28/15 Fri I'm always entertained by the profanity-ridden, desperate outbursts of Team Amalia. (NT) -- No name, 14:39:01 08/28/15 Fri This is so true. But why the bad language. (NT) -- No name, 14:11:23 08/28/15 Fri I really think it's best not to dwell on her, but let her serve as a bad example. Let's use her to talk about how NOT to do things. Complete this sentence, "In the future, let's NOT..." (NT) -- No name, 14:15:20 08/28/15 Fri In the future, let's not come up with excuses not to pay out scholarships. (NT) -- No name, 15:13:27 08/28/15 Fri In the future, let's not piss off sponsors and volunteers. (NT) -- No name, 15:15:15 08/28/15 Fri In the future, let's not minimize the importance of intelligence and scholastic achievement in our program. (NT) -- No name, 15:16:15 08/28/15 Fri In the future, let's not forget that we can delegate, that people are capable of doing their jobs and that they don't need to be micromanaged. (NT) -- No name, 15:18:24 08/28/15 Fri In the future, let's not underestimate the importance of maintaining a level of professionalism within the organization and in interpersonal relationships with titleholders. (NT) -- No name, 15:19:45 08/28/15 Fri In the future, let's not forget that the program is about the contestants, not the leader. (NT) -- No name, 15:20:45 08/28/15 Fri In the future, let's not share 4" of our cleavage at all times. (NT) -- No name, 15:21:58 08/28/15 Fri In the future, let's not make up the rules as we go. (NT) -- No name, 15:22:53 08/28/15 Fri In the future, let's not wear short shorts and stilettos, please. (NT) -- No name, 15:39:17 08/31/15 Mon Ha! Perfect! (NT) -- No name, 16:35:08 08/31/15 Mon In the future, let's not pick "average" because we want a "girl next door," or go with mediocre because it's less intimidating, and let us not ask our girls to downplay their looks or intelligence so that they have a better chance of being the girl they want. (NT) -- No name, 20:26:28 09/02/15 Wed I love this!!! (NT) -- No name, 23:25:11 08/28/15 Fri Oh, and let's not seperate the contestants who win from the people who made them who they are! (NT) -- No name, 18:23:56 08/31/15 Mon Good one (NT) -- No name, 19:23:06 08/31/15 Mon That is not true. You are lying. Matty would never do that even though he and AS we're very good friends (NT) -- No name, 18:29:37 08/31/15 Mon Do what? Did this get posted to the wrong thread? (NT) -- No name, 18:53:38 08/31/15 Mon Yes, this was posted to the wrong thread, but Matty DID do that because I took a photo of his explaination to me because I couldn't believe it! MAO now has it as part of the proof of how devisive AS is and how cowardly people under her can be! (NT) -- No name, 06:30:11 09/01/15 Tue AS was SO JEALOUS of FSL it was comical. She thought she could waltz in and take FSL's positions on the national level, garner the same respect etc. The country shut her down. She was hated. People put her on their judging panel to stop getting badgered by her to judge. You notice none of the big states would send their top people to judge Illinois. Always scrambling for bottom feeder judges. Our program lost a lot when we lost FSL and got stuck with AS for political reasons. Maybe the new group will be smart and invite FSL to the pageant and gain some of her knowledge. Many formers will not get involved until that bridge is mended. WE can only hope. At least the rubbish that was AS, GS and her whole team is finally gone. Now we just have to clear the stench. (NT) -- No name, 09:58:41 09/02/15 Wed Unfortunately, as long as the current leadership is in place at MAO, I think the new leadership at the state level will not be able to include FSL in any capacity AND keep their job. One of the reasons MAO overlooked complaints about AS was because of their mutual dislike of FSL. (NT) -- No name, 10:38:08 09/02/15 Wed We all agree that Fran was a great leader, and that her ability to identify and foster excellence in our contestants is unmatched. I think we would all be happy if she was able to return, but I don't see MAO allowing that to happen. It is unfortunate. Unless somehow Fran and Sam are able make amends, and maybe that is possible with Amalia out of the picture, I'm not sure what the new leadership can do...other than try to do an excellent job. Will it be as good as Fran's organization? Maybe not, but hopefully it will be a vast improvement. (NT) -- No name, 10:52:38 09/02/15 Wed Amalia was over the top in her paranoia about Fran. And the MAO people have been just as bad. MAO embarrassed itself with the way they refused to attend Caressa Cameron's homecoming, all because Fran was going to be in attendance. Love her or hate her, Fran was 1,000 times better for the program than Amalia could ever hope to be. AND, Miss Illinois titleholders RESPECTED Fran after their year was over. Amalia couldn't manage that even one time in nine years. (NT) -- No name, 21:53:20 09/02/15 Wed You said it! Fran was the best! (NT) -- No name, 08:10:06 09/03/15 Thu

Subject: MA
Author: No name [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: 21:44:45 09/02/15 Wed After seeing Crystal in the few pics of her that have been posted, I have to wonder who helped her pack? I do a massive facepalm every time I see her standing next to some of the really polished contestants she's up against.
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Are we surprised? She probably does not even realize it. (NT) -- No name, 16:46:48 09/01/15 Tue It's kind of pitiful. I know she has better clothes than this and certainly could have acquired a decent wardrobe. (NT) -- No name, 16:55:51 09/01/15 Tue Really? This is the best you can come up with? So the worst that can happen is that she's a clapper at Miss A and she comes home to finish her year as Miss ILL. Won't be the first time that's happened and won't be the last. And here's a newsflash, majority of girls who go to Miss America every year don't make the semifinal cut. Gheez people! (NT) -- No name, 17:42:48 09/01/15 Tue Your response is hilarious. It's like, "Who gives a crap about how she does at MA?" Why try? Heck, why even go?!? If the attitude she had when packing was, "Meh," it shows. But what an insult to the girls who would have at least tried. (NT) -- No name, 17:58:14 09/01/15 Tue I can do one better. http://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2015/09/01/baseball-wings-and-ellen-meet-the-miss-america-hopefuls You have people who have survived actual hardships and then Crystal, whose "distracted driving" accident is at best a manipulation of the facts. She should be embarrassed. (NT) -- No name, 18:11:35 09/01/15 Tue No you should be embarrassed for having nothing else better to do than come on an anonymous message board and make these claims. If you are so "in the know" then go to the press? Or contact MAO to inform them of the fraud? But I guess you get your jollies hiding behind voy, where you don't have to provide proof of your accusations. (NT) -- No name, 00:41:28 09/02/15 Wed Again, the press would be the inappropriate place to go. And MAO has bigger fish to fry. I think you're grossly overestimating Crystal's importance. But since she's been publicly talking about her accident as long as this has been her platform, why not have her provide proof she's telling the truth? (NT) -- No name, 07:15:05 09/02/15 Wed In all fairness, when Crystal chose this platform, she probably never imagined she would get so far that her story would be told this publicly. Or she just didn't think that far ahead. (NT) -- No name, 07:45:07 09/02/15 Wed you are so full of crap with all of your lame excuses. You are a coward for making these accusations and hiding behind voy. (NT) -- No name, 09:04:11 09/02/15 Wed Whatever makes you feel better. Those accusations were made months ago when people came out in droves. Name-calling is not a defense of the truth, it's just a defensive behavior. I won't be losing sleep over it. (NT) -- No name, 09:40:06 09/02/15 Wed You may not lose sleep, but constant posting on an anonymous message board about Crystal isn't going to change anything. (NT) -- No name, 21:44:45 09/02/15 Wed Crystal will do nothing at Miss America. You'll see her introducing her @eyelashes@ lol!!! (NT) -- No name, 06:42:10 09/02/15 Wed It is really a shame that she didn't get some good help. Wow thanks a lot MAO (NT) -- No name, 07:24:42 09/02/15 Wed Yea, well some who got "good help" bombed when they could have done great, but we owe that to the old regime. (NT) -- No name, 07:31:33 09/02/15 Wed Also true. (NT) -- No name, 07:46:05 09/02/15 Wed Who did Crystal's gown? Ellenburg? Yearick? Bowls? Sherri Hill? Mac Duggal? That might be an indicator that at least she will look beautiful. I have liked the photos of her that I have seen so not sure what the negativity is about. She looks cute. A little old school but that is probably Susan Shea's influence (NT) -- No name, 09:44:04 09/02/15 Wed Not sure how much SS had to do with wardrobe prep, but we still don't know who helped her pack. Except the dress for the ceremony last night, her wardrobe has been dismal. Many states (and we used to be one of them) help their titleholder choose, pack and organize their wardrobe, taking most of the guesswork out of it when the girl arrives at MA. Every year, these girls look polished and are consistently put together. Crystal looks thrown together and never appears to have the right undergarments, even at regular appearances. Again, last night the dress was cute, but the shoes were too much (as people have mentioned on other boards). That said, her hair looks the best it has ever looked. So kudos to the person who did her extensions. (NT) -- No name, 10:25:09 09/02/15 Wed Thank you for the undergarment statement. Mom should have taken care of that several years ago (NT) -- No name, 12:48:20 09/02/15 Wed I agree! Good grief! (NT) -- No name, 13:01:36 09/02/15 Wed

Subject: Matty J
Author: No name [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: 07:26:26 09/02/15 Wed Please do not spread rumors about Matty J. I know him very well and he is extremely grateful for everything ISA provided him. He and AS are close, were close still have a relationship. Leave him out of things. You people are dispicable at best.
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What rumors? All I have seen is that he put in a bid and that he de friended someone for a stupid reason (of which they have proof.) I do t see anything all that bad on here about him. (NT) -- No name, 07:48:25 09/01/15 Tue I understand! How do you think ALL of us felt when we were getting trashed everyday ? Called filthy names and lied about? Did that bother you as well? (NT) -- No name, 08:37:45 09/01/15 Tue There are a Lot of lies and others who make shit up....not everything on here is factual. It's like the telephone game . Pageant people at their worst! Just like soccer moms and dads. Coach is never right... Kids are... So keep that in mind. Not everyone gets a trophy. It will be the sane with the next person in charge. No one will be happy. It will always be someone else's fault! (NT) -- No name, 08:58:55 09/01/15 Tue Matty J is a great guy, he was enthusiastic about the services he provided for the program, and always made the contestant's experience a good one while they were competing at state. He provided a wonderful service, and likely didn't want to get involved in the drama. I highly doubt that he is "close" with the previous leadership, people have different definitions of "close." He may have known only a small portion of the information. People who are not involved in the daily inner workings of the org may not have access to all the info. He's a good guy, let's not throw him under the bus. He wasn't the problem. (NT) -- No name, 11:27:13 09/01/15 Tue Can we just stop bashing everyone that has been involved??? It's over stop the AS the Jane Ann the Matty the Board!!! Really move on!!! If you can do sooo much better running the State programs end in your RFP!! Let's see what you can do positive with your time!! People just need to be adults instead of grade school gossip, bashing everyone, and yes BULLYING!! (NT) -- No name, 13:57:58 09/01/15 Tue AMEN!!! So glad someone agrees with what I do!! How can people feel good about them selves being so negative about everyone and everything! (NT) -- No name, 19:35:08 09/01/15 Tue What has been said about him that's so awful? (NT) -- No name, 19:51:05 09/01/15 Tue Nothing. Just people taking note on who drank Amalia's kool aid, and who did not! (NT) -- No name, 07:26:26 09/02/15 Wed

Subject: What's the truth?
Author: No name [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: 09:34:18 08/31/15 Mon "AS has not and is not a part of Crystal being Miss IL...She has nothing to do with anything and hasnt since the weekend of Miss IL. This airfare issue or anything regarding Miss A prep has nothing to do with AS. That's complete bullshit." Friday at 1:29 pm "Again, AS has not been a part of anything regarding Crystal. She wasnt even involved when the contracts were signed. Nothing. She has had nothing to do with her. You clearly dont have your facts straight." Friday at 1:52 pm "FYI for all.... ISA is working diligently to get funds released for both Crystal and Peyton's travels to MAO...." Saturday at 9:43 am "Who said they had nothing to do with Crystal?..." Saturday at 3:58 pm "They have supported her from day one..." Saturday at 5:21 pm Looks to me like some of AS's supporters have heard two different stories and have come here to defend her, each believing they are "in the know." You're just learning what others have learned before you. You can't believe a thing she says. Don't waste your time defending her. Let her defend herself.
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So you know all????? Only one that does is AS. And why is AS such a big topic still???? Move on people!!! Support our State titleholder and give her some positive while she competes at MA (NT) -- No name, 15:39:00 08/30/15 Sun I think the point of this post was made in your comment, but with more exclamation points and question marks. Only Amalia knows the truth and she's telling different truths to everyone. If her folks would have just accepted that she wasn't really an essential part of the conversation about Crystal's airfare, we could have moved on. Instead, they came on the board, making contradicting statements, calling people stupid and reminding everyone why they really prefer the version of Amalia's story in which she has nothing to do with anything anymore. She should stick with that one in real life and everyone would be happier. (NT) -- No name, 08:25:46 08/31/15 Mon Well, you're the fool because I know for a FACT she has communicated with Crystal, is helping with the airfare as they did with MAOT & $1,000 a month. Give em' credit for something! Giving it to she and Peyton later would be a nightmare. You people are NEVER happy. God help the ED's she still speaks with or anyone else! You bitches will never let THAT rest either. (NT) -- No name, 08:40:05 08/31/15 Mon Oooh! You showed me...by completely missing the point. (NT) -- No name, 09:34:18 08/31/15 Mon

Subject: ISA is now refusing to pay Crystal's airfare to Miss America
Author: No name [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: 09:38:36 08/30/15 Sun Our beloved former Board Chair and her Treasurer husband are now refusing to pay Crystal's airfare to Miss America, after promising she'd receive all of her prizes listed in the program book at the most recent Miss Illinois Pageant. Can't say that I'm surprised, but sort of sad that Crystal has to worry about this just a few weeks before leaving for Atlantic City. A group of Crystal's supporters are now taking up a collection to pay her airfare. If the Schwerdtmann's had decided to quit earlier this year, as they are trying to convince others (even though we know better), why would you deny Miss Illinois her airfare? This is the same type of stuff they pulled when FSL fired them from running Miss Chicago in the late 90's, so no one is surprised. True colors come to light! Let's hope Crystal's supporters are successful in getting the money for airfare. MAO needs to step in and they need to act quickly to get a new group in place.
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Why don't they use the $1000 that MAO sends them for the girl to use before Miss America, or do they make that disappear like they have for all the other girl's? (NT) -- No name, 10:36:05 08/23/15 Sun While I wasn't there, it's my understanding that Crystal had a fairly successful send off party and has received donations made in her name, not the organization's. She'll just have to manage her money well and take advantage of her sponsors. Others have gotten by with less under Amalia's reign. (NT) -- No name, 11:18:26 08/23/15 Sun Why did they not invite all the girls that competed with her to her send off. most of them knew nothing about it. (NT) -- No name, 11:26:01 08/25/15 Tue My guess is "lack." Lack of organization. Lack of leadership. Lack of sophistication. I think they thought a FB post was an adequate invitation for most. (NT) -- No name, 14:04:24 08/25/15 Tue Rather than asking for donations, maybe MAO should get the bill for dragging their a$$es. (NT) -- No name, 11:21:45 08/23/15 Sun I'm sure people will donate to get her there (NT) -- No name, 12:01:06 08/23/15 Sun People already have. (NT) -- No name, 13:33:14 08/23/15 Sun Not defending AS, but people complain if ISA pays or if they don't pay. They're no longer in charge, so maybe this decision was made relative to the legal proceedings. Maybe they were told not to pay it. I have no idea. (NT) -- No name, 12:41:41 08/23/15 Sun The point you miss is that ISA agreed to pay Crystal her prizes and awards after they were informed by MAO that they were fired and in the holding pattern during their appeal. Now they are refusing. If MAO had control of the money they'd see that Crystal got paid for her airfare. So ISA revoked their promise. (NT) -- No name, 15:13:56 08/23/15 Sun Maybe they reneged on their promises as per business as usual or maybe there is a legal reason they cannot follow through on that. People were complaining that there needed to be a "cease and desist" order to prevent them from draining the account, which included the money in prizes and awards they HAVE given to Crystal and Peyton. That's one reason I'm not sorry the flow of funds to them has stopped. Experience tells us to expect the worse from the AS & GS, but maybe they've been told to stop. I don't know. I'd like an explanation, but there has to be a better counter-argument than "you promised" against people who are notoriously unscrupulous. (NT) -- No name, 15:45:04 08/23/15 Sun Let's just pretend that MAO has halted AS and GS. Why wouldn't MAO step in and make sure that Crystal had whatever she needed to get to Atlantic City, given that her state organization is in limbo? Either way, someone has not upheld their end of the deal. (NT) -- No name, 16:52:21 08/23/15 Sun I agree. I think MAO should be accountable. (NT) -- No name, 17:14:06 08/23/15 Sun Well the city of Marion is holding the money not Isa. Was by order of MAO. (NT) -- No name, 13:27:49 08/23/15 Sun Yes, for the ticket money from this year's pageant. But what about the rest of the money the organization was holding onto? You know, the money for local franchise fees, Miss Illinois Appearance fees, program book sales, merchandise sales, etc.? That money is in their possession, as it does not yet appear that they've turned it over to MAO. MAO needs to take tougher actions to rectify this situation. (NT) -- No name, 15:15:35 08/23/15 Sun How would you even know if "any money" was turned over to MAO yet unless you are a board member.... get real! If everything is in limbo thanks to MAO, do you actually think anyone can even write a check at this point. AS and GS are out with no authority to sign checks... Marion has the money Mao is probably being shady as usual so let them be accountable for any payouts (NT) -- No name, 11:15:12 08/24/15 Mon Lack of authority to write checks hasn't stopped AS and GS from throwing money at Crystal and Peyton so far. What changed? (NT) -- No name, 11:31:00 08/24/15 Mon NO, LACK of information! there are deadlines and cut off dates, if you want to know, contact MAO for answers ISA is done , checked out ya know ! (NT) -- No name, 11:37:04 08/24/15 Mon So ISA's responsibilities didn't end when they were fired, but have since expired and they are no longer required to pay for Crystal, am I reading that right? (NT) -- No name, 13:07:21 08/24/15 Mon REFUSING? I hardly think so! There you go, making stuff up again. They are not even in contact or active in anything anymore, It is the MAO Circus now with Marion as the new puppets. Illinois is a mess It may have started with AS but it falls on all who broadcast their thoughts and slanderous stuff like this just to stir things up while nothing is getting accomplished. I almost think everyone's out loud bitch sessions made a mockery out of Illinois. This could have been done in good taste, correctly! we will pay the price for damage control for the next 5 to 8 years. Two wrongs do not make a right, everyone here did not make this right so if you are gonna talk, say something constructive to move forward or shut the hell up! (NT) -- No name, 11:32:09 08/24/15 Mon It was not STARTED in good taste so it probably won't end in good taste. We.'re all sorry the whole thing even happened. It did not have to go this far nor continue past the initial resignation. Many people were told how bad it was going to get before it blew up but they wouldn't stop. So, here we are. (NT) -- No name, 12:14:14 08/24/15 Mon Nine years of damage won't go away overnight. No one chose all this to happen to them. Let's remember why we are in this situation to begin with. (NT) -- No name, 12:23:27 08/24/15 Mon So, wait. Did ISA pay other commitments to Crystal and Peyton after they had been fired or not? And are they now paying for Crystal to fly to AC or not? If not, what precipitated that change? I'm not being snarky. I'm just trying to figure out what people are making up and what is fact. (NT) -- No name, 13:04:39 08/24/15 Mon I repeat: it's my understanding that Crystal had a fairly successful send off party and the donations she has received have been made in her name. Since that money does not belong to the organization and no one is taking their cut, I would say she can pay her own way to AC. It should be a write off for her when the time comes to pay taxes on those donations. Keep the receipts! (NT) -- No name, 09:21:06 08/26/15 Wed She may have had a successful party but from what I hear only one titleholder and local director showed up. That speaks volumes to me. (NT) -- No name, 19:00:01 08/27/15 Thu Crystal's airfare -- No name, 23:26:44 08/27/15 Thu The cruel, mean-spirited derogatory comments on here for the last few months have finally shown me that I don't want to come back to volunteer. I never truly realized how nasty our organization can be. (NT) -- No name, 08:06:41 08/28/15 Fri I'm not sure what your point is here. It is specifically because her funds aren't associated w/ISA, & because she has access to her money, that Crystal can afford to pay for her own ticket. All the previous formers had to wait for their money, including that collected in their name at their send off, to be doled out at AS's discretion. For this reason & many others, other formers & their families paid a lot more out of their pockets during their tenure than Crystal's family is being asked to do. Crystal is not the victim. She's the lucky one. She has a lot more support than others have had, a lighter schedule & she doesn't have to deal w/AS. Also no one is bothered that she's from SoIL. Quit coddling her. This is a program for independent, dynamic young women. She wanted this position, let her accept the responsibilities (good & bad) that go w/it. Out of curiosity, what do you think people believed they were donating that money for if not her expenses? It wasn't her birthday party. (NT) -- No name, 08:38:06 08/28/15 Fri AS has not and is not a part of Crystal being Miss IL. She was finishing out the week at Miss IL, so she was obviously there right after she won. She has nothing to do with anything and hasnt since the weekend of Miss IL. This airfare issue or anything regarding Miss A prep has nothing to do with AS. That's complete bullshit. (NT) -- No name, 13:29:35 08/28/15 Fri AS set the tone for the direction of the organization, picked the judges, and was still very much involved with decision-making all week at the pageant, even though she was distracted by the other goings on (MAO, WGN). Ever since Art McMaster (her safety net) left, her strategy has been to say she was leaving just in case MAO decided to finally act & get rid of her. That way, she could always say, "I quit you first." It has been a transparent strategy and has played out exactly like that in this forum. Up until recently, she was continuing to pay Crystal's expenses, as noted in a previous thread on this board. But ultimately, again, AS is only a small part of this conversation, so no need to get one's pants in a bunch. (NT) -- No name, 13:42:44 08/28/15 Fri Again, AS has not been a part of anything regarding Crystal. She wasnt even involved when the contracts were signed. Nothing. She has had nothing to do with her. You clearly dont have your facts straight (NT) -- No name, 13:52:48 08/28/15 Fri The contracts are one thing, but to say she hasn't been involved at all is another. In fact, Crystal thanked AS and GS on her FB for helping her financially (a post that has since been removed). So, I'm not sure what the motivation is for denying it now, but it's seriously immaterial. No one's listening to or believing a thing AS says anyway. And no one really cares. Seriously. No one cares. I think I speak for many when I say we hope she isn't involved because she's already left a big enough mess for us to clean up. (NT) -- No name, 14:03:56 08/28/15 Fri No one really believes this. You can keep saying it, but the fact that she "quit", came back, "quit again", appealed and failed, and is now suing on behalf of the ISA, doesn't really make sense within the confines of the explanations you keep trying to convince us of. Several years ago, she personally told me that she was resigning, but that never happened. It's hard to believe when someone cries wolf every time they are upset about something. (NT) -- No name, 14:07:40 08/28/15 Fri It's hard to believe you care so much about what happened-quit, resigned, fired. Does it matter at this point?? She is GONE...move on!! Focus on the future and stop dwelling. And...for the love of god, stop making up stories. (NT) -- No name, 14:33:39 08/28/15 Fri Specifically which stories are made up? (NT) -- No name, 14:42:24 08/28/15 Fri Would you like to see the email from her specifically saying she was going to resign several years ago? I'm happy to share that. Post an email address I can send it to and I'd be happy to forward it along. No made up stories here. I'm thrilled that she's gone no matter how it happened, but I have just as much right as anyone to express my opinion. (NT) -- No name, 18:49:57 08/28/15 Fri You're not the only one she told that to. We believe you. (NT) -- No name, 19:14:42 08/28/15 Fri I was referring to the person who said "for the love of god, stop making up stories", if I misunderstood that statement, I apologize. (NT) -- No name, 19:56:19 08/28/15 Fri I understood. :) (NT) -- No name, 20:49:01 08/28/15 Fri It's interesting how they never answer when they're asked to explain themselves. (NT) -- No name, 19:44:18 08/28/15 Fri Bottom line: Crystal can afford her own ticket. Crystal can ask to be reimbursed when (if?) the money is handed over to the new group. Crystal can write off her expenses if need be. In fact, she may need the deductions. So no need to worry about Crystal and whether or not she's going to make it to AC. BOOM! Let's move on. (NT) -- No name, 14:28:57 08/28/15 Fri FYI for all.... ISA is working diligently to get funds released for both Crystal and Peyton's travels to MAO. They are waiting for MAO. Crystal is aware and appreciative of ISA efforts and support. (NT) -- No name, 09:43:57 08/29/15 Sat But I thought Amalia and ISA was done, as in they resigned. How can it be both? (NT) -- No name, 11:17:34 08/29/15 Sat Yes. It's strange to go from the vehement insistence that they have "nothing to do with Crystal" to "working diligently" for Crystal in less than 24 hours. So very strange...and yet validating for those who don't believe anything they say anyway. I don't know about you, but I for one am so relieved to know Crystal is "aware and appreciative." Ha! (NT) -- No name, 12:43:57 08/29/15 Sat Who said they had nothing to do with Crystal? MAO changed that when they abruptly terminated them. They were going to fulfill until Nov when license expired. And have plans on attending. (NT) -- No name, 15:58:51 08/29/15 Sat Wait so now MAO did terminate them? ISA supporters keep talking out of both sides of their mouth. And try reading up a few lines and you'll see that it was said numerous times that AS has nothing to do with Crystal. It's like their group can't keep up with their own lies. (NT) -- No name, 16:46:18 08/29/15 Sat It would be funny if it weren't so crazy. (NT) -- No name, 19:54:54 08/29/15 Sat They have supported her from day one. Only through lawsuit, the money is under Marion's control because the FREAK Gladys Kravitz stuck her nose in it! And rumor has it So IL has someone who applied. So of course they are keeping the money. There are NO secrets where you think there are....,, (NT) -- No name, 17:21:55 08/29/15 Sat We are simply pointing out the drastic inconsistencies in the post from supporters of AS and the ISA. (NT) -- No name, 17:58:27 08/29/15 Sat You do realize Gladys Kravitz is a fictional character that the WGN reporter used as an example of the nosiness of the Marion city official that popped out of nowhere, don't you? I have a hard time believing someone who thinks that was the woman's actual name. You clearly aren't as "in the know" as you want people to think you are. (NT) -- No name, 18:04:18 08/29/15 Sat And you are just "stupid" 😜 (NT) -- No name, 07:58:51 08/30/15 Sun Actually far from it. But nice try. (NT) -- No name, 09:38:36 08/30/15 Sun

Subject: No one really believes this. You can keep saying it, but the fact that she "quit", came back, "quit again", appealed and failed, and is now suing on behalf of the ISA, doesn't really make sense within the confines of the explanations you keep trying to convince us of. Several years ago, she personally told me that she was resigning, but that never happened. It's hard to believe when someone cries wolf every time they are upset about something.
Author: No name [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: 14:06:49 08/28/15 Fri
Replies:
Sorry this was in response to something further below. (NT) -- No name, 14:06:49 08/28/15 Fri

Subject: Remember when someone posted that the new leadership had already been chosen and they would be holding a meeting in August? Just four more days!
Author: No name [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: 17:10:20 08/27/15 Thu
Replies:
Yes, I remember! Knew it wasn't true then. (NT) -- No name, 16:39:28 08/27/15 Thu Good times. (NT) -- No name, 17:10:20 08/27/15 Thu

Subject: I nominated Doug Black for the Miss America Lifetime Achievement Award - he deserves it!
Author: No name [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: 18:58:01 08/25/15 Tue