Chasing the Crown

Wow, what a night! Megan won the preliminary Lifestyle and Fitness (swimsuit) award for her group. We are so proud of her.

She also competed in her evening gown tonight and did amazing. Her gown was unique and so different than anything I’ve ever seen grace the Miss America stage.

She felt great after the (preliminary) and is ready to take on talent tomorrow (Thursday)!

Above is a video of Megan being interviewed after the prelim win by Sam Haskell of the Miss America Organization and Miss America 1955 Lee Meriwether. Below are photos from Wednesday night.

- Mallory Ervin

 

 

The Miss America contestants are going on location to several Las Vegas locations for the filming of the Parade of States, which will be seen during Saturday’s telecast on ABC.

Today, Megan was among a group at the Mizumi Restaurant at Wynn Last Vegas. All contestants are wearing Joseph Ribkoff, according to the Miss America Organization Facebook page.

Lindsey Hess, Miss Quincy 2006 and executive director of the Miss Quincy Scholarship Pageant, is in Vegas to cheer on Megan. She sent The Herald-Whig the photo below of Megan introducing herself at Tuesday night’s preliminary competition.

Thanks Lindsey.

 

Megan did great on her on-stage question during the first night of preliminary competition Tuesday night.

She answered confidently, calmly and had a great answer.

Megan will compete in the prelim swimsuit/evening wear tonight and talent on Thursday.

The Miss America contestants are divided into three groups for the prelims – Mu, Alpha and Sigma. Megan is in the Mu group. Prelim winners in lifestyle and fitness (swimsuit) and talent are chosen for each of the three groups and win Amway US scholarships.

Last night, Miss Oklahoma Alicia Clifton won the talent prelim for the Alpha group and Miss South Carolina Ali Rogers won the lifestyle and fitness prelim for the Sigma group.

Fingers crossed for Megan tonight!

- Mallory Ervin

Tonight is the first night of prelims! We are excited and nervous!

Well wishes for Megan are pouring in from all over the state, not just from family and friends, but from those whose lives have been touched by one young woman who is representing our state of Illinois here at Miss America.

Megan has become “our” Miss Illinois to those she meets.

We have heard from many people who are having family feuds over watching football vs. Miss America on Saturday. This has led to the compromise of using the DVR, giving up the halftime show and even purchasing a TV in some instances. Some people are hosting Miss America parties to cheer her on.

Why is Megan so important to people in Illinois?

Because she represents the American dream of being all that you can be. If a girl from the small town of Rushville can accomplish her dream of making it to the Miss America stage, then certainly there is hope of other dreams coming true for those who work hard, believe in themselves and know that with the love and support of family and friends, anything is possible.

Regardless of what happens the next three days, Megan will always be the No. 1 contender in our hearts.

Now it’s time for her to go rock that Miss America stage!

Team Illinois!

- Mallory Ervin

The Miss America Organization just posted these photos from a shoot at the Neon Museum Las Vegas today.

Megan received this letter today and wanted to share it:

Dear Megan,

“Believe with all of your heart that you will do what you were made to do.” – Orison Swett Marden

“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Throughout this week you will endure many challenges as you strive for greatness. Do so knowing that we are all behind you. Years of hard work and dedication have brought you to this pinnacle and it is now time for you to plant your flag at the summit. Do it with strength and pride because you have earned the right to walk this national stage.

Strength, as you know, is much more that just physical. It is mental and emotional. It is the courage to stand when others won’t and the compassion to when others can’t. It is making a difference because you can. This strength is in you and I know you will succeed.

I know my words are few, but my support is endless. I wish you the best and look forward to witnessing your accomplishments.

Sincerely and with highest regards,

SSG JAY A. HEYBOER
United States Army Recruiter
Melrose Park Recruiting Center

— Mallory Ervin

The Miss America Organization posts photos daily from the competition in Las Vegas. Here are some of our favorite shots of Miss Illinois!

For more photos from Las Vegas, go to the Miss America Organization Facebook page.

Megan felt good about her interview, which took about 10 minutes. She felt that she had strong answers for each question and said she was able to be herself, which is good.

Tomorrow she has rehearsals during the day and on-stage competition starts tomorrow night. Tomorrow she will do her on-stage pop question.

Fans are starting to get in today and tomorrow. She is going to have a great cheering section!

– Mallory Ervin

Above is an interview with Megan on ABC7Chicago.com. The text of the story can be found here.

Did anyone notice the Western Illinois University tee?

Viva Las Vegas!

Our family has arrived in Vegas. It has finally set in. We have not been able to see Megan yet, but I have spoken to her several times and she is doing well! She is definitely not getting many hours of sleep, due to nerves and long rehearsals. She is keeping a great attitude though.

She has her interview today around 12:30 p.m. She’s been studying current events and issues to prepare for the interview. Once she is finished with the interview portion, I think she will be able to breathe a sigh of relief. Each day has consisted of rehearsals and events all around Las Vegas. Make sure to check out the Miss Quincy Scholarship Program’s Facebook page to see pictures of the events Megan has been attending – and stay tuned to this blog for updates.

I will try to blog again once I hear how the interview goes. Keep sending prayers her way.

Go Megan!

- Mallory Ervin