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After the first Festival of Lights 26 years ago, an idea popped into East Peorian Jan Borror’s head.
“I said, ‘I think we need a Queen Pageant. Every festival has a queen,” said Borror, coordinator of the FOL Queen Pageant until 2004.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary Saturday morning at the Par-A-Dice ballroom, the pageant has yet to lose its momentum.
“I’ve never lost my enthusiasm for it. To see these women stepping up here, they not only look beautiful, they’re all intelligent,” she said. “It takes a lot of courage and spirit to stand on this stage.”
Competing for a $1,000, $400 or $200 scholarship, the girls were judged on their poise, personality, appearance and how they answered their final question.
Shannon Mulhern, 18, daughter of Roger and Lisa Mulhern, was announced this year’s FOL Queen.
First runner-up was Taylor Scholfield, 18, daughter of Todd and Lisa Schofield. Second runner-up was Megan Stafford, 16, the daughter of Alison Duvalland and Brian Stafford.
Mulhern tackled the question, “What is the biggest issue facing education today?” to which she gave an eloquent answer describing “determination.”
“I was really nervous,” Mulhern said after being announced Queen. “I’m still shaking. I’m just so happy.”
Mulhern, a senior, is the cheerleading captain at East Peoria Community High School and is involved in many activities, such as student council of which she is vice president and a member of East Peoria Chamber of Commerce Leadership School.
She said she is looking forward to being “a positive role model for young girls.”
As queen, Mulhern will oversee festival activities, ride on a float during the Festival of Lights Parade, hand out trophies during the FOLEPI River Trail Classic and say the pledge at the city’s annual Red White and Boom event.
Mulhern takes the reins from Jessica Stake, the 2009 queen.
“I’m sad the year’s over,” Stake said, adding that he favorite thing about the queen title was participating in last year’s breakfast with Santa event. “There were so many girls that came out. The smiles on their faces made it all worthwhile.”
For some contestants, the pageant meant honoring loved ones that have passed away.
First runner-up Scholfield said she brought a special good luck charm with her on stage.
The great-granddaughter of former East Peoria Mayor John Keayes, Scholfield wore her great-grandmother Margaret Keayes’ ring.
“Once they called my name, I was relieved,” she said. (My great-grandfather) would be very proud.”
Teresa Mustain, coordinator of the pageant since 2005, said the event was a “huge success.”
“I feel that all the contestants were winners before the pageant took place,” Mustain said. “It takes a lot of courage and determination to get up on stage in front of family, friends and peers.
This year’s judges included Cindy Carvey of Fondulac Bank, Dan Decker, East Peoria City Councilman, Kristy Maag, Miss Heart of Illinois, Bill Harrmann, East Peoria Citizen of the Year and Marian Allan, retired East Peoria School District 86 principal.
For more pictures, visit the photo gallery online.
After the first Festival of Lights 26 years ago, an idea popped into East Peorian Jan Borror’s head.
“I said, ‘I think we need a Queen Pageant. Every festival has a queen,” said Borror, coordinator of the FOL Queen Pageant until 2004.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary Saturday morning at the Par-A-Dice ballroom, the pageant has yet to lose its momentum.
“I’ve never lost my enthusiasm for it. To see these women stepping up here, they not only look beautiful, they’re all intelligent,” she said. “It takes a lot of courage and spirit to stand on this stage.”
Competing for a $1,000, $400 or $200 scholarship, the girls were judged on their poise, personality, appearance and how they answered their final question.
Shannon Mulhern, 18, daughter of Roger and Lisa Mulhern, was announced this year’s FOL Queen.
First runner-up was Taylor Scholfield, 18, daughter of Todd and Lisa Schofield. Second runner-up was Megan Stafford, 16, the daughter of Alison Duvalland and Brian Stafford.
Mulhern tackled the question, “What is the biggest issue facing education today?” to which she gave an eloquent answer describing “determination.”
“I was really nervous,” Mulhern said after being announced Queen. “I’m still shaking. I’m just so happy.”
Mulhern, a senior, is the cheerleading captain at East Peoria Community High School and is involved in many activities, such as student council of which she is vice president and a member of East Peoria Chamber of Commerce Leadership School.
She said she is looking forward to being “a positive role model for young girls.”
As queen, Mulhern will oversee festival activities, ride on a float during the Festival of Lights Parade, hand out trophies during the FOLEPI River Trail Classic and say the pledge at the city’s annual Red White and Boom event.
Mulhern takes the reins from Jessica Stake, the 2009 queen.
“I’m sad the year’s over,” Stake said, adding that he favorite thing about the queen title was participating in last year’s breakfast with Santa event. “There were so many girls that came out. The smiles on their faces made it all worthwhile.”
For some contestants, the pageant meant honoring loved ones that have passed away.
First runner-up Scholfield said she brought a special good luck charm with her on stage.
The great-granddaughter of former East Peoria Mayor John Keayes, Scholfield wore her great-grandmother Margaret Keayes’ ring.
“Once they called my name, I was relieved,” she said. (My great-grandfather) would be very proud.”
Teresa Mustain, coordinator of the pageant since 2005, said the event was a “huge success.”
“I feel that all the contestants were winners before the pageant took place,” Mustain said. “It takes a lot of courage and determination to get up on stage in front of family, friends and peers.
This year’s judges included Cindy Carvey of Fondulac Bank, Dan Decker, East Peoria City Councilman, Kristy Maag, Miss Heart of Illinois, Bill Harrmann, East Peoria Citizen of the Year and Marian Allan, retired East Peoria School District 86 principal.
For more pictures, visit the photo gallery online.
