Issue date: 9/27/07 Section: Features

Media Credit: Photo courtesy of Krystal Wiliams Krystal Williams, senior public relations major, is the current Miss Central Illinois Coed.

Media Credit: Photo courtesy of Krystal Wiliams Krystal Williams, senior public relations major and current Miss Central Illinois Coed, stands with Al Bowman, president of ISU.

The American coed Pageant's Web site says, "National Miss American Coed Pageants encourage and reinforce the confidence and natural beauty that is within each girl." ISU senior Krystal Williams was crowned this year's Miss Central Illinois Coed through the Coed pageant program.

It has been six years since Williams competed in the American Coed pageant. She first entered this particular pageant in 1999 and competed in 2000 as well as 2001. Back in 1998 she was named first runner-up at the Miss Junior America pageant in Illinois. Williams has participated in four pageants but this is the first year she has won a title.

There are five different divisions in the pageant system. Depending on how old a participant is constitutes which division they will be participating in.

This year, Williams participated in the co-ed division that is open to girls aged 18 through 22. Williams explained that this particular division does not sponsor a statewide pageant. The participating young women make appointments and are chosen after sending in an application accompanied by a photograph. The contestants are then interviewed.

Williams discussed the pageant and what she plans to do during her reign.

"It's almost like Miss USA. I will have a year reign. During that year I will meet various people and do community service," Williams explained.

Williams recently participated in the American Heart Association Heart Walk in College Hills Mall. She also recently attended the Mike Ditka Hall of Fame autograph party.

Williams said she plans to also participate in an upcoming parade in Chicago in addition to participating in the ISU Homecoming Parade in October.

"I plan to do a lot of volunteer work and community service-especially with the American Heart Association," Williams said.

Williams is planning to graduate this December with a degree in public relations. She stated that her experiences with the pageant will help her gain life experience that will help her when graduating from college.

Williams also said that she has considered continuing her involvement with pageants after graduation.

"I would like to get into event planning somewhere and maybe even start my own scholarship pageant someday," Williams said.

Sarah Cuabrod, winner of 2006 Miss Illinois commented on her reign.

"I helped out at the state pageant. Throughout the year I volunteered at various events. I became a spokesman for the American Heart Association," Cuabrod said.

Cuabrod participated in a "summerfest" near Chicago to help raise money for a local police officer who had cancer.

$500 was raised during this event.

She also participated in an open house on Halloween with her sorority.

Cuabrod has met different officials including Senator Durbin.

Cuabrod stated that most of her volunteer work has been centered around the American Heart Association. She has participated in various lunches and walkathons that the American Heart Association has sponsored.

Cuabrod commented on the benefits of participating in the pageant.

"I've received so many opportunities to help people. It is a good feeling to help someone out. Also, when I became a spokesman for the American Heart Association I was also hired for an internship position with them," Cuabrod said.

Cuabrod continued to discuss what she has gained by being a part of the pageant.

"I've met so many girls and made so many friends," Cuabrod said.

Cuabrod feels she has gained experience for her journalism major not only during her reign but by participating in the pageant and being a part of the community service.

"This experience has helped me out a lot. Being a journalism major, I am usually the one interviewing other people for the paper. Now I am the one who is being contacted to be interviewed. It has helped me to see both sides of the interviewing process. I have also gained experience with public speaking which is helpful for almost any major-especially journalism," Cuadbrod explained.

Cuabrod has been helping Williams train for the national pageant which will take place in November in Walt Disney World in Florida.

"I met Krystal right after she received her title. I've been helping her along with nationals. I've been telling her what to expect. We've been friends for a couple of months now," Cuabrod said.

Last year, Cuabrod made it to the top 15 in the National competition.

Williams stated that there will be five different age divisions at the national pageant.

"The national pageant will be a lot more competitive than the state pageant. Obviously a lot more people will be participating and a lot more will go into it," Williams said.

Williams said she is hoping to walk away with the title and receive the $3,000 scholarship award that goes to the winner. She asks that everyone wish her the best of luck in the national pageant.

To find out more information about where the American Coed pageants are located or how you can become a contestant visit gocoed.com.

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