1st Runner Up – Brandy Sitar, Miss Teen Frankfort Fun Fashion Winner – Anna Giallombardo, Miss Teen Glenview Fitness Wear Winner – Anna Giallombardo, Miss Teen Glenview Sarah Bertrand, Miss Teen Wadsworth Evening Gown Winner – Sarah Bertrand, Miss Teen Wadsworth
Photo by Clay Spann
Sarah Bertrand describes herself as an “Ambitious, go-getter who probably could use a vacation”. This outgoing 16 year old sophomore tends to take on responsibilities beyond her years. Since becoming Miss Teen Illinois International on September 6, 2009, she has been diligently promoting her platform of Eating Disorder Awareness. Although Sarah has not been a direct victim of an eating disorder, she witnessed the effects of anorexia nervosa AND body dysmorphic disorder on a family member and the impact on the family as a whole. Over the years, this has left a remarkable impression on Sarah. Sarah began to see eating disorders in other settings, such as people at her school, on sports teams, and in her close circle of friends. Sarah realizes that this is a pandemic that needs to be stopped. Acutely aware of her surroundings, she finds the pressure put on women today to look perfect unthinkable. Sarah aims to bring reality and reason to this topic in the public today. Sarah then took it upon herself to spend her reign as Miss Teen Illinois International to help victims in any way possible. She also hopes to help families of eating disorder victims. She wants to boost the self-esteem of girls younger than her; therefore preventing eating disorders down the road. Sarah has also taken a shine to her new role in supporting the International Pageant’s platform of Go Red for Women’s Heart Disease. As Miss Teen Illinois International, Sarah has traveled within and outside her state to prepare for competition for the coveted title of 2010 Miss Teen International title. You can follow Sarah's journey at http://www.sarahbertrand.com.
Meghan O'Donnell (photo by Sean McCabe)
Miss Teen Illinois International 2008 - Riley Wharton
Miss Teen Illinois International 2007 - Catherine Crivellone