Taylor Castro, Miss Illinois Jr. Preteen shot for the moon...now her year is coming to an end

Taylor Castro, Miss Illinois Jr. Preteen shot for the moon...now her year is coming to an end

WOW!!! I can't believe a year ago I was crowned Miss Illinois Jr. Pre-Teen!!! It has been an amazing year.

I
have had the opportunity to do so many wonderful things. I began my
reign by helping out with Popcorn Days for Lambs Farm and took up a
collection for the Huntley Animal Shelter. I donated books to my
dentist's and doctor's offices. I also donated the stuffed animals to
the Algonquin Fire Department where I was able to check out their brand
new fire truck! In October, I took part in the Breast Cancer Walk. I
also helped out Toys 4 Tots during the holidays by collecting donations
for children.

Nationals
in California was awesome! I loved meeting the other contestants from
around the United States. Disneyland and the Hollywood tour were so
much fun. I had a blast strolling down Rodeo Drive with my sister
queens. Someone even stopped us for a picture. To add to all the fun I
was one of the top 10 semi-finalist!!!

I also had the opportunity to be visiting royalty. I
traveled to Iowa and Pennsylvania- two states I had never been to
before. It was great to see Kristen & Hailey, my pageant friends
that I met at nationals again.

Thank
you to everyone at National American Miss. Being Miss Illinois Jr.
Pre-Teen has been an honor and something I will cherish forever. Most
of all thank you to my family and friends for coming to all of my events
and cheering me on.

To my brother Tyler- thanks for being such a good sport. I can't wait for you to be my escort someday! To Mom and Dad- thanks for being with me every step of the way. I love you both! To Mr. & Mrs. Maples & Breanne- I am proud to be a part of National American Miss- thank you for everything! To my sister queens- I have enjoyed getting to know all of you. Best of luck in all that you do. To all of the contestants- I hope this weekend you made new friends, tried something new but most of all had fun!

To my successor- Congratulations! You are about to begin an amazing journey- enjoy every minute.

Always remember to shoot for the moon even if you miss you will land among the stars!

Love always,

Your 2010 Miss Illinois Jr. Pre-Teen

Taylor Lyn Castro