Miss Illinois

Kelly Cruse

What is the craziest thing you have ever done?
I excitedly ran up on stage during a concert to rap with a band thinking they chose me to do so. As it turns out they didn't, but I didn't realize this until after I was on stage. Enjoying the moment, I decided to plunge in rapping with them anyway!

Please list any Honors/Awards you have received in the past 2 years.
Selected to be a featured student in the "Keystone National High School Success Story" Sophomore Rotary Honor Award
Sophomore Homecoming Court
Freshmen Rotary Honor Award
Freshmen Homecoming Court
Miss Williamson County Fair 2004
Honor Roll
Illinois House Resolution No. 060 in recognition of outstanding accomplishments
Selected to attend leadership conference in Washington, D.C.
TRI M Music Honor Society Participant


List any other Achievements/Accomplishments
Recorded a CD of original music
Graduating high school one year early
Selected to lead music at Christian Retreats
Leading roles in four Broadway musicals at local colleges
MVP Cross Country
Captain and choreographer of Swing Choir
Singer in Praise and Worship Band
Outstanding Muscianship Awards
Selected to be Jester in Magrigals Please list any other jobs and/or unique occupations you have held in the past.
Employee at Target, Babysitting

What are your strongest talents?
Speaking, writing songs and singing

Name one person, family, friend, celebrity, who has had the most influence on your life.
My mother, Lisa Cruse. Throughout my life, I have watched my mom live as an example of the kind of faithful, compassionate and servant-hearted woman that I hope to be one day.

Describe how you envision yourself in five years?
A college graduate, possibly married, counseling women and teens and speaking to thousands of people all across the country.

What else do you want the judges to know about you?
One of my favorite things to do is travel with my family. Our sense of humor seems to come out more when we are cooped up in a car for hours. We have created so many car games, such as making up silly songs and raps, that make traveling very enjoyable!

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