By Andi Anderson
Samantha Elliott, Miss Illinois USA 2023, is breaking down stereotypes by being herself. She grew up on a goat and horse farm in Freeport, Illinois, and has been riding horses since she was three days old.
Elliott is using her title to promote financial literacy and highlight the stateline community. She teaches financial literacy to kids in both Alabama and Illinois, and she is currently working toward her Master's in Accountancy from the University of Alabama.
Elliott believes that her farming background has helped her in pageantry. She says that showing goats is a form of pageantry, and that the work ethic she learned on the farm has translated into her pageant prep and work as a title holder.
Elliott was called into the top 20 at the Miss USA competition in September. She says that she was "not expecting" to be called into the top 20, and that she had "no composure at all" when her name was called.
When Elliott is in Alabama during the week, she focuses on her schoolwork. But when she comes back home to Illinois each weekend, she dedicates her time to appearances and work in the stateline community.
Elliott is a role model for young women everywhere. She is showing them that they can be anything they want to be, regardless of their background. She is also teaching them the importance of financial literacy and giving back to their community.
Photo Credit: pixabay-klawson
Categories: Illinois, Rural Lifestyle