Pittsfield’s McCartney and Gerard represent region at Miss Illinois competitions

By Editor | June 25, 2025 |

MOLLY GERARD

MATTI McCARTNEY

By DAVID CAMPHOUSE

Pike County is well represented this week in Marion, Illinois, as two young women from Pittsfield take the stage at the 2025 Miss Illinois and Miss Illinois’ Teen competitions.
Miss Quincy 2025 Matti McCartney and Miss Quincy’s Teen 2025 Molly Gerard are among dozens of delegates from across the state competing June 24–28 in a five-phase challenge that includes private interview, talent, health and fitness, evening gown, and on-stage questions.
McCartney, 21, is the daughter of Michael and Crystal McCartney. A student at Western Governors University majoring in elementary education, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in speech pathology from Western Illinois University. Her community service initiative—Reading Between the Lines: Advocating for Dyslexia Awareness—seeks to eliminate stigma and expand support for students with learning differences.
“I want to be Miss Illinois because I believe in using my voice to make others feel seen, heard, and empowered — especially those who have struggled in silence,” McCartney said in a news release from the Miss Quincy Scholarship Program. “Through my platform, I advocate for dyslexia awareness and education equity. Miss Illinois would give me the opportunity to bring this mission to a broader audience by visiting schools, working with educators, and influencing policy to ensure every child has the tools they need to succeed.”
Her talent performance, a self-written HerStory monologue titled “If Only They Knew,” offers a poignant firsthand account of her own experiences growing up with dyslexia.
McCartney’s resume includes a spot on the Junior Leadership Board of Everyone Reading Illinois, founding a pageant for individuals with special needs, and academic accolades such as Phi Theta Kappa, National Honor Society, and Illinois State Scholar. She’s also received full-tuition softball scholarships.
“Preparing for Miss Illinois has been an incredible journey,” she said. “I’ve been doing mock interviews with people from all around the country to sharpen my communication skills, and I’m so grateful for every person who’s helped me grow.”
Joining her on the Miss Illinois’ Teen stage is 17-year-old Molly Gerard, daughter of Miranda and Brandon Gerard. A recent Pittsfield High School graduate who also took courses at John Wood Community College, Gerard will head to the University of Missouri this fall to pursue a bachelor’s in nursing. Her long-term goal: to become a pediatric nurse practitioner.
Gerard’s initiative, Leap of Faith – Impacting Dancers Directly or Indirectly Affected by Cancer, benefits the Dancers Against Cancer organization.
“I want to make a difference in my year as Miss Illinois Teen,” Gerard said in the news release. “I have a heart for service and will devote my year to serving our state.”
Her competition talent is a spirited musical theatre dance set to “Rose’s Turn.” Gerard’s accomplishments range from state champion dance team captain to certified nursing and dance assistant. She is also a National Honor Society member and a first-place FFA extemporaneous speaker.
“This year, I really focused on the mindset part of preparation,” Gerard said. “I am making sure that I know myself well so I can allow the judges to get to know me also.”
Both women earned their respective titles at the Miss Quincy Scholarship Program’s January 11 pageant at Quincy Community Theatre. Finals for Miss Illinois’ Teen will be held Friday, June 27, with Miss Illinois finals following on Saturday, June 28.
Winners will advance to the national Miss America and Miss America’s Teen competitions in September.
For more information, visit www.missillinois.org.