MARION -- Victoria Shore is a busy young woman.
The Marion High School senior is captain of the dance team, editor of the school newspaper, vice president of Future Business Leaders of American, communication director for chamber choir, and is a member of Model UN, National Honor Society, and Math Honors Society.
Next week, she will be crowned the new Miss Illinois' Outstanding Teen.
Shore, who was first runner up in the 2019 competition, will take over the title being vacated by Imani Muse, who was crowned in 2019.
When the then 16-year-old from Chicago was crowned in June 2019, Muse had no idea that her "year" would extend through 2020 because the world's COVID-19 pandemic canceled the normal crowning of a new Miss Illinois' Outstanding Teen in 2020.
Muse, a student at Kenwood Academy High School, is now leaving her title behind as she prepares for the next phase of her life, including college.
The Miss Illinois Organization plans to crown both a new Miss Illinois and a new Miss Illinois' Outstanding Teen later in 2021. Until then, Miss Illinois 2019, Ariel Beverly, will continue to wear the crown.
Shore, of Marion, will be crowned Miss Illinois' Outstanding Teen on Jan. 20 at the Marion Cultural Center at a private, socially distanced event to reign until the new competition is held.
"This is a dream come true," said Shore. "I can't express how thankful I am for this opportunity presented to me by the Miss Illinois Organization. As the new Miss Illinois' Outstanding Teen I hope to represent the state and my social impact initiative, My GIRL Agenda, in the best way I can. "
Shore realizes that will be a challenge as she can't make in-person appearances right now, but she will meet that challenge head on.
"I can't wait to see what I will accomplish in my year of service and look forward to the memories I will make along the way."
