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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.