Middle School Teacher Wins Ms. Illinois America 2012 Crown

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teacher La’Shaun Stallings-Hodge was recently named Ms. Illinois America 2012 and will compete for over $40,000 in gifts and prizes at the national pageant in Anaheim, California on April 15, 2012.

The Ms. America Pageant is open to women 26 years of age and up who are single, divorced or married. Stallings-Hodge, who teaches sixth grade Language Arts and Social Studies entered the pageant by submitting an application, a photo, a telephone interview, and finally a competition.

State titleholders from across the country will compete at the national event in several events, including Interview, Fashion Wear, Sports Wear, Evening Gown and On-Stage Interview.

Stallings-Hodge has a long history of stage, screen and film work including traditional theater, movie, music video, television and commercial appearances.

She has also modeled and competed in two other pageants -- the Miss Illinois USA pageant and the Miss Joliet Illinois Top Model contest, which she won in 2005.

“Ultimately I hope this step helps my acting career by getting my name out there around the United States,” Stallings-Hodge said.

The Ms. America Pageant aims to celebrate the accomplishments of women, encourage them to be involved in community service and make a positive difference in the world through their association with the pageant.