Chicago – June 30, 2025
Nitsaniyah Fitch, representing Chicago, was crowned Miss Illinois 2025 on Saturday evening at the Marion Cultural & Civic Center. The prestigious event, organized by the Miss Illinois Scholarship Organization, showcased talented women from across the state vying for the title.
Fitch’s victory comes with the opportunity to compete in the upcoming Miss America competition later this year. As Miss Illinois, she follows in the footsteps of many accomplished women who have participated in the Miss America Organization, which has been a platform for scholarship and leadership opportunities for women since its founding in 1921.
The competition also saw notable finishes from other contestants. Madalaina Hlava, Miss Land of Lincoln, earned first runner-up, while Olivia Egert, Miss Mississippi Crown, took second runner-up. Kylie Ryder, Miss Heart of Illinois, claimed third runner-up, and Ashlynn Drach, Miss Capital City, rounded out the top five as the fourth runner-up.
In a separate ceremony held Friday night, Lillie Brown was crowned Miss Illinois’ Teen, marking another milestone for the state’s involvement in the Miss America Organization.
Illinois has a rich history in the Miss America pageant, first participating in 1927 when Lois Delander became the state’s first winner. Since then, Illinois has produced five Miss America winners, including Judith Ford (1969), Marjorie Judith Vincent (1991), Katherine Shindle (1998), and Erika Harold (2003). With a legacy of success, the state continues to be a prominent participant in the national competition.
The Miss Illinois Scholarship Organization remains committed to providing young women with opportunities for personal growth, scholarships, and leadership development, empowering them to excel both in their careers and in their communities.
