Willowbrook alumna earns awards at Miss Illinois 2015 Scholarship Pageant

The Miss Illinois 2015 Scholarship Pageant consisted of the standard five competition areas – private interview, talent, lifestyle and fitness, onstage question and evening gown. But for Willowbrook alumna Adrienne Boni (class of 2009), it was so much more – it was an experience of a lifetime.

Boni participated in the event from June 7 to 14 at Marion Cultural and Civic Center in Marion. While she didn’t make the Top 11, she said she walked away from the pageant with something even greater.

“I made memories I’ll never forget with 30 other titleholders, whom I’m beyond proud to call my sisters,” Boni said. “I’m incredibly humbled and honored to have shared this experience with these exemplary women.”

For as long as Boni can remember, she has enjoyed trying new things and challenging herself. So while watching the Miss America Competition a few years ago, she was curious how the process worked to become a contestant. She began competing in local pageants her senior year of college and won a pageant in January 2015, which qualified her for Miss Illinois.

“There’s a bit of a stereotype when it comes to pageants – that the girls are fake and catty and the competition is nothing more than a superficial beauty contest,” Boni said. “But that’s not true at all. Pageants help support the education of the participants, and you get to do appearances, parades and promote a topic you’re passionate about through your platform.”

Boni’s platform is “The Healing Power of Music Therapy,” which focuses on the benefits of music therapy and the importance of funding that service. That topic is near and dear to Boni’s heart, as she received a degree in music therapy and cello performance from Illinois State University and works as a board certified music therapist at Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care. This past spring, she hosted a fundraiser in Lombard to benefit St. John's Children's Hospital and raised more than $1,000. The hospital’s music therapy program is funded by Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, the national platform of the Miss America Organization.

And Boni’s platform helped her earn the Kevin McAleese Special Judges Award during the Miss Illinois pageant for leaving a lasting impression on the judges. She won the Non-Finalist Talent Award as well for her cello performance of "Tarantella" by William Henry Squire. Boni has played the cello since fourth grade, and she also sings and plays guitar.

“Music became an important part of my life at a young age,” Boni said. “I always knew I wanted to use that passion to help others.”

Boni also received her Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award for participating in a six-month program that involved a two-day trip to Shawnee National Forest. To achieve that award, participants simultaneously engage activities of their choosing in community service, special skills, physical fitness and adventurous journey.

Boni said her years at Willowbrook helped prepare her for success in pageants and all aspects of life. She added participating on the Willowbrook Speech Team enabled her to blossom and come out of her shell and provided her with the tools to become an engaging public speaker.

“I can’t describe how grateful I am for the support of everyone in my life as I’ve navigated this challenging journey!” Boni said. “I’m thrilled to have had this opportunity.”