New Lenox Resident In The Running For Miss Teen Illinois

NEW LENOX, IL — Gabriella Frausto wasn't exactly planning on entering any pageants this year. She's never even been in one before. So, it was a bit of a surprise when she found out that someone had nominated her last summer to compete for the title of Miss Teen Illinois 2022.

The 15-year-old Frausto will compete against 30 other teen girls aged 14-18 from Illinois May 28-30 at Illinois State University, according to Vanbros and Associates, the company that conducts and produces Miss Teen Illinois.

"My mom thought it was a scam at first," Frausto said. "And then [a representative from Vanbros and Associates] called her and it was for real. I thought, 'Wow, this is cool.'"

Frausto, who is a freshman at Lincoln-Way Central High School, said that although she expects the competition to be challenging, she's not very nervous now about it, even though this is her first time competing in anything like this.

"I'm not really worried about it," she said. "I was nervous at first, but now I'm like, 'No, I think I got this."

Frausto's mother, Andrea Frausto, agreed with her daughter.

"I think Gabriella is very magnetic, and I think she always exudes a lot of confidence, even though she doesn't maybe feel that way herself," Andrea Frausto said. "I think that she's going to do well. And I think, win or lose, she's already won. Just the experience in and of itself is going to be great for her."

Frausto has good reason to be confident heading into the competition. She's received a ton of support from family and friends, she said, and Pink Slip Boutique in Mokena sponsored the gown she plans to wear as part of the evening gown portion of competition.

There are two other parts of the competition: activewear/swimsuit and an interview. Contestants will be judged on all three parts equally.

Frausto said she's been utilizing a coach to help her prepare. She meets with her coach about once a month, and they go over possible questions the judges might ask.

The winner of Miss Teen Illinois will go on to make appearances, participate in photoshoots and will get a shot at competing for Miss Teen USA.

Whether she wins or not, Frausto said she's looking forward to the opportunity to meet new people and experience different things.

As for future competitions, Frausto said it's still too early to decide on that.

"I think if I do win and kind of see so it goes, then, yeah, I probably would continue to do it," she said.

Early voting for Miss Teen Illinois opens Friday via a People's Choice Award. The winner of the People's Choice Award is guaranteed a spot in the semi-finals, according to Vanbros and Associates. People may vote as often as they wish, and there is a $1 charge for each vote cast.

Those interested in casting a People's Choice Award for Frausto can do so by following this link.