Hello from the great state of Illinois! I am Stephanie Taraszewski, Ms. Classic Illinois and Ms. Classic Elite USA.

I have been married to Bill for 25 years! We have four children, two biologically ours (both in college) and two ours’ through adoption. I love to scrapbook, knit, garden and snorkel. I love to teach my children about this amazing world! I have been home schooling for 14 years. I run a small horse farm and a natural & organic food co-op. I am a Creative Memories Consultant, and am a co-founder of the adoption support group “Treasured Adoptions†, and we also raise Chihuahuas.

Like my daughters, Victoria and Julia, I went to Texas to try something new, have fun and see what it was like to DO a pageant. My girls thought it would be so much fun to compete together. I agreed, and let them coach and dress me. I guess they did a pretty good job, as I was crowned Ms. Classic Elite USA in Texas! I was speechless. I had some formidable opponents! As we make appearances, ride in parades, talk to people and have pictures taken, I can see why my girls enjoy this so much. The crown does not change you, but you can change the ideas of what a crown means. I always told the girls, it is not what the crown can do for you, it is what you do with your crown that counts. Now I have the same responsibility, which it a big one. Thank you Nikki, for having such an amazing pageant system.

I would like to encourage women, to realize that beauty is more than skin deep. That you can do anything you set your mind to, and just try it! I never knew how much fun this could be. Yes, there are some people who will think you are silly, but those who matter will understand how amazing you really are. Go to a state pageant and compete! It will be the best experience of your year, and maybe even the decade!

Sincerely, Stephanie aka: Mama T.