One of NIU’s own will be competing as a finalist in the Miss Illinois pageant.

Callie Sears, a senior exercise science and nutrition major, will compete as a finalist in the Miss Illinois pageant in November. Sears has never competed in a pageant before, she said.

The anonymous pageant nomination came as a shock to Sears and her family.

“I came home after a summer interning in Australia to see that I got a letter stating I was nominated to take part in the 2007-2008 Miss Illinois pageant,” Sears said. “To this day, I still have no idea who nominated me. They are not allowed to tell me!”

After reading the letter, Sears decided to go forward and meet with the interview panel.

“I just talked about things like the environment and my career goals,” Sears said. After the interview, the judges told Sears she would compete as one of 50 finalists in the pageant.

Sears also discussed her stance against violence, which she has dealt with firsthand. Last year, Sears’ boyfriend died in an altercation outside a DeKalb bar.

“I want to get the message straight to people, especially younger kids, that what I witnessed last year was real and it is only part of what could happen when you put yourself in the drinking environment,” Sears said. “Drinking leads to violence, whether at the time you realize it or not.”

Capturing the crown would enable Sears to travel to different high schools and middle schools for a year, spreading her message to thousands, she said.

“I want to be a role model,” Sears said, hoping to be a positive influence on her 6-year-old niece.

Sears appreciates the support she has received from her sponsors.

“Everyone has been super-supportive and definitely excited,” Sears said. “My sister even declared herself my manager.”