While the snow was falling last week, an NIU beauty pageant contestant accepted an exclusive title representing Illinois.

On Jan. 27 pre-communication studies major Myisha Hill was crowned Miss Illinois Plus America 2007. She will join others who will represent their states to compete for the title of Plus America Elite in Dallas, Texas in July. The pageant’s Web site says it is “devoted to celebrating the essence of the full-figured woman.”

NS: Is this your first pageant, and what made you decide to enter?

MH: Yes, I was shopping for plus-sized clothing and I saw a banner ad for the pageant and decided to enter. I asked other delegates and I got interested.

NS: Did you have any sponsors for the Illinois pageant?

MH: We don’t have [sponsors for] state competitions. I paid all the entry fees, which was $800, but I am looking for sponsors for the national pageant.

NS: Can you describe the state part of the pageant?

MH: It was just a basic application, an interview; why would you want to represent Illinois and motto that you live by. For me, it’s Proverbs 23:7. It has to deal with positive thinking, our words manifest our dreams, what you speak can happen.

NS: Did you get anything for winning?

MH: For state, there’s no monetary for now. For the national, there is a thousand-dollar cash prize. I’m actually going for community service award.

NS: What do you plan to do with your Illinois position?

MH: I plan on working with my platform, which is HIV and AIDS awareness in adults. I have an HIV fair at Kishwaukee [College] next Wednesday, Feb. 7 in the cafeteria offering AIDS testing from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. which is all confidential. I have a speaker coming in to get the word out in the community. Get tested, get safe, get educated. With a college town, it takes only one time to slip. My main focus is to promote awareness.

NS: What are your plans from now until July?

MH: Public appearances and finishing off the semester.

NS: What are some things you’d like people to know about you and the pageant?

MH: I’m a single mom. For me, to be going to school and working and doing the beauty pageant, it’s a big step for moms. I think that’s a good thing for people to know about me personally. I just want more size acceptance. I want women to feel comfortable in their skin. Beauty is in the inside. Beauty is all about your spirit.