Here They Are — The Miss Shorewood Award Winners

The newly crowned Miss Shorewood Crossroads for 2011 is Hailey Peterbok, 16, a junior at Joliet West High School.

Hailey is the daughter of Ginger and Eric Heilbrunn.

She noted that one of her favorite quotations that would be her inspiration in serving Shorewood during the next year is from Leonardo da Vinci: “I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.”

During her year-long reign Hailey plans to contribute to her community by giving of herself in caring and compassionate areas, as well as performing those responsibilities called upon her as Miss Shorewood Crossroads.

“This would include my skills, talents and financial contributions through my own means and by fundraising,” she said.  “It is important to me to be a good role model and influence others, especially younger girls.”

Her talents and interests include representing Joliet Township West High School as a Tiger Paw, painting, and maintaining her high honor grades.  “I would like to use these in any areas that would benefit and be a positive reflection upon the Village of Shorewood,” she said.

Hailey would like to initiate a food drive that will benefit the less fortunate. In addition, her love for animals will include donating time at the Shorewood animal shelter.

First runner-up is Alessa Smith, daughter of Joyce and Stan Smith and second runner-up is Kelly Valencik, daughter of Cynthia and Dean Valencik.

Capturing the crown of Miss Shorewood Crossroads Junior is Colleen Coyle, 13, daughter of Sue and Larry Coyle. She is a freshman at Minooka High School. Her interests include running, dancing, tumbling and swimming.

As Miss Shorewood Crossroads Junior she plans to spend even more time doing things for others rather than spending time on herself. Colleen has been involved in a variety of activities including volunteering for Shorewood HUGS, a women’s group her mom is a part of.

“I’m perfectly happy walking door to door for Relay For Life, spreading Easter eggs out for the Hugs for Hounds, and even hanging hundreds of coats at the Chocolate Ball. I do all of these things and more because I know the events help dogs, people, and Shorewood as a whole,” she said.

“Above all, I’m truly glad to be running for Miss Shorewood Crossroads Junior. This contest has already shown me how I have helped Shorewood and how I can be an even better person,” she said.

First runner-up is Jackie Boyce, daughter of Kathy and Bob Boyce and second runner-up is Alyssa Nicole Rice, daughter of Julie and Brian Rice.

Twenty-one girls submitted applications for the Miss Shorewood Crossroads Contest. Contestants were asked to complete the following statement: “If selected Miss Shorewood Crossroads, I would contribute to my community by … ”

Final judging was based on the contestants' writing skills, verbal skills, poise, personality and community involvement. Final judging was held on Aug. 1 and the winners were presented their crown by Mayor Richard Chapman during the annual Shorewood Crossroads Festival.

Winners each received a shopping spree valued at $500. First runner-ups received a beauty package valued at $300 and second runner-ups received a jewelry package valued at $200.

Divas Salon & Spa organized and sponsored the contest. Organizers of the event gave thanks to the following businesses for making this year’s Miss Shorewood Crossroads the success that it was: They are So Dear to Pats Heart, Spencer’s Jewelry, Dairy Queen, Rudy’s Gym, Appletree/Park Place Plaza, Jim Confer Farmers Insurance, and Kuhar Vision.