Downers Grove resident to compete in Miss Teen United States

DOWNERS GROVE – A Downers Grove resident will represent Illinois this summer after winning the Miss Teen Illinois United States pageant.

Arnela Karabegovic, 17, has only been doing pageants for a year, and was drawn to pageants after watching them.

"I've always seen Miss America and Miss Universe on TV," she said.

A student at Downers Grove South High School, Karabegovic decided she wanted to get involved with pageants, but said it was "nothing like I imagined."

The pageant, which took place March 27 to 29, involves not just eveningwear and swimsuits, but also volunteering and community service. Each pageant contestant has a group they represent.

Karabegovic represented the Project Michelangelo Foundation, an Illinois organization that provides assistance to children with life-threatening diseases and helps in times of disaster.

Karabegovic said she was estactic when she was crowned Miss Teen Illinois, and is humbled by the chance to represent her community and state during the Miss Teen United States pageant.

"It was amazing. It was such an honor to represent my hometown of Downers Grove and the state of Illinois," she said.

Derrick Lee, executive director of the Miss Illinois United States Organization, said Karabegovic was the "whole package" in terms of what Miss Teen Illinois represents.

"Arnela brought great stage presence and a personality the Miss World favors," he said.

Lee is helping Karabegovic prepare for the Miss Teen United States pageant, which will be held July 1 to 5 in Washington D.C. She is currently working out and preparing for interviews and other tasks she will be required to perform.

"She's definitely a future Miss World in our opinion," Lee said.

Karabegovic, who has been modeling for the past 10 years, said she plans to take part in more pageants in the future, but she's focused on one in particular for now.

"Hopefully I bring the crown home from Washington," she said.

To follow Karabegovic's progress during the pageant, visit www.missillinoisus.com.