NL_121219

More documents

Recommendations

Info

6 | December 12, 2019 | the new lenox patriot news newlenoxpatriotdaily.com Local teen who won Miss Teen Globe USA to compete internationally in 2020 Mary Compton Freelance Reporter New Lenox teen Maddy Rafalski didn’t tell anyone she was entering Miss Teen Globe Illinois. Rafalski didn’t think she would get anywhere. It was in March 2018 that she won the state of Illinois. “I’ve never done a pageant in my life before this,” Rafalski said. “I was in a fashion show in Chicago, they scouted me out and told me I should try this pageant.” Rafalski began modeling as a young teen for Pink Slip Boutique in Mokena. “I began modeling when I moved to New Lenox,” Rafalski said. “That has all led up to where I am now.” Rafalski grew up in Dyer, Indiana, and moved to New Lenox with her parents four years ago. She graduated from Lincoln-Way Central in June 2019. If her name sounds familiar, it is. Her parents, Pam and Dave Rafalski, own Raffy’s Candy Store in both New Lenox and Frankfort. The whole family is involved in running both businesses with Maddy and her siblings taking turns working at both stores. “I’m an ambassador for a few companies because of this,” Rafalski said. “In March 2018, I signed up for the Illinois pageant, borrowed a dress from a friend. I knew I had to do evening gown, active wear and fashion. I was a junior at the time. “You also had to do a speech on a platform you believe in,” Rafalski said. “My platform is childhood cancer and how all of us can help children with cancer and how to raise money to find a cure. I did a five-minute speech on childhood cancer. I love working with children and I don’t like seeing them suffer. It’s one thing that touches the hearts of most.” Rafalski, along with family and friends, began to make bracelets to sell them at Raffy’s Candy Store to raise funds for childhood cancer. “I wanted to help Lurie Children’s Hospital in some type of way,” she said. “I also made blankets and delivered them to the hospital. We have a donation bucket at the stores to continue to raise funds for childhood cancer.” She still collects funds and will present a check to Lurie Children’s Hospital at the end of her reign. Rafalski didn’t stop there. She traveled to Detroit for the Miss Teen Globe USA. Maddy was named Miss Teen Globe United States for 2018 and still holds the title. “After I won Miss Teen Globe Illinois, I competed in Michigan,” Rafalski said. “I won that with the same type of pageant I did in Illinois, with evening gown, active wear and a speech regarding childhood cancer. I held the title of Miss Teen Globe USA. It was very exciting” She just returned home on Oct. 5 from nationals which was held in California. “I had to hand over my title to the new Miss Teen Globe USA as well as my crown,” she said. “In June of 2020, I will go to Canada and compete for International.” The Miss Teen Globe Maddy Rafalski, of New Lenox, poses wearing her crown as she won Miss Teen Globe Illinois and Miss Teen Globe USA. Maddy will be participating in Miss Teen Globe International in June 2020. Rafalski is posing in her parents’ store, Raffy’s Candy Store located in New Lenox. Photos by Mary Compton/22nd Century Media International will be a little different. In this competition, there will be swimsuit, evening gown, talent and speech. “I have to have a custom swimsuit made with wings and sparkles,” Rafalski said. “I’m working on getting my outfits planned and fitted.” In entering the pageants, Rafalski said she has won three scholarships. She said she does not get them until the end of her reign at internationals. Today, Rafalski is going to Capri Beauty College in New Lenox and will graduate in May 2020. She enjoys making others look beautiful. “It’s important to me to Maddy Rafalski, of New Lenox, shows the bracelets she and her sister make to raise funds for childhood cancer. help people express themselves through the way they look,” Rafalski said. “The more confident you feel about yourself, the better you’ll walk around. Everyone has a glow to them when they’re confident about themselves. It’s my goal to help them feel good and for people to love themselves.”
newlenoxpatriotdaily.com new lenox the new lenox patriot | December 12, 2019 | 7 Come take a Holiday Stroll and Shop Local at Moody Blues & Bella Fiori WOMENS’ CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES HOME DECOR AND HOLIDAY GIFTS Wed, Dec. 18 ~ 4:00-8:00pm Shop Local and Get Great Deals! Refreshments, Raffles & More! 815.462.4144 moodybluesboutique.com SPIN THE WHEEL FOR DISCOUNTS AND PRIZES 815.463.8330 bellafioriflowershop.com PICK A PRESENT SALE Find local jobs within your community. It’s never been easier. 22nd Century Media now provides an easy-to-use online job search. Find employers within your area who are looking to hire. Go to jobssw.22ndcm.com to find your next career today! Employer looking to post a position? We have solutions for you too!
Page 1 and 2: ® new lenox’s Award-Winning Home
Page 3 and 4: newlenoxpatriotdaily.com news the n
Page 5: newlenoxpatriotdaily.com new lenox
Page 9 and 10: newlenoxpatriotdaily.com new lenox
Page 15 and 16: newlenoxpatriotdaily.com school the
Page 17 and 18: newlenoxpatriotdaily.com community
Page 21 and 22: newlenoxpatriotdaily.com sound off
Page 23 and 24: the new lenox patriot | December 12
Page 25 and 26: newlenoxpatriotdaily.com life & Art
Page 29 and 30: newlenoxpatriotdaily.com puzzles th
Page 31 and 32: newlenoxpatriotdaily.com local livi
Page 33 and 34: newlenoxpatriotdaily.com classified
Page 41 and 42: newlenoxpatriotdaily.com sports the
Page 43 and 44: newlenoxpatriotdaily.com OPPrairied

NL_121219

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?