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04/11/2017
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By LINDSAY WEBER – editorial@nwherald.com
On Sept. 4,
16-year-old Algonquin resident Sydni Dion Bennett took the title of Miss Illinois Teen USA. Not only was this the first pageant win for Bennett, but also the first Miss Illinois Teen USA win for African Americans. Photo provided by Pageant Photography
Sixteen-year-old Algonquin resident Sydni Dion Bennett took the title of Miss Illinois Teen USA in September. Not only was this the first pageant win for Bennett, but it also was the first Miss Illinois Teen USA win for an African-American.
Full of conviction, Bennet took the Sept. 4 honor head-on, but not lightly.
“It’s just so cool,” Bennett said. “I feel like I have a lot of weight on my shoulders to represent African-Americans and women in general, as well as to make Illinois proud, but I know I will do my best.”
Not the only African-American contestant at this year’s pageant, Bennett said there was a common bond and goal amongst herself and the other African-American contenders to take home the title, no matter the name announced.
The words “confidently beautiful” cascade across the top of the Miss Illinois USA website, seemingly apropos to the platform that took Bennett to the top spot of the 34-year-old competition.
“Be confident in yourself,” Bennett said. “Know there is something in you that isn’t in every other girl. I want to be perceived as a confident person that stands for what they believe in.”
Bennett said she does not liken herself to anyone but herself; her authenticity is what she hopes the judges saw in her the day she was crowned.
“If I were a judge, I would look for a contestant that is a real person on and off the stage, someone that has a real genuine passion,” Bennett said.
Bennett entered the pageant after seeing a previous winner on the news. Her mother asked if she was interested in competing, and, with a sort of nonchalant “yes,” that was that. Bennett entered and took second runner-up in 2016, before this year’s win.
The four-day event started Sept. 1 and included evening gown and active wear portions, as well as interviews.
Bennett is a junior at Chicago Academy for the Arts, where she majors in dance with a focus on ballet. At the age of 10, she received the opportunity to travel to China to represent the United States at an international cultural festival, where she toured the country dancing in colorful parades and events.
She now teaches at Perfection Dance Artistry and Company dance studio in Palos Heights, where she has found the opportunity not only to instruct other dancers, but offer mentorship as well.
“It’s an opportunity for me to give back to those that don’t have a mentor or someone to look up to,” Bennett said. “Some people just don’t have the right mentor to look up to, and just knowing that someone is there for them can make a huge difference. From extra practices to just talking about life in general, I like to be able to provide the extra support to my students.”
Bennett said she learned many valuable lessons through dance.
“It has taught me a lot about myself,” Bennett said. “I am more aware of my strengths and weaknesses and I’ve learned a lot about being confident and having composure.”
Bennett’s next competition will be Miss Teen USA. The competition date has not yet been set for next year, but Bennett has plenty to keep her busy until the time comes. She plans to works closely with Girls Inc., Boys and Girls Club and Chicago Cares.
Bennett is not immune to the challenges a full school schedule, work and her Miss Illinois Teen USA duties will bring, but she said she has been balancing it and knows it’s about scheduling and what she intends to make of it.
During her reign, Bennett said she would like to travel to schools in order to reach young children. No matter the state of our society or their situation, she said, nothing should keep them from doing what they want to do and being who they are.
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