Sending off Miss Illinois as she prepares to take the national stage

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Miss Illinois 2024 and Decatur native, Breana Bagley, is preparing to take to the national stage to compete against representatives from each state vying for the title of Miss America. Her supporters are sending her off showing that they are standing beside her as she heads to the competition at the end of December.

Calandra Bagley, Breana's sister-in-law says, "It's really exciting it is really a lot of tension though for sure sitting on the edge of your seat just so excited watching her."

While she is preparing for the opportunity of a lifetime her friends, family, and sister queens rallied behind her at her sendoff party to celebrate her accomplishments so far and everything she hopes to accomplish at the competition.

Breana Bagley, Miss Illinois 2024, says, "A lot of local titleholders came today to support so they are all from different areas in the state gathering to support not only my journey to Miss America, but you can hear a little bit about their journey to Miss Illinois and hopefully Miss America."

Bagley showed great perseverance in competing for the title of Miss Illinois. As she prepares for the Miss America competition, she is committed to using her voice to promote her community service initiative on a national stage.

"I am most thankful for dedicating my year to my community service initiative which is a vision of hope honoring those with rare diseases like my mother who is still battling idiopathic chronic pancreatitis. I've been able to travel the world and partnered with the national pancreas foundation," said Bagley.

She found her calling of using her crown to serve and make a difference.

"I'm currently the chairwoman for the National organization for rare disorders and empowering other individuals to share their stories to make change in their lives."

Bagley is soaking up every minute as Miss Illinois while hoping to become the 6th Miss Illinois to win the title of Miss America.

"The smallest moments make the biggest impact and not only in my life but in the lives of the individuals that I meet Maybe an appearance in a small town a tiny parade you can meet an individual who truly changes your life by just sharing their story and that us the power of the Miss America opportunity and the power of the coveted crown."

She is making her supporters proud as she fulfills one of her dreams.

"We're just really really proud of her she worked so hard to be here she's been competing for a couple years and she just blossomed into a beautiful young woman."

The Miss America competition will take place in Orlando, Florida where Bagley will be competing for 10 days.