WASHINGTON COUNTY — Oakdale native Madelyn Tudor was crowned Sunday as the new Li’l Miss Illinois 2023 alongside newly crowned Junior Miss Illinois 2023 – Stella Denny of Mendota.

The Miss Illinois Youth program provides opportunities for young ladies, ages 6-12 from across the state to earn thousands of dollars in cash scholarships.

Twenty-nine young ladies vied for the titles of Li’l & Junior Miss Iowa and Li’l & Junior Miss Illinois 2023 with 7-year-old Madelyn of Southern Illinois bringing home the official title as Li’l Miss Illinois – 2023.

Along with her newfound Title she also received the Li’l IL Spirit Award (awarded to the contestant that exemplifies the spirit of the pageant, always has a smile, is respectful to all, and a joy for the contestants and pageant staff to be around.

Flowers Plus & More, from Nashville, Illinois, sponsored Madelyn, enabling her to travel the State of Illinois for appearances and events.