MOLINE, Illinois — Miss Illinois Jaryn Franklin headed off to the East Coast this morning for the 2017 Miss America Pageant. She was surrounded by family, friends and fans for her send off.
The East Moline native is the first from the Quad Cities to be crowned Miss Illinois in more than 50 years. Over the next two weeks, she'll be in Atlantic City competing against 51 other contestants for the title.
Franklin says it's a dream come true, all thanks to the people who've supported her.
"I am just so thankful and so humble to be given this opportunity and I am so ready to take on miss America and I want to say thank you to everybody who helped prepare me, motivate me, and encouraged me, and showered me with support over these past few months," said Franklin.