16-year-old is first African-American to win Miss Illinois Teen USA in 34-year history

Sydni Dion Bennett didn’t aspire to be anyone else when she was a little girl. A 10-year-and-counting ballerina, her friends would often liken her to Misty Copeland. She didn’t want to hear that. She lives by the mantra “Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.”

“It’s easier,” she says.

The 16-year-old, who is also a coach at dance studio Perfect Dance Artistry and Company, has the convictions and confidence of an accomplished, wise woman, which may contribute to her impeccable posture.

Bennett recently made history as the first African-American to be crowned Miss Illinois Teen USA in the pageant’s 34-year existence.

“When they said my name, I was like, ‘Whoa! It’s me!’ I wasn’t expecting it, honestly. My reaction video isn’t that good because I didn’t know what to do. It set in a couple days after.”

But the magic of Bennett’s crowning was not lost in her composure.

After a walk up and down the stage, donning her shining crown, silky sash and bouquet of roses, another black contestant ran up to be the first to hug and congratulate Bennett. The exchange was an act of pure bliss and sisterhood.

“There were very few black girls competing,” said Bennett. “We were all close friends and talked about how it had to be the year for one of us to take it. No matter who, we wanted one of us to win.”

The excitement about the historic crowning didn’t stop there.

“We are so proud to have her as a winner this year,” said press relations manager Daryl Schabinger, who has been working with Miss Illinois Teen USA for the last 10 years. “She’s a beautiful and intelligent young lady.”

“It is absolutely fantastic that she was the first African-American to win this title,” said Randy Duncan, chair of the dance department at the Chicago Academy for the Arts. Duncan teaches Bennett two days a week at the performing and visual arts high school.

“A lot of time, if you don’t see someone who looks like you in any event, you may …

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