Dance and cheerleading have helped Julia Yock through some challenging times in her schooling and in her relationships.
The activities have also given the Orland Park resident physical and mental stamina, which she relied upon recently to win the Miss Teen International pageant, beating out 15 other girls for the title. Julia is 15 and her competitors ranged from ages 13-18.
The competition took place in July at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. Contestants were judged on their performance in interviews, fitness and fashion.
In addition to her overall title, she won the Best Evening Gown award and the Most Photogenic award.
This was her third year competing in the teen category.
“I have been really preparing for it for many years,” Julia said. “Since I did so well last year and came so close as the second runner-up, I knew I wanted to do better. … I kept on working on modeling and interview prep.”
Julia also kept up with her other physical activities, including dance. In the past, she’s participated in track, basketball and field. She attends Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox.
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But there’s been more to her win than just beauty and grace under pressure. The competition is “platform-based” and her platform is “Move With Ambition: For Mind, Body & Health” and focuses on the importance of mental health.
“I have experienced firsthand how physical fitness can help you with your mental health,” she said. “Anything you love doing, even if it’s just going to the gym or going for a run, it’s scientifically proven it will help your mental health.”
In the past, Julia raised money and donations for children in low-income communities who wouldn’t afford dance outfits or lessons.
She also shares “Mental Health Monday tips and Fitness Friday inspiration on social media. Plus she created a “20/20 Challenge to get teens moving, taking 20 minutes away from their phones or electronics to do something positive for themselves, such as being active, enjoying quiet time or simply taking a break and “resetting.”
Several coaches have helped her along the way.
Julie Cangialosi, her interview coach, focused not only on interviewing but also the difference she hopes to make with her platform.
“She was already doing meaningful work in her community long before she ever competed, so this was never about creating something just for pageantry,” said Cangialosi. “It was about helping her recognize the impact she was already making, trust herself, and speak authentically about what matters most to her.
Cangialosi, a former Mrs. USA International, who lives in Washington, D.C., said she was proud of Julia’s progress.
“She’s become so confident in her own voice while still staying completely genuine, and she truly cares about the impact she’s making,” she said. “The sky is truly the limit, and I feel so fortunate to continue supporting her not only on this journey, but in whatever future endeavors come next.”
The next year promises to be a busy one for Julia. She will be speaking at schools and various other organizations trying to get more young people interested in their mental and physical health. She’s already started appearing at events in New York and plans to go overseas too.
She’s also an ambassador for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Dancing for Dancers and an official princess mentor for I’m a Dancer Against Cancer.
“It’s important to not just try your best at making a difference in your community, but also internationally,” said Julia.
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Janice Neumann is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.