MAY 14, 1965
Diana DeFranco Named New Miss Des Plaines
"I cannot express how wonderful I felt," remarked Diana. "Without the aid of my many friends who had confidence in me, my parents who were so patient, encouraging, and proud, and last but far from least my dancing instructor, June Rold who spent hours of her time getting me to practice and prepare my talent for this contest, I would never have won."
Pat Calabrese, Peg Callaghan, Carol Campobasso, Diana, Diane Dormeyer, N a n Franczkowski, Lorine Held, and the other five girls, including the runner-up Leah Nelson '64, who participated in the contest, entered by filling out application blanks and planning their talent demonstrations. These girls worked long, hard hours preparing for a three-minute entrance for the audience.
After a complete dress rehearsal, Saturday finally arrived. The day began with a picture-taking session at Rand
Although the judges put great emphasis on talent, the girls also competed in swimsuits and evening gowns. They were judged on poise, appearance, and personality.
Among Diana's other gifts were a $1,000 scholarship, a 30-hour scholarship to Patricia Stevens School, a perfume set from Meunch Drugs, 10 lanes of bowling from Sim's Bowling Lanes, a gift certificate from Arlen Pharmacy, albums from Words and Music and Maria Schaeffer's, a $5 certificate from Violet' s Fashion's; Brown's Department Store; Square Deal; and Wahl Jeweler's, a handbag from Brown's, stationery from Mary Bremer's, a clock from Sears, a pen from Morava's, a hair set from the Pamper Shop, a $25 bond from Oehler's, two free dinners at the Knight's Pub, and five pounds of candy from the Sugar Bowl.
Leah, the runner-up, was presented with beautiful white roses and a small trophy. Diana was presented with a bouquet of red roses and a two and one-half foot trophy.