Junior Miss Illinois 2025 - Lia Barraza Sloan

This week I was able to be a real volunteer at Rainbow Riders and worked in the barn while David had his lesson. Even though it was work I still had a great time and can’t wait to go back next week!

Did you know that a horse’s rhythmic walk mimics the human gait (the way we walk)? Because of this therapeutic horseback riding helps improve posture and balance by strengthening core, hip and trunk muscles. Bonus- this movement also provides powerful neurological and sensory benefits. Which for David and others on the autism spectrum, helps improve sensory processing and emotional regulation.

Thank you Tuesday! Today my mom and I dropped off a cookie tray and a brownie tray at Yemm Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram as an extra sweet thank you for providing my dream vehicle and the sweetest driver for yesterday’s Memorial Day parade. Don’t forget to shop local first for your next car!

Memorial Day is a day to honor those that gave the ultimate sacrifice for all of us to enjoy the freedoms of America! I was honored to be in the Galesburg Memorial Day parade and surprised to have the privilege to ride in my dream vehicle provided by Yemm Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram. Dan and Lori were the best bringing the car out to the parade and driving me in the parade. I also have to thank my Papí (dad) for figuring out how to put my sign on the Jeep since the magnets wouldn’t work on this model vehicle.

Colona goes all out honoring our veterans for Memorial Day. Today was the parade and with such great weather the streets were packed with people showing their gratitude for those that have given the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy. I’m also thankful that Li'l Miss Illinois 2025 - Elsie Bieri was able to be in the parade with me.

Finally made it into the bank to deposit my scholarship money! I am beyond grateful for the Miss Illinois Youth Program and the ability I’ve had to earn almost $1500 in scholarship money as well as being able to raise around $5000 in donations for Rainbow Riders Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center. Pageants are more than looking pretty on stage, they are about scholarship, service to your community and lifelong friendships.

Therapy Thursday!

I finally got to get some time in with one of my favorite horses today, Hannah. Fun fact-Did you know that horses are bio feedback machines that means they can mirror our emotions. They give immediate feedback which helps us be more aware of our own emotions!

Just being near and interacting with a horse has a calming effect. It’s true, the cortisol levels (stress hormone) goes down and oxytocin (the bonding hormone) goes up which creates relaxation!

I can’t wait to be back next week! Stay tuned for more fun facts about therapy and horses. 🐴

I had a great time in Springfield with Rep Swanson. We are lucky to have such a caring and devoted person representing us!

» Lia Barraza Sloan serves as Illinois House Page for a Day SPRINGFIELD – Lia Barraza Sloan of Galesburg served as a Page for a Day in the Illinois House of Representatives on Tuesday. She was the guest of State Representative Dan Swanson (R-Alpha).

I had so much fun at the Miss Blackhawk Valley Scholarship Program send off to Miss Illinois. I will forever love their team and hope to be part of it once I’m old enough to compete. Everyone looked amazing in their competition outfits and I can’t wait to cheer them all on at Miss Illinois!

Bonus- I got to sneak in a mini photo shoot with Li’l Miss Bloomington-Normal 2026 - Cecilia Michelle Potts and even got to hangout and have dinner with her after the send off. I can’t wait to see you again at Miss Illinois!