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In a tradition as old as the JCCIA, every year the Columbus Day Queen Pageant is held to select a new reigning young woman.
2025 Columbus Day Queen Pageant
August 19, 2025
Des Plaines Theatre
1476 Miner St., Des Plaines, IL
7:30pm
Columbus Day Queen Pageant Eligibility Requirements:
- Contestants must be between the ages of 17-26
- Contestants must be 17 years old by the Columbus Day Parade on October 13th
- Must be single and have never married
- Must reside in the Chicagoland area
- Must prove Italian descent
- Must attend Columbus Day Weekend Events
2025 Queen Pageant
The 2025 Columbus Day Queen Pageant was held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at the Des Plaines Theatre.
Ava Amelio was crowned as the 2025 Columbus Day Queen and Rianna Capizzano was chosen as the Columbus Day Queen Runner-up. The 2025 Columbus Day Queen’s Court is: Elizabeth Andriano, Loradana Imrisek, Marielle Vestuto-Langford, Damiana Mills, Allison Tamas, and Olivia Vie.
2025 Columbus Day Queen
Ava Amelio
On Tuesday, August 19, 2025 the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans crowned the 2025 Columbus Day Queen, Ava Amelio!
Ava Amelio is currently a student at George Washington University, where she is studying Political Science and International Business with a minor in International Affairs. Ava is a proud member of Alpha Phi and a former National Honor Society member. Ava is very passionate about empowering young women. For the past 3 years, she has been a softball instructor, where she has had the opportunity to coach and mentor girls – not only teaching them softball skills, but also confidence and self-esteem. An extremely important part of Ava’s life is her Italian roots.
To Ava, being Italian is about perseverance, love, honoring her family’s journey and pride in her heritage. Ava is honored to serve as the 2025 Columbus Day Queen, representing the resilience, independence, and grace of the women who have come before her. She wants to use her platform as Columbus Day Queen to inspire younger generations to embrace their heritage and unlock their confidence. Ava Amelio believes in empowering women, especially from a young age, and as Queen, she will proudly celebrate our culture while encouraging others to take pride in being Italian American.