News

QHS Alumni Spotlight: Shelby Rose ’22

From Pageants and Public Service to Purposeful Entrepreneurship

By: Katie Rodemich ’02

At just 21 years old, Shelby Rose has already built a life defined by purpose, resilience, and lasting impact. and a student at the University of Alabama, her story spans nonprofit leadership, viral social media success, pageantry, and now a rising entrepreneurial venture—all deeply rooted in a love for her hometown. She will be graduating in 2025, marking yet another milestone in a journey that continues to inspire those around her.

Her journey began at age 13, when a personal revelation shifted her world and sparked her mission. “I was adopted at four days old,” Shelby says, “but I didn’t find out until I was 13. That’s kind of why I started Fostering Hope.”

Fueled by both personal experience and compassion for others, Shelby founded the nonprofit to support children entering foster care with dignity and care.

“We’re a nonprofit that supports children and families in foster care throughout Adams County and across Illinois. We’ve helped over 450 children in care and raised over $35,000. Throughout the year, we do drives to make sure kids entering foster care feel supported from day one.”

From the beginning, Shelby was hands-on—organizing donation drives, packing bags herself, and building strong community partnerships, all while balancing a full schedule of school, cheerleading, competitive dance, and beauty pageants.

“Every drive, every duffel bag—we did it together,” she says of her mother and grandfather. “They were my day-one believers. I never could’ve done this without them.”

One of Fostering Hope’s biggest connections and sponsors is Chaddock, a vital partner in Shelby’s mission to bring hope and comfort to foster children. Chaddock has been instrumental in providing space, support, and community ties that help bring Fostering Hope’s vision to life.

While flexibility is vital, so is space. Shelby is currently seeking a new storage unit after losing access to the facility where Fostering Hope’s supplies were kept.

“We’re actively looking for a storage unit or any kind of donated space,” she says. “We’re losing our current setup, and we need somewhere to store everything. We have a ton of books from a recent book drive—over 2,000.”

In partnership with the Quincy Public Library, Shelby has helped organize a book drive that brought in an overwhelming number of donations. “My car was so full of books, I thought it might collapse,” she laughs. “We had boxes everywhere. I’ve never seen that many books in one place.”

Access to reading is especially close to Shelby’s heart. “I love to read. My mom and grandma always encouraged that, and every summer when I stayed with my grandparents, I had to read so many books,” she says. “But now, it’s just not the same for a lot of kids. Many don’t have books at home, and a lot of foster kids are reading below grade level. We wanted to help change that.”

Despite the challenges, Fostering Hope continues to thrive thanks to strong community involvement and dedicated volunteer support. “It’s really just my family and me running it,” she shares. “Sometimes people think a nonprofit means a full team behind the scenes—but it’s the three of us. My grandpa helps, too.”

Shelby frequently uses social media to engage volunteers. “Our biggest need for volunteers is when we pack the 24-hour notice bags,” she says. “We usually do that at Chaddock on a Saturday and open it up for the community to come help.”

These 24-hour notice bags are care packages created for children entering foster care with little to no warning. When an agency like Chaddock informs Shelby that a placement is happening and supplies are low, her team mobilizes—often gathering, packing, and delivering bags in less than a day. Each bag is filled with essentials designed to offer both practical support and emotional reassurance: hygiene products, a cozy blanket, a stuffed animal, and a book. Shelby’s mission is clear—no child should enter foster care carrying their belongings in a trash bag or feeling invisible. These bags send a powerful message: you matter, and someone is thinking of you.

Collaboration plays a major role in Fostering Hope’s reach. Shelby values partnerships with local organizations like Altrusa and Connect Child and Family Solutions. “We love working with them,” she says. “Sometimes we’re able to say, ‘Oh, Connect Family has that for you,’ and other times they’ll say, ‘Shelby’s got it.’ It’s been really cool to work together toward the same goals.”

Looking ahead, Shelby is eager to strengthen those partnerships. “I really want to get re-involved,” she says. “The beauty of Quincy is that everything and everyone is connected.”

Her commitment to service found a broader stage through the Miss America Organization. At 13, she entered Miss Quincy’s Teen on a whim. “I had no plan on winning—I got my dress from Amazon. I was just going to do it for fun, and I ended up winning.” That victory led her to Miss Illinois’ Teen, where she didn’t place—but something clicked. “I was hooked.”

She competed again in 2020 and won, though the next round was delayed due to the pandemic. “I was hooked again,” she says. “I was aging out, going to college, and I wasn’t ready to be done.” Shelby continued competing, earning titles like Miss Quincy and Miss Gem City, and receiving recognition not just for her poise, but for her platform. She was awarded the Jean Bartel Quality of Life Award from Miss America and named a KHQA “Hometown Hero.”

Shelby continued competing, earning titles like Miss Quincy and Miss Gem City, and receiving recognition not just for her poise, but for her platform. At Miss Illinois, she received both the Jean Bartel Quality of Life Award (2023) and the Women in Business Award (2023 and 2024), honors that celebrated her leadership, advocacy, and entrepreneurial spirit. Following these achievements, she was named a KHQA “Hometown Hero.”

“Competing in the Miss division was incredible,” she says. “You meet women from across the state, ages 18 to 27—some are doctors, lawyers, and/or entrepreneurs. It’s inspiring.” For Shelby, pageants weren’t about crowns—they were about community. “I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without it,” she reflects. “The competitions gave me a platform to grow Fostering Hope—and because of that, I got to speak at the Illinois State Capitol in front of our state representatives. That never would’ve happened without pageants.”

After high school, Shelby went to study Public Relations at the University of Alabama, with minors in Software Design and Political Science. She served as External Affairs Chair for Phi Mu, her sorority, and mentored students as a Speaking Studio coach.

Her early—and somewhat unexpected—rise on social media began when a video she posted while packing for her freshman year went viral. “While I was packing, I posted a TikTok that blew up—it got over a million views,” she says. The clip sparked a wave of engagement, rapidly expanding her platform and connecting her with a wider audience. “That opened up a whole new world. Suddenly, I was working with brands like Amazon Prime, YSL Beauty, Tarte Cosmetics, and Wrangler. It was surreal.”

“People think TikTok is just social media, but for me, it became one of my jobs. It helped me pay for college and gave me a way to promote Fostering Hope to a much wider audience. Honestly, we wouldn’t have reached half as many people without it.”

Throughout college, Shelby balanced national-level opportunities with meaningful local engagement—returning home often to volunteer and collaborate with organizations like Altrusa, The Crossing Church, Chaddock, and Connect Child and Family Solutions, all while maintaining strong ties to her community.

Penny Little, Shelby’s longtime cheer coach, was more than just a coach—she was a mentor and a steady presence throughout Shelby’s life. “She was also like a second mom,” Shelby says. “Her daughter Casey was Miss Quincy too, so there was a personal connection. We still talk all the time.”

From seventh grade through senior year, Penny coached Shelby on the sidelines and beyond, becoming a major influence during some of her most formative years. Cheerleading played a central role in Shelby’s high school experience, helping shape her confidence, friendships, and sense of discipline. “Cheer was also a huge part of my life, and I absolutely loved it,” she says. “Penny Little was such a great coach, and through cheer, I made a lot of my closest friends.”

Shelby also danced for years at Q Dance Center under the direction of Tiffany Tomlinson Frese ‘93, a fellow QHS alumna and longtime family friend. “I taught a cheer-pop class and helped out with the little dancers, but Tiffany was the one who really taught me. I’ve been dancing since I was two and a half, and she’s been a big part of that journey.”

Between cheer and dance, Shelby’s schedule was full—but it was exactly how she liked it.

Shelby also forged strong friendships through cheer and dance—especially with Madison Kent. “We got really close in junior high and high school,” Shelby says. “I did dance with her, and then we cheered together. She is great—one of my best friends. She goes to Missouri State now, and we still talk. Our moms actually became best friends because we were so close.”

Former QPS Superintendent Roy Webb also left a lasting impression through small but meaningful gestures. “My freshman year of college, he sent me a handwritten birthday letter,” she recalls. “I thought he was such a great person—he wrote, ‘Happy birthday, thank you for all that you’ve done, you’re a great person.’ That was so kind. I absolutely love people like that—people I met in high school who went out of their way to show they cared.”

He didn’t have to do that, but it made her feel seen and valued. It was a reminder that even small gestures can leave a lasting impact—the kind of leadership that stays with you.

Another key mentor was The Wagner family—’the Wagner girls’—I danced with them, and Lindsay Wagner was actually my Bible study leader,” Shelby says. “High school can be tricky. There are moments when you feel lonely, especially at the beginning. Then suddenly it’s flying by, and you’re like, ‘Wait, high school is over. I need to figure out my life plan.’ Lindsay was a huge role model for me during that time. We went to church camp together, dance competitions, and I danced with her daughters, who were all at QHS too.”

Shelby reflects on how those older than her often shaped her perspective. “I guess I really looked up to a lot of older people, and they influenced a lot of my decisions—especially about college. For some people, it’s their friends who shape that. But for me, it was mentors. I’d see someone and think, ‘I love the life you’ve created—I want to learn from that.’ It wasn’t just one person—it was a whole community of people who made my journey better.”

When asked about her future goals, she didn’t hesitate. She hopes to continue competing, but her vision extends well beyond the crown. One of her biggest inspirations is Lindsey Hess, the Miss Quincy director—someone she describes as both a mentor and a big sister.

“Lindsey’s someone I’ve gotten really close with,” she said. “She’s definitely a role model to me.” The way Lindsey supports and uplifts others has made a lasting impression—and sparked a new aspiration.

Someday, when she ages out of competition, she hopes to follow in Lindsey’s footsteps and take on a leadership role herself. Moving back to Quincy and guiding other young women through this journey is a goal she holds close to her heart.

While mentoring may be part of her future, her ultimate goal right now is to become Miss Illinois. She’s passionate about advocating for children and families in care, and she wants to be a voice for those from small towns across the state. “Being from a rural community is a big part of who I am,” she said, “and I’m proud of that. “In May 2024, Shelby launched her newest venture: The Be Bold Co., a full-service brand specializing in custom hats and accessories. What began as a personal love for bold fashion and creative expression quickly grew into a thriving small business. “I’ve always loved fun hats and creating my own accessories, so that’s when I decided to open the business!” she says.

The Be Bold Co. offers both on-the-spot and custom orders, featuring items like personalized hats, koozies, makeup bags, and fanny packs. It’s become a popular option for bridal parties, private events, and pop-up shops across Quincy—with past appearances at CC’s Coffee Bar, local Christmas markets, and the Quincy Service League Holiday Gift Show.

To learn more or place an order, message The Be Bold Co. directly on Facebook or Instagram. And keep an eye out—they’ll be at CC’s Coffee Bar this summer!

Shelby has always been driven by a desire to serve others—whether through cheerleading, nonprofit work, or community leadership. Now, with a degree in Public Relations and minors in Software Design and Political Science, she’s setting her sights on a future grounded in purpose.

“I would love to work in local politics,” Shelby says. “You get to see real change, and you’re part of the community you’re helping. That’s what I love—talking with people, helping people.”

She’s equally passionate about empowering small businesses, especially in towns like Quincy. “I’ve always loved supporting local businesses,” she says. “Helping them grow through social media and marketing can make such a difference. It opens up possibilities beyond the community and brings more visibility to the great work already happening here.”

Whether it’s running for office one day, consulting with local entrepreneurs, or mentoring the next generation, Shelby’s vision is rooted in connection, service, and growth. “There are so many businesses and people in Quincy with potential,” she says. “They just need someone to help bring it out—and I’d love to be that person.”

Her passion for Quincy runs deep. “You can’t really explain it,” she says with a smile. “you just feel it—you love it here. And you know what you’re coming back to. It’s home.”

When asked what advice she’d give to students today, Shelby doesn’t hesitate. “To dream big. It’s okay to come back here and enjoy it, but dream big—do whatever you want. Just because you’re in high school or junior high doesn’t mean you can’t go out and do something nobody’s done before… and connect with people. Don’t be afraid to be the youngest person in the room.”

She remembers how intimidating it felt at first. “There were times I walked into a room to speak about the nonprofit I started, and I was only 13. I wondered if people would take me seriously.” That early challenge helped shape her perspective. “In college, I worked at the Speaking Studio, where I coached people on speeches for class or job interviews. We always say that assumed authority is gained authority. That’s a huge thing that shifted my mindset.”

Her message is clear: trust your voice. “Be confident in who you are. Go and do something that’s going to change the community. Nobody’s going to shut you down. There’s going to be something that supports you—because that’s what Quincy is.”

For Shelby, coming home to Quincy means more than just returning to a familiar place—it means reconnecting with a community that’s always been part of her story.

“Very cool. That’s what I love about Quincy—you get to come home and you have all these connections,” she says.

Nowhere is that feeling stronger than at a Blue Devil basketball game. “Yes, the connections,” she adds. “I love basketball games—it’s like a family reunion, like a family-friend reunion. You just go and see everybody.”

Shortly after moving back, Shelby brought her boyfriend—an avid sports fan—to a game. “I told him, ‘You have to see the entrance for Blue Devil basketball. You just have to see the entrance,’” she recalls. “Afterward he said, ‘That is the best high school game I’ve ever seen in my whole life.’ I was like, I know—it’s life-changing. He looked at me and said, ‘I love Quincy.’ I was like, me too. It’s great here.”

“Incredible—that opening. The Phantom,” Shelby chimes in with a grin. “It’s crazy. So many times in college, people would talk about their high school, and I’d think, ‘You have no idea.’ I’d pull up the video and say, ‘This was me every Friday night. This is what I got to witness.’”

In Quincy, moments like that aren’t just memories—they’re part of the legacy that keeps calling people home.

Shelby Rose is just getting started. If her journey so far is any indication, she won’t just impact Quincy—she’ll help it rise, connect, and dream boldly forward.

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To learn more about Shelby’s nonprofit work through Fostering Hope, visit Fostering Hope – Quincy, IL on Facebook or Instagram. To explore her entrepreneurial venture, follow The Be Bold Co. on social Facebook or Instagram for custom accessories, upcoming events, and ways to shop bold.