has no official ties to the Miss America Organization, is sponsored by the Hoopeston Jaycees and is held on Labor Day weekend in conjunction with the town's annual Sweetcorn Festival. Most contestants were the first runners-up in their state pageants, but second and other runners-up are invited if the first runner-up chooses not to attend. The winner of the title receives a $1,200 scholarship and a pendant shaped like an ear of corn. Winning this title does not guarantee that a contestant will win a Miss America state title, but since 1980, five Miss National Sweetheart winners have gone on to win both their state and the Miss America title. Since 1970 there have been nine Miss America titleholders who have competed in the National Sweetheart pageant. In 2016, the Miss America organization officially disassociated itself with the Miss National Sweetheart Organization. Pursuant to their decision, Miss America state pageant contestants are prohibited from competing for Miss National Sweetheart. Notable people Mary Hartwell Catherwood, American author, longtime resident Frankie Gustine, infielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Browns Thad Matta, Ohio State University head men's basketball coach Tom Merritt, Illinois state senator and businessman References External links City of Hoopeston Hoopeston school district Cities in Illinois Cities in Vermilion County, Illinois Populated places established in 1871 1871 establishments in Illinois