Photo: Kiengcan
METROPOLIS, IL — The “Home of Superman” is currently celebrating a hero of a different kind. Metropolis native Yolina Lindquist has returned to Massac County following her historic victory as the newly crowned Miss Cosmo International 2025.
Yolina’s journey from Massac County High School to the international stage in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, has captivated the local community. On December 20, 2025, she made history as the very first American to win the Miss Cosmo title, surpassing contestants from over 70 countries.
A Record of Leadership
While many know her from the pageant circuit—where she previously served as Miss Metropolis Outstanding Teen and was the first runner-up at Miss Illinois USA 2025—Yolina’s impact goes far beyond the crown.
Her advocacy platform, “Courage Over Cancer,” is a deeply personal mission inspired by her family’s own battles with the disease. Through this initiative, she has raised over $20,000 for cancer research and continues to focus on patient outreach and fundraising as a central part of her international reign.
Excellence in the Classroom
Yolina’s dedication to her roots is matched only by her academic drive. A Summa Cum Laude graduate of Southern Illinois University (SIU) Carbondale, she accomplished the rare feat of earning four Bachelor’s degrees simultaneously in:
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Marketing
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International & Financial Economics
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German
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International Trade
During her time as a Saluki, Yolina didn’t just study; she led. She served as the president of six student organizations and was named the 2025 Outstanding Senior in Economics.
Hometown Celebration
The community officially welcomed Yolina back this past Sunday with a homecoming event at The Space on Market Street. The celebration included a tour of local landmarks, from the Hope Lighthouse to the Superman Statue, proving that no matter how far her travels take her, Yolina remains a proud daughter of Metropolis.
As she begins her year of service as Miss Cosmo International 2025, Yolina Lindquist continues to prove that with Massac County determination, the sky is truly the limit.
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