HERE SHE COMES…MISS AMERICA

In January, Miss Indiana Katie Stam was crowned Miss America 2009. She competed against 51 other contestants to win the 88-year-old pageant.

Last year, the Miss America Organization and its state and local organizations made available more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance. Along with the title of Miss America 2009, Katie won a $50,000 scholarship to continue her education.

Prior to becoming Miss America, Katie was a student at the University of Indianapolis. Her goal is to pursue a degree in communication and ultimately become a television news anchor. She says the experience that she has gained while serving as Miss America will be invaluable.

Over the next year, Katie will travel approximately 20,000 miles each month (changing her location every 18 – 36 hours) and speak to audiences about her Platform of Service; Promoting Community Service and Involvement and acting as the official National Goodwill Ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children’s hospitals. “Working with this organization has taught me to be more positive,” says Katie.

MISS AMERICA PAGEANT

In a new twist, viewers of a lead-in reality show, Miss America: Countdown to the Crown voted in four of the 15 finalists, while the judges announced the other 11 during a live television broadcast. Katie was one of the four finalists chosen by the viewers.

Katie says she is “ecstatic about the new direction for the Miss America pageant.” The pageant needed to be modernized to make it more contemporary. She says the new format is more “relatable” for people.

BENEATH THE CROWN

Katie grew up in Seymour Indiana and began competing in pageants at the age of 15. She says her ultimate dream was to win the title of “Miss America.” To ensure that it was her decision to pursue this goal, Katie’s parents made her take an active role in completing applications for each pageant.

Born and raised Lutheran, Katie recalls, “Going to church was a habit. it is what you are suppose to do.” It wasn’t until college that she got excited about being a Christian. When a friend invited Katie to a church that offered a more contemporary format, Katie was reluctant at first. After a few more visits, Katie joined the church.

Since becoming Miss America, Katie shares that she has grown in many areas of her life. She says the biggest area of her life that has experienced the most growth is spiritual. She gives so much credit to her faith for winning the title of Miss America.