One Busy…But GREAT Day!
July 3rd, 2008Hello all! Well, July 2nd marked the second and third appearances for me as Miss Indiana 2008. The day started bright and early at
Indianapolis Zoo - A Great Place to Be!
June 30th, 2008Hello all! Well, I had the great honor of having my first appearance as Miss Indiana, and what a memorable one it will be! As part of Elephant Awareness Week, I spent the day at the Indianapolis Zoo.
First, I got to wash an elephant. Her name is Tombi and she weighs 7,000 pounds! After her trainer rinsed her off with the hose, I came in with my scrub brush to get all of the hard-to-reach spots! Oh yeah, did I mention I wore white? I didn’t let that get in the way though. Tombi would hold her ears out so I could scrub behind them, and even lift up each of her feet so that I could give them a good cleaning. We shared a BIG high-five!
Next, I took off for the dolphin show! This was absolutely amazing! I grabbed some tall, rubber boots (with the crown and sash) and headed out into the crowd. I introduced the show, played a game with the audience (we came in second!), learned a lot of the calls the trainers use to get the dolphins to do tricks, and finished off the dolphin show by splashing a few audience members! It was GREAT!
The final stop was at the elephant show where I rode a 9,500 pound elephant named Sophie into an arena full of admiring children and parents. This was my first elephant-riding experience, and I must say that it was incredible! After a quick game of “Elephant Says” (like ”Simon Says”) I got to choose 10 kids out of the audience to play a fun round of tug-of-war with Sophie. She won, but we put up a great fight!
To top off the day, I was named an honorary conservation officer to help teach kids and adults how to be more environmentally-friendly by recycling and using energy-efficient lightbulbs!
I want to say a very big ”Thank You” to the people at the Indianapolis Zoo. They were so supportive of the Miss Indiana Scholarship Pageant. They were great hosts and I look forward to working with them again in the near future. They made the day perfect!
I have several appearances coming up this week with the Habitat for Humanity Golf Outing on the 2nd, the Carmel Fest Parade and Lions Club event on the 4th, and Michigan City Parade on the 6th. I’ll be sure to keep you up-to-date!
I hope to post some photos on my blog soon, so keep checking! There have been so many great memories already made and so many laughs. I can’t wait to share them all with you!
xoxo-Katie
WOW! This is Amazing!
June 27th, 2008Can I just say how blessed I feel to be Miss Indiana?!?! I cannot believe that I was the one chosen to represent this great state. Since Saturday, I have been busy busy getting pictures taken for autograph pads, contestant headshots, meetings, schedules, and getting my “normal” life back in order! It has been so much fun and makes me so excited about the rest of the year!
I wanted to take a moment to thank all of the amazing contestants! All of you made Miss Indiana week so special. Each and every one brought a different element to this competition that made it such a unique and great experience! I cannot wait to travel throughout the state, coming to each of your locals and spend some more time with each of you! I love you all so much!
I also wanted to let everyone know that I have my first appearance as Miss Indiana 2008 (Wow, does it feel good to say that)! It will be this Saturday, June 28th at the Indianapolis Zoo. If you don’t have plans, come out to the Zoo for a great time. I will be taking part in the Elephant bath, dolphin show and elephant show between 11:30 and 4:00. If you don’t get out there, I will be sure to tell you all about it and hopefully post some photos on the website as well!
Thank you all so much for all of your support! I have received so many emails, facebook messages, texts and voicemails (I think it’s up to about 350) with special words of Congratulations! You have made me feel so special. I promise that I will do everything I can to represent this state to the best of my ability!
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” 2 Corinthians 13:14
xoxo-Katie
Congratulations Katie Stam - Miss Indiana 2008!
June 27th, 2008Katie bested an outstanding field of 29 young ladies from across Indiana that were vying for the title of Miss Indiana this year with her preliminary interview award, operetta talent song “Art is Calling for Me” by Victor Herbert, and amazing swimsuit, evening gown, and on-stage question presentations.
Stay tuned for blog entries by our new Miss Indiana, and check out pictures posted on the website now!
Stay in Touch with Miss Indiana 2007 - Nicole Rash!
June 27th, 2008Hello everyone, for the final time on the Miss Indiana blog,
I just wanted to give you an update on my future plans and how you can keep in touch with me as I plan to stay very much involved with the Miss Indiana program helping it grow, flourish, and prosper!
So, I am happy to officially announce that I will be moving to the Los Angeles area on July 8th for a job opportunity with the clothing company American Apparel! This job actually came to me thanks to my appearance on the Miss America Pageant stage where someone in the company saw that I had designed my evening gown. (See, this program opens so many doors to new opportunities!) They then contacted a former titleholder who competed at Miss America in 2004, who contacted the Miss Indiana from that year (Sarah Wiley Goude), and she contacted me! It looks like the sisterhood that is formed through Miss America only strengthens with time! So, I took a trip out to L.A., toured the vertically integrated facility (which means that everything from the design and the cutting of the fabric, to the stitching and packaging to be sent out all happens in the same building!), and decided it would be the perfect place to gain some industry experience.
I then started looking for a place that I could continue my education in fashion design, so I applied and was accepted at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising! (www.fidm.com) I am so excited to start learning even more about my passion for fashion in the same halls as the co-founders of Juicy Couture, wedding and red carpet designer Monique Lhuillier, “Miss America: Reality Check” guest, designer Randolph Duke, finalists on ‘Project Runway,’ and many more prestigious designers once were. Plus, it will allow me more time to spend with my wonderful boyfriend, Phil Giebler, as we will be closer and will be able to let our relationship grow. 
So, THANK YOU to everyone who has helped me along my journey. I truly couldn’t have done it without your love, support, encouragement, cards, letters, kind words, and hugs. I can only hope that this program will continue to grow and change the lives of more young women like it did mine. Also, please keep in touch and see what I’m up to on my Myspace page! I will be writing in my blog there from now on, so stop by, see what I’m up to, and say hello!
www.myspace.com/missindiana2007
Thank again and God Bless,
Nicole Elizabeth Rash
Miss Indiana 2007
1st Runner-up to Miss America 2008
A Great Year Coming to a Close with a Great Pageant Week : Saturday – Miss Finals!
June 25th, 2008By Saturday morning, we were all mentally and physically exhausted, lacking sleep, and a bit emotional as the brunch proved at 8am that morning. It started with a lovely breakfast, with eggs, biscuits and gravy, bacon, muffins, and more, and it ended with even lovelier words. After a brief introduction and welcome from Mrs. Wiley and Frank Ricketts, each contestant was called up to the microphone, in alphabetical order, to say a few words about their week. But, what started as some funny stories and goofy times that occurred throughout the week turned into really moving statements, memories and friendships that will last a lifetime, and even confessions of wrong impressions made. By this time, I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room, at least not of the contestants or even Mrs. Wiley and some of the Indiana board members, as many people were really moved by how this program has truly touched the lives of each of these young women in so many ways. Attitudes have changed, maturity and confidence has developed, and dreams have been realized. We all witnessed this first-hand on this morning, if we hadn’t before, and knew how valuable this program really is.
When it was my turn to speak, I had already cried several times. I was actually very shocked with myself anyway because I’m not usually very outwardly emotional – for some reason I had always learned to hide my feelings when I wanted to (I think I got it from my dad). However, there was no holding back this morning, even though I thought I had already cried all my tears the night before when I saw Morgan give her title away. So, I just said what came into my mind and most importantly into my heart thanking those that had been so kind to me and made me feel so special, talking about some of the amazing experiences that I had as Miss Indiana, but also talking about how refreshing it was to see such camaraderie and support amongst the contestants that year. In my 3 years of being at the Miss Indiana pageant, I had never been so impressed with the caliber of character, integrity, and respect that these girls had. So, I implored for them to continue that attitude, even after final night, and told them a few things I thought was important to mention:
When I first came into the Miss Indiana program I was shy and didn’t really know how to take some of the girls or how to act around them. I hadn’t competed in many pageants before, especially not at that level, and being the new girl on the block I didn’t know what I was really getting myself in to. Then, the second year I was coming back as the previous 1st runner-up, and I felt the pressure. I also felt like everyone was threatened by this ‘status’ that I had achieved the previous year and that people had already formed their opinions about me before I even walked through the door (including the new contestants because of what formers had been saying). I didn’t feel ‘better’ than anyone walking in, and knew that it was a clean slate that year so, I stayed focused, dealing with the pressure the best way I knew, and when everyone else was talking in the halls at the hotel or watching the talent rehearsals in the auditorium at the PAC… I was in my room or backstage studying my interview notes and preparing for the competition. However, never once did I say something negative about anyone, never once was I outwardly mean or unsportsmanlike to anyone, and when it was time to go to our appearances I put everything I had into making sure that the sponsors and supporters felt special, appreciated, and like they got to know me. Somehow, though, these things made me worthy of only about 5 people congratulating me with a hug on the stage after I was named Miss Indiana 2008, and I still did not judge anyone. It’s not who I am, and it’s not what I feel anyone deserves.
So, I urged the contestants, parents, and other supporters at this brunch to stand behind the winner this year and support her in any way that they can. Because, even if your favorite contestant doesn’t win… the winner is not taking anything away from them, she is giving them the opportunity to better themselves, grow, and become stronger and better people. That’s why I still feel that Betsy gave me the greatest gift when she won Miss Indiana 2006 because that was her year, it was her time to shine, and she was the most qualified and prepared at the time – I was not. Through it all though, I found that once people got to know me throughout my year as Miss Indiana, their opinions about me began to change. And, after my performance at Miss America, they began to see why I did what I did backstage at Miss Indiana. I was simply trying to represent myself, my family, and my state to the best of my ability.
So, I admitted that I felt alienated in the beginning, but thanked those that started to see me for who I really was, gave me a chance, and accepted and befriended me this past year. I reminded them that I too have tear ducts, I have feelings, a heart to break, and a spirit to break just like everyone else and advised them to always give people the benefit of the doubt because you never know what someone has going on in their life or what they’ve been through.
Once the tears were over though and the “thank you’s” were through, it was time to dry our cheeks, freshen our faces, and get ready for the parade! I was so excited to ride in the parade with my princess again, and this year I would be at the beginning singing the National Anthem so it was even more special. I wore, what had become my signature color, purple, my princess wore pink, and we had pink and purple parasols to match to keep the sun out of our eyes. So, we went to the elementary school where we all line up and got in our, get this… Bentley!! I couldn’t believe it! I had never ridden in one before, and to be honest I was completely satisfied with the orange Corvette that I rode in last year, but if they insisted! 
The parade was a lot of fun as we went down Brickstreet directly behind the fire trucks and the Miss Indiana board that were wearing matching t-shirts and holding a sign that said “Miss Indiana Board Does Work!” It was cute, and Aren was even taking pictures of the parade watchers as they took pictures of us too. Then, when we got to the center of town, they stopped our cars so I could sing the National Anthem. It would be the last time I would sing “The Star Spangled Banner” as Miss Indiana, but I think the crying was finally over and I got through it fine. The rest of the parade was pleasant, my family was set up outside Brown’s on Main where I would be signing autographs afterwards, and the judges were at the end with signs that had “10”s on them. It was fun.
Afterwards I was driven back to Brown’s on Main in the Bentley where I would be joined by the new Outstanding Teen, Megan, to sign autographs. My family was one of the first in line to get one, of course, but others came along and got their pictures and signatures. One very kind young man was even going around giving girls single pink roses. It was really sweet. Then, it was time for lunch so we walked down to the Cobblestone Grill where we had some delicious pasta, chicken salad, and fruit.
After lunch we had a chance to go back to the hotel to possibly get a little rest and prepare for the final night of competition. It wasn’t until just then that I really found the inspiration for the right words I wanted to say for my farewell, so instead of a much needed nap, I finished my farewell instead. The time for the final night to begin came quickly anyway, and soon enough we were headed to the Performing Arts Center for the show. We got there a little early even and were able to watch the final video for the Miss Indiana: Reality Check before anyone else! It was so cool, and we were all so excited and even more pumped for the night to begin.
Before the show started, and as I got ready in my dressing room, several people dropped in to wish me well for the show and give me little ‘former’ gifts since I would join the alumni after that night. It was really sweet of them to think of me at a time where things seem very nostalgic and definitely bitter-sweet - because, though I had a fantastic year full of many amazing experiences, it was still hard to face the reality that I would no longer be the current Miss Indiana after that night. So, to everyone that stopped by that night and gave me a gift, card, or even a hug and a kind word, Thank You. Once it was time for the show to begin, everything seemed to go by rather quickly, as I’m sure the contestants felt it did as well. I passed out other preliminary awards, watched in excitement as the top 10 were announced, gave some other non-finalist awards, and performed my national talent, “Bandido,” one last time in my Jonathan Kayne designed talent gown. Then, it was time for the princess numbers, and I just loved seeing all the little white dresses with the jars of twinkle lights between them. It was also special to share the stage with Morgan one last time, because even though she had already given up her title, she was still my teen. Finally, after all the competition was done, including some pretty random on-stage questions, it was time for my farewell.
I had done well for most of the evening, and thought that my tears had finally subsided. But, just in case, I took a funny card that Aren Howell had given me (it had a picture of a dog with a huge, goofy smile), just in case I needed something to keep me from crying. So, I started with my thank you’s with my parents, grandparents, and family first, and went on through those that I felt helped me the most this past year. Of course I had many people that have influenced and assisted in helping make this year unforgettable, but I didn’t want to make everyone wait to long for the results they came there for. Therefore, I decided to make it short and sweet and end it the best way I knew how, with a song. Not only were the words of the song I chose relevant to my farewell, but I learned the song because of an appearance that I did with the Indiana Society of Chicago where I met composer Marvin Hamlisch and thought this would be a perfect time to sing it. So, as my slideshow of pictures from my year ran by, I sang “The Way We Were” composed by Marvin for Barbara Streisand.
Surprisingly to me, and to many other people, I got through my farewell without getting too emotional and was able to sing with no problems. After the song, however, as I was standing there listening to the instrumental, watching the pictures go by, and seeing the faces of everyone I had met that year… it all became overwhelming and so I took my moment backstage as the audience finished the slideshow. I was still pretty teary eyed as I took my final walk on the runway, especially as I kissed the cheeks of Morgan, Frank, and my family as they handed me flowers, but it was a great moment that I will never forget.
Then, it was time for the moment we had all been waiting for – the crowning of Miss Indiana 2008! So, we started with some other awards, called down the top 10, and started with the 4th runner-up. It was super suspenseful as this was one of the most competitive years ever, and I don’t think anyone was certain of what would happen, but the 4 runners-up were called:
4th runner –up: Ashley Casterline, Miss Three Rivers
3rd runner-up: Katie Hrynewycz, Miss Heart of Indiana
Second runner-up: Claire Buffie , Miss Central Indiana
And First runner-up: Nicole Pollard (whom I was told was deathly allergic to flowers, so I chose not to just run up with a dozen of them, asked if she could take them, and then gave her the bouquet from Nana’s Florist)
6 young ladies still stood there, waiting for their name to be called and then “The new Miss Indiana 2008 is….” Congratulations Katie Stam!!
She was so shocked, and so excited, and was screaming and partially crying as I got her all of her crowning moment items: a scepter donated by Frank Ricketts, flowers by Nana’s Florist, her official Miss Indiana 2008 sash, and of course – the official Miss America Organization state crown. (Luckily I had already taken out the one strip of white elastic and replaced it with a square of clear, stretchy jewelry elastic, so the pinning of the crown was relatively quick and painless) Then, she took her first walk on the runway and was greeted back in the middle of the stage by a rush of contestants hugging and congratulating her. It was a great moment and I couldn’t have been happier for her because I know she is going to have a fantastic year.
After the many pictures on the stage, it was time to pack up our things and move out of the dressing rooms. So, we finished that first before heading down to the cafeteria for the “winner’s reception.” I had my dad escort me into the room, right after Morgan and before the top 10, so that we could help pass out the Elks scholarships and trophies for the finalists. It was kind of confusing as pictures had to be taken, hands had to be shook, and awards had to be given, but we got through it and then it was time to relax, visit, and eat some snacks. I was so tired at this point that I couldn’t stay in my heels a moment longer, but I got some great pictures with some of the contestants in my national evening gown that I designed. It was a fun night to close a great week and an amazing year.
That night I went to Katie’s room and made sure to pass on the Miss Indiana traditions for the first night, I congratulated her officially again, and I gave her a few parting gifts that I thought would help her as she started her journey as a state titleholder: a business card holder, a jewelry organizer, a photo album, and a binder with examples of appearance sheets, speeches, and schedules among other things. I didn’t want to overwhelm her, but I wanted her to know that I would be there for her whenever she had a question, needed information, or just to have someone to talk to that knows what it’s like to be in her shoes. I can’t wait to see the amazing things she is going to do this year and wish her, and everyone, the best in all of their endeavors.
Either way, “this is not goodbye, we shall only say ‘see you later.’”
A Great Year Coming to a Close with a Great Pageant Week : Friday
June 24th, 2008Friday, June 20th
Since the Miss contestants didn’t have any competition on this day, it was a little more relaxing for everyone. But, we still had to get up early to go rehearse with the princesses at the PAC. There were two production numbers with the princesses this year, one that would be just for me to sing to the princesses and have a special moment for them on stage, and the other was for them to dance a little and to introduce their contestants on Teen finals night and the princesses on both Teen and Miss final nights. After some cute time on stage getting to know each other and rehearsing, it was time for the princess luncheon!
The princess luncheon is always really fun and special because it’s a time for the princesses and contestants to get to know each other, eat a nice lunch, and give each other special things to remind them of their time at Miss Indiana. So, along with a tiara, Vera Bradley lunch pale, “Future Miss Indiana” t-shirt, a cool pen, and a light up wand, each contestant gave their princess something special from them. I gave my princess Olivia, who is also my cousin and my princess last year, a picture frame that said “princess” and had the picture of her and I taken at Miss America, a foam purse in the shape of a crown decorated with stickers and jewels, and a wood decoration for her room that said “princess” in pink and white with sparkles. Little girls just love being princesses anyway, and this is a small way for them to get to really feel like one for a few days. You can just tell how special it is to each of them, and it’s something I’m sure they will all remember for the rest of their lives.
So, the rest of the princess luncheon went along great. The food was good, the princesses enjoyed each of their contestants, I got to say a few words of welcome to each of them, and the princesses even got to decorate a bookmark with princess stickers if they finished their lunch early. Then, we went outside for a group picture with everyone, and even though it was really bright and there were many funny faces and squinted eyes – the pictures were still adorable.
After the princess luncheon everyone, including the princesses and their families, were invited to join the contestants at Lion’s Park for the annual Relay for Life event. Only the teen contestants were able to go last year, because the Miss contestants had a full schedule, but this year everyone was able to go and support this great event. The princesses helped decorate bags for people to use as luminaries to remember those lost or celebrate those winning the fight against cancer, as some of the other contestants walked around the track and met with the people there. I had to get some cotton candy, of course, and walked around signing autographs for the children at the park. It was a fun event.
Then, thinking that the day’s events were over, I went back to the hotel to work on some things that I had yet to get done for the final night of competition. I had to edit some music and also finish my slideshow and farewell speech, because where I struggled to find the exact things I wanted to do or say for my farewell as I was preparing for pageant week, my experiences throughout the week helped inspire me and the idea for my farewell came together. So, according to the schedule that I saw later I missed the Ritter’s Frozen Custard event, which I wasn’t informed we were still having since the former location has been closed, but I hope that the ladies enjoyed the wonderful frozen custard there.
Soon enough, we were all back at the hotel getting ready for the dinner that evening and the Teen finals. Morgan and Trina, being the sweethearts that they are, came by my room before they left and gave me the cutest picture from that had an Eiffel Tower, said “Memories” and had two pictures of Morgan and I from the year. It was so sweet and I felt so proud to be a part of Morgan’s life and share our year of service together.
Next, we went to the wonderful buffet dinner at the Stone Creek Dining Company in Zionsville. It was a buffet style meal where friends and family were invited to purchase a ticket and dine with us as well. So, my mom, dad, grandma, and grandpa came along and ate dinner with me and the rest of the pageant family. The meal was another great one with chicken, beef medallions, grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, and some delicious desserts that included tiramisu! I left a little early, since I would be performing that evening, and I wanted to stop by and get Morgan some flowers. Then, I went backstage and got ready for the show, but I wanted to at least see the fun opening number from the audience, so I went out and sat with Barb Helm and Terry Iden and took pictures as the girls danced to “You Can’t Stop the Beat.” It was a really fun number, choreographed by the amazing Morgan herself, and I was glad I got to see it before I went backstage.
As the competition got underway I was changing and preparing for my performances that evening. The first was a fun number, that I thought would be appropriate for the teens, so I put on my multi-colored, one shouldered, Cache dress and sang “Man, I feel like a Woman” by Shania Twain. The song has always been one of my favorites, and I felt it was something still young enough for teens and everyone seemed to know it as they sang along from the audience. Then, it was time for the first princess number - so I changed into my state gown from last year, and came onto the stage with over 30 little princesses, all in white dresses, and with several jars of twinkling lights for “Fireflys.” It was a special moment for me to sing to the princesses, and there was a musical break in the middle that was perfect to showcase Morgan, and her dancing, again.
After intermission, my final part of the Teen show was realized when we showcased the princesses and introduced them along with all of the Miss contestants. The princesses had a blast dancing and singing to the song “Someday I’ll be Miss America,” and loved walking the runway on the stage. Then, as soon as we finished the number I quickly changed so I could sit in the audience again for Morgan’s farewell and the crowning of the new Miss IN’s Outstanding Teen. Little did I know that I would be so moved by the things that Morgan had to say, not only about me and our time together, but about her year in general. I had never been so proud, and I had definitely never cried so much! Her video was fantastic, her message inspiring, and on her final walk I couldn’t help by cry and kiss her cheek as I handed her flowers on her way by.
But, the time had come to crown the new Outstanding Teen, so we dried our eyes and focused on the task at hand. The runners-up were called; Fourth runner-up - Rebecca Kain, Miss 101 Lakes’s Outstanding Teen, Third runner-up - Danielle Holland, Miss White River Valley’s Outstanding Teen, Second runner-up - Lydia Daley, Miss Duneland’s Outstanding Teen, and First runner-up - Meredith Kimmel, Miss Harvest Homecoming’s Outstanding Teen. “And the winner is…”
Congratulations to Megan Thwaites! She bested a field of 16 fantastic Teen contestants with her interview skills, outstanding physical fitness, an entertaining “Pink Panther” dance routine, and her beautiful red and white evening gown. She will compete in America’s Outstanding Teen in Orlando in just a few short weeks, so send her well wishes, and stay tuned to see how she does!
Good Luck Megan!
(Just one more day!)
A Great Year Coming to a Close with a Great Pageant Week : Thursday
June 24th, 2008Thursday, June 19th
The Beta group got to sleep in a little this morning as the Alpha group left for the PAC at 8a.m. for their talent rehearsals. The Betas already got their talent rehearsals in the morning before, while the Alphas were in interview, but after the Alphas got back it was lunch time at the hotel with sandwiches from subway. Then, we got on the busses to head to a new sponsor, boutique “The Secret Ingredient,” where we got complimentary bags, t-shirts, and a gift certificate to shop at the store.
Then, it was on to Riley Children’s Hospital, typically the most impactful event of pageant week. It was really special this year too with the addition of a party on top of the tour we took last year. So, while one group went on the tour of the hospital, the other stayed in the atrium for the “prince and princess party!” There were many activities for the contestants to help the children with so that they could be fit for the stage as royalty. There were prince and princess crowns and sashes that you could decorate with markers, jewels, and sparkles, there were temporary tattoos with Disney princesses, Spiderman, Spongebob, or even Dora the Explorer, there was a station where you could make your own wand or scepter, a make your own shield table, a bean bag toss where you could win royal finger puppets, and I was at the station where you color characters to attach to a castle that you can hang up in your room! The kids were having a blast and loved seeing us in our crowns and getting their own ‘just like it.’ I even had the opportunity to help some Hispanic families by speaking with them in Spanish explaining the activities and helping their children pick out colors to use. It really helped me appreciate everything that I’ve worked on and done with my platform once more as Miss Indiana. For me, it was the most memorable and special experience of the week.
We then went back to the hotel for a little while to relax before it was time to get ready for the second night of prelims. So, we had our McSalads and then headed to the PAC for night two of competition. The energy was high again with the second ‘reality check’ video showing the “Are You Smarter…” segment, and the opening was even more exciting than the night before. Then the competition got underway starting with the talents, and then I sang “If I ain’t got you” by Alicia Keys for my feature spot. It was the first time I sang with a mic stand, using both my arms and hands, and just stood there in my white, beaded, Cache dress, and I really enjoyed getting that opportunity to show another side of me. Then, the competition went on with swimsuit, on-stage question, and evening gown, but not without another feature spot from Morgan. She danced to “Villa Dolorosa” in a white flowing dance dress and looked like she could have been Heather Whitestone’s twin. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the theatre – she is truly amazing. When the competition was over, it was time for the second round of preliminary awards.
Ashley Casterline took the Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimsuit award for the second night of prelims, and the talent award went to Nicole Pollard for her moving vocal performance. They were both very excited, more pictures were taken, and then it was back to the hallway for some brief family time.
After getting back to the hotel, many of the girls were starving, so they convinced Stacy Behrens, the princess coordinator, to take them in the bus to Steak and Shake down the road. So, they all piled in and went to steak and shake for some late night shakes, burgers, and fries. I was also very hungry and had planned on going to eat somewhere with my mom and grandma, but decided that a shake sounded good so I stopped in to see what the girls were up to. Well, it seemed I had missed some of the fun because apparently when they all first walked in, someone (they assumed it was one of them) dropped an undergarment out of their things and onto the floor! They picked the item up with a napkin when no one claimed it though, and threw it away in the trash and we never found out who it belonged to. Then, after I left they apparently told some high school boys, that had been eyeing the girls the entire time, that they thought they were good looking and made the boys’ night I’m sure. See, there is more fun to be had at Miss Indiana week!
(Just a couple more days…)
A Great Year Coming to a Close with a Great Pageant Week : Wednesday
June 24th, 2008Wednesday, June 18th
I got up really early this morning, because the night before I was asked to be contestant #0 that would go first in interview. This was just to give the judges a chance to practice and get in the flow of the interview before having the first contestant come in. So, I got up, got ready, put on my national interview suit, and went into the interview. I gave them a brief introduction of myself with some information that would replace a bio, and then we were off. The interview went well, and the judges seemed relaxed, intelligent, and were excellent choices for the choosing of the new Miss Indiana.
Then, I went up to my hotel room, which I donated for the day as the ‘pre-interview room’ and escorted the contestants down to Terry Iden who would introduce them to the judges. After the interview, Morgan Jackson picked up the contestants and their interview tapes and took them to Aren Howell’s room for the ‘post-interview room.’ I was able to do this for the entire first group, but then it was time for my appointment for the wonderful massages given by Joe Gossett. I didn’t sign up in time to get one the year before, so I wanted to make sure I did this year, and it was amazing. I felt like I could have slept for days I was so relaxed. But, I actually had to make a run to our wonderful sponsor Cache at the Fashion Mall at Keystone at the Crossing to get a new opening number dress since the one I had worn at the dress rehearsal wasn’t quite enough to match the amazing colors of the contestants. Luckily, like always, Cache had the perfect dress which had all 3 colors of the opening and I even borrowed a couple more dresses for my features and the princess number. They’re the best! Then, it was back to the hotel to help with the rest of the interviews and get ready for the prelim that evening.
The first prelim night was so much fun. I had never felt so at ease and comfortable with performing on the stage, which I’m sure had a lot to do with the fact that I wasn’t competing, but I also think it had a lot to do with all of my experiences these past 3 years and how this program has helped me grow. It started with the first reality check video of the relay followed by the opening number “Lets Get Loud” where yellow, pink, and teal pieces of fabric dropped from the ceiling as the music came on. Then, all of the ladies introduced themselves before I introduced our wonderful emcee, Brad Brown. We chatted briefly before I went backstage to get ready for the next event, and Brad introduced the judges.
The competition was fierce and everyone did wonderfully. I sang “Killing Me Softly,” but without the dance break of course, in a black and white patterned Cache dress, and Morgan danced a jazz dance feature to “Feelin’ Good” in a super cute black dress with black butterflies draping from it along the bottom. Finally, the competition was over, everyone came out in their evening gowns for the finale, and it was time for the preliminary awards. I came out in my turquoise gown that I designed and wore my first year at Miss Indiana, so it was a little nostalgic, but I didn’t envy the judges because everyone did so well.
Claire Buffie took the first award for the Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimsuit with newcomer, and fellow Ball State student, Katie Hrynewycz taking the talent award for her amazing fiddle routine that included moving about the stage in a sparkling gold outfit and even doing a backbend while playing! Of course everyone was excited for them, we got many pictures on the stage, and then headed out to the hall to visit with our friends, families, and supporters before going back to the hotel.
(there’s still more to come!)
A Great Year Coming to a Close with a Great Pageant Week : Tuesday
June 24th, 2008Tuesday, June 24th
Allowing us to sleep in a little while longer, rehearsal didn’t start until 8a.m. this morning, but knowing that we would be at the PAC all day, many people stayed in their comfy clothes, brought pillows and blankets, and slept in the corners of the theatre while they weren’t needed on stage. This would be one of the best days for meals though, because when lunch time came, it was time for the Black Buggy luncheon – always a favorite among many returning contestants that had experienced it before.
Another amazing event, coordinated by Barb Helm and her husband who have their nursing home staff help out at the event each year as well. The decorations were beautiful, purple again, with wonderful food including noodles, mashed potatoes, vegetables, beef, chicken, bread and butter, and all of the amazing dessert choices of different pies, cookies, cheesecakes, and fresh fruit. Then, we took a fun picture of us all pretending to eat the food out of the buffet line and went back for more rehearsals.
It was so fun to sit out in the audience with Morgan and some of the other contestants and watch the talent rehearsals. I was completely amazed by each young lady and how much they had grown since their locals. There was so much talent on that stage, and I just kept saying to myself, “I could never decide who will be the next Miss Indiana. They’re all so amazing.” Soon enough, it was time for another great meal, catered to the PAC from Abuelo’s Restaurant. This time it was Tex-Mex food with fajitas, all the fillings, and chips and salsa. It was delicious, as always, and we went back to the theatre for the dress rehearsal feeling good.
Dress rehearsal went smoothly and everyone looked great. Of course we took lots of pictures, and were so excited for the high energy opening number to start the show. We went through both nights of preliminary competition, with no problems, and were ready to go back to the hotel for some much needed rest as the competition started early the next morning with the interviews.
(more on the rest of the week soon!)