LAS VEGAS – Miss Indiana Katie Stam was crowned Miss America 2009 in Las Vegas on Saturday night, fighting off a throat infection, laryngitis and 51 other contestants to win the 88-year-old pageant’s title.
The 22-year-old University of Indianapolis student became the first Miss America winner from the Hoosier State. She drew loud applause for her rendition of “Via Dolorosa” during the talent portion of the beauty pageant at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.
Stam said she had trouble sleeping one night during the week while she took prescription medicine to fight the infection, but had her voice back by Thursday.
“I was feeling like myself again – I will never take my health for granted,” Stam said.
The Seymour native strutted onstage in a black bikini and an off-the-shoulder, white lace evening gown. During the interview portion of the competition she decried the use of performance-enhancing drugs among professional athletes and discussed the definition of glamour.
“That beauty that you feel on the inside, it’s that confidence, that radiance inside of you, that’s what glamour is,” Stam said.
Stam, who won a $50,000 scholarship, hopes to obtain a bachelor’s degree in communications with a goal of becoming a television news anchor. She began competing in pageants at 15.
Stam was crowned by reigning Miss America Kirsten Haglund of Michigan and will soon embark on a year of travel and public appearances.
Miss Ind. wins national crown
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