Thomas crowned Miss Indiana

Junior Terrin Thomas, a journalism major from Auburn, Ind., was crowned the 74th Miss Indiana 2013 Saturday at the Zionsville Performing Arts Center.

Thomas was crowned by Miss Indiana 2012, 23-year-old MerrieBeth Cox, a senior at Purdue University.

Thomas, 20, competed for the title Miss Indiana with 32 young women from all over Indiana between the ages of 17 and 24.

During the nights of competition last week, the girls competed in talent, lifestyle and fitness in swimwear, evening wear and onstage questioning.

Each of the girls also had a 10-minute private interview with judges. The top 11 finalists were named at the beginning of Saturday’s competition.

The next phase of the competition will take Thomas to Atlantic City, N.J. on Sept. 15, where she will compete for the title of Miss America.

Cox placed in the top 12 at Miss America 2012 in Las Vegas, which was held in January 2012.

"She’s such a talented person,” Christine Pham, with the Miss Indiana University Organization, said.

Pham said she and others in the organization are looking forward to watching her compete in the September Miss America competition.

­—Makenzie Holland