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Miss 2009
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2009 Miss America
Katie Stam
2009 Miss America
Photo by Reuters / Steve Marcus
Jan. 24, 2009
Click here for pictures of the event! It’s been slow and not necessarily painless, but Miss America is moving into the 21st century – one well-practiced, high-heeled step at a time.
Last year, she got a reality show complete with absurd challenges and snarky judges. Then she was given an updated look, courtesy of the makeover specialists at the cable network TLC, her current television home.
For the first time, four contestants will be voted into the pageant finals by viewers of “Miss America: Countdown to the Crown,” the four-part reality series that culminated Friday on TLC. The viewer favorites will be named along with 11 other finalists at the pageant airing live at 8 tonight from the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Final Results
Miss Indiana Katie Stam from Seymour, Indiana was crowned Miss America 2009 at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, fighting off a throat infection, laryngitis and 51 other contestants to win the 88-year-old pageant. The final night of the Miss America Pageant was broadcast from Las Vegas on TLC.
Along with the title of Miss America 2009, Katie won a $50,000 scholarship to continue her education. For the talent portion of the competition, Katie sang “Via Dolorosa."
The Seymour native also 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.
The first runner-up was Miss Georgia Chasity Hardman, who earned a $25,000 scholarship. Her talent performance was the song, “Home” for the musical, The Wiz and her personal platform is Boys and Girls Club of America: DREAMing Through Music.
Second runner-up honors and a $20,000 scholarship were awarded to Miss Iowa Olivia Myers. Her talent was a tap dance to “Fever”, and her personal platform is Teaching Tolerance: Fostering a Just and Caring Culture from the Classroom Out.”
Third runner up and a $15,000 scholarship were awarded to Miss New York Leigh-Taylor Smith. Her talent was a vocal and her platform was Voices For Change: Empowerment Through Service.
Fourth runner up and a $10,000 scholarship were awarded to Miss Florida Sierra Minott. She performed a Broadway Theatre dance and her platform is Inspiring Youth to Believe and Achieve.
Rounding out the top seven were Miss Californmia Jackie Geist, classical ballet en point, and Miss Tennessee Ellen Carrington, vocal.
Three other ladies were able to perofrm in the talent segment and they were: Miss Michigan Ashley Barcay, jazz dance; Miss Hawaii Nicole Fox, Tahitian Olea; and Miss District of Columbia Kate Grinold, contemporary ballet.
Making it to the evening gown competition prior to being cut were: Miss Kentucky Emily Cox and Miss Arkansas Ashlen Batson.
The remaining ladies in the top fifteen who also competed in the swimwear competition were: Miss South Dakota Alexandra Hoffman, Miss Alabama Amanda Tapley, and Miss Delaware Galen Giaconne.
Miss Indiana Katie Stam, Miss South Dakota Alexandra Hoffman, Miss Georgia Chasity Hardman, and Miss Alabama Amanda Tapley were the winners of TLC's America's Choice, an online competition where viewers got the opportunity to vote four Miss America contestants into the Top 15. The contestants were announced at the beginning of the 2009 Miss America Pageant broadcast.
Katie's triumphant walk across the stage was just the beginning of a journey that will take her to every corner of the country during her year of service as Miss America 2009. She will travel approximately 20,000 miles each month speaking to audiences about her platform of Passion for Service: Promoting Community Service and Involvement and acting as the official National Goodwill Ambassador for Children's Miracle Network. Children's Miracle Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children's hospitals, is the national platform partner of the Miss America Organization.
Miss Congeniality went to Miss Texas Rebecca Robinson.
Nonfinalist Talent Awards went to
Miss Arizona Erin Nurss - gymnastics dance
Miss Pennsylvania Kendria Perry - piano
Miss South Carolina Anna Perry - piano
Miss Utah Kayla Barclay - piano
Miss Vermont Amanda Wheeler - vocal (also prelim talent winner)
Thursday Prelim
Miss Vermont Ashley Wheeler was named Thursday night's preliminary Talent winner for her Vocal performance of "God Bless America," during the third night of competition of the 2009 Miss America Pageant at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Ashley will receive a $2,000 scholarship.
Also in the spotlight was Miss New York Leigh-Taylor Smith, who was the preliminary Lifestyle and Fitness winner in a black Winnwear bikini. Leigh-Taylor will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Evelyn Ay Sempier Quality of Life Award
Congratulations to Miss Kentucky, Emily Cox, who was announced as the winner of the Evelyn Ay Sempier Miss America Quality of Life Award for her outstanding work with her platform "Uniquely Me: Promoting Self-Esteem in Adolescent Girls." With this award Emily received a $6,000 scholarship.
The 1st runner-up and winner of a $4,000 scholarship was Miss Michigan Ashlee Baracy and the 2nd runner-up and winner of a $2,000 scholarship was Miss Alabama Amanda Tapley.
Though Kentucky has had numerous finalists and runners-up for this award, Emily is the first Miss Kentucky to be named the winner.
Wednesday Prelims
Miss Georgia Chasity Hardman and Miss Mississippi Christine Kozlowski walked away winners in the second night of preliminary competition at the Miss America pageant in Las Vegas.
Hardman, 24, of Columbus, took home a $2,000 scholarship Wednesday night for her performance in the talent contest. Hardman sang "Home" from the musical "The Wiz."
Kozlowski, 19, of D'lberville, won the swimsuit competition with her walk across the stage in a black and white bikini. She won a $1,000 scholarship. Kozlowski is a student at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Tuesday Prelims
Miss Delaware Galen Giaccone was named Tuesday night's preliminary Talent winner for her Piano performance of "El Cubanchero" during the first night of competition of the 2009 Miss America Pageant at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Galen will receive a $2,000 scholarship.
Also in the spotlight was Miss Indiana Katie Stam, who was the preliminary Lifestyle and Fitness winner in a black Winnwear swimsuit. Katie will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Quality of Life Finalists
This year's Quality of Life finalists were announced today at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas during the 2009 Miss America Pageant Arrival Ceremony. The Arrival Ceremony was the first time the Las Vegas community was able to see all the Miss America hopefuls and welcome them to the city. On hand to announce the finalists were Mayor Oscar B. Goodman, Bill Feather, president of Planet Hollywood Management, Inc., Art McMaster, president and CEO of the Miss America Organization and Sam Haskell, III, Chairman of the Board of the Miss America Organization.
The eight finalists and their personal platform issues are: Miss Alabama Amanda Tapley: "Music for a Cure"; Miss Hawaii Nicole Fox: "The Adopt-A-College Program"; Miss Indiana Katie Stam: "Super Saturday of Service"; Miss Kentucky Emily Cox: "Uniquely Me - Promoting Self Esteem in Adolescent Girls"; Miss Michigan Ashlee Baracy: "Breast Cancer Awareness & Education"; Miss North Carolina Amanda Watson: "Making ALS History, One Person at a Time"; Miss Rhode Island Francesca Simone: "F.A.C.T. - Families of Alzheimers Carrying the Torch"; and Miss Virginia Tara Wheeler: "Empowering America's Youth".
This year, the newly renamed “Evelyn Ay Sempier Quality of Life Awards” were funded through the generosity of our Miss Americas. In honor of Miss America 1954 Evelyn Ay Sempier, the Miss America sisters funded three Quality of Life awards with special attention paid to depth of service, creativity of the project and the significant effects upon the lives of others.
The winner of the Quality of Life Award will receive a $6,000 scholarship, the first runner-up will win a $4,000 scholarship, and the second runner-up will win a $2,000 scholarship. Winners will be announced at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on January 22 during the 10:30 a.m. (PST) press conference. More information about Katie Stam
Katie is a student at the University of Indianapolis. Her scholastic ambition is to earn her bachelor's degree in Communication with an emphasis on electronic media and she ultimately hopes to become a television news reporter and anchor.
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| Miss America 2009 Delegates |
Alabama
Amanda Tapley
of Birmingham
Jun. 7, 2008
Samford University - Music and Pre-Med
Classical Piano
Music for a Cure: Research for Pediatric Illnesses
20,
First Try
T 15
Quality of Life 2nd RU
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Alaska
Stephany Jeffers
of Anchorage
Jul. 19, 2008
Whitworth College - BS, Biology / Theatre
Musical Theatre
Yes, I Can: Improv to Improve
23,
Sixth Try
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Arizona
Erin Nurss
of Sierra Vista
Jun. 21, 2008
University of Arizona College of Public Health - Grad Student
Lyrical Dance
Healthy Habits: Promoting Health and Wellness in Youth
23,
Third Try
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Arkansas
Ashlen Batson
of Newark
Jul. 19, 2008
University of Central Arkansas
Flute
Encouraging Youth Involvement in Extra-Curricular Activities
21,
Third Try
SF
Top 12
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California
Jackie Geist
of Vacaville
Jun. 28, 2008
California State University - Sacramento - Junior, Organizational Leadership
Ballet en Pointe
Saving for the Future
22,
Second Try
F
Top 7
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Colorado
Jamie Dukehart- Conti
of Arvada
Jun. 22, 2008
Colorado State University - Graduate
Jazz Dance
Investing in Miracles: Changing Lives with Change
23,
Third Try
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Connecticut
Ashley Glenn
of Hamden
Jun. 28, 2008
Quinnipiac University - PhD Candidate, Physical Therapy
Lyrical Dance
The Lebed Method: Focus on Healing Through Movement and Dance
23,
First Try (MA Jr Miss)
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Delaware
Galen Giaconne
of Wyoming
Jun. 14, 2008
University of Delaware
Classical Piano
Dental Outreach
20,
Second Try (DE Jr Miss)
T 15
Tues Prelim Talent
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District of Columbia
Kate Grinold
of Washington, DC
May. 31, 2008
George Washington University
Contemporary Ballet
Raising Awareness of Human Trafficking
23,
First Try
T 10
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Florida
Sierra Minott
of Ft. Myers
Jul. 5, 2008
Palm Beach Atlantic College - Psychology / Musical Theatre
Theater Style Dance
Inspiring Youth to Believe and Achieve
20,
First Try (FL MAOT '05, 3rd RU Nationals)
4th RU
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Georgia
Chasity Hardman
of Columbus
Jun. 28, 2008
Georgia State University - Senior, Music Education
Vocal
Boys & Girls Club of America: DREAMing Through Music
24,
Fourth Try
1st RU
Wed Prelim Talent, America's Choice Finalist
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Hawai'i
Nicole Fox
of Honolulu
Jul. 11, 2008
Santa Clara University
Tahitian Otea
Reach your PEAK
23,
First Try
T 10
Quality of Life Finalist
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Idaho
Elise Davis
of Idaho Falls
Jun. 14, 2008
Brigham Young University - Junior, Communications / Advertising / Music
Classical Vocal
Sharing Strength - Creating Character: Mentoring our Communities Youth
20,
First Try
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Illinois
Katie Lorenz
of Chicago
Jun. 21, 2008
Loyola University - Chicago - Grad Student
Lyrical Dance
Volunteerism with Idealist.org
24,
Third Try
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Indiana
Katie Stam
of Seymour
Jun. 21, 2008
University of Indianapolis - Senior, Journalism
Vocal
: Via Dolorosa
Passion for Service: Promoting Community Service and Involvement
22,
First Try (IN Jr Miss '05, Amer Southern Teen '02)
Winner
Quality of Life Finalist, Tues Prelim Swimsuit, America's Choice Finalist
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Iowa
Olivia Myers
of Sperry
Jun. 14, 2008
University of Iowa - Senior, Secondary Social Studies Teacher
Tap Dance
Teaching Tolerance: Fostering Just / Caring Culture from Classroom Out
22,
First Try
2nd RU
|
Kansas
Emily Deaver
of Augusta
Jun. 7, 2008
Wichita State University - Jazz Piano Performance
Vocal / Piano
: What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?
Crossroads of Abuse and Addiction: The Road Less Traveled
19,
First Try
|
Kentucky
Emily Cox
of Campbellsville
Jul. 18, 2008
University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy - Grad Student
Classical Piano
Uniquely Me - Promoting Self Esteem in Adolescent Girls
22,
Third Try
SF
Quality of Life Winner, Top 12
|
Louisiana
Blair Abene
of Hammond
Jun. 21, 2008
Southeastern Louisiana University - Vocal Performance / Mass Communication
Vocal
TART - Tourette's Awareness Reaching Teens
22,
Fifth Try
|
Maine
Adrienne Watkinson
of Topsham
Jun. 21, 2008
DePaul University School of Music
Violin
The Healing Power of Music
23,
Second Try
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Maryland
Louise Schlegel
of Silver Springs
Jun. 21, 2008
University of Maryland - Baltimore County
Vocal
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption: End the Wait
20,
Second Try
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Massachusetts
Alicia Zitka
of West Springfield
Jun. 28, 2008
University of Massachusetts - Amherst - Graduate, Communications
Lyrical Dance
Building Self Confidence in Children
22,
Second Try
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Michigan
Ashley Baracy
of Westland
Jun. 21, 2008
Eastern Michigan University
Jazz Dance
Breast Cancer Awareness and Education
23,
Third Try
T 10
Quality of Life 1st RU
|
Minnesota
Angie McDermott,
of Austin
Jun. 14, 2008
University of Minnesota - Duluth - BA, Communications / International Relations
Vocal
: You Don't Own Me
Higher Education: Journey to Your Dreams
24,
Second Try
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Mississippi
Christine Kozlowski
of D'Iberville
Jun. 28, 2008
University of Southern Mississippi - Sophomore, Nutrition
Jazz Dance
DANCE - Diabetes Advocates Nourishing Children's Education.
19,
Second Try
Wed Prelim Swimsuit
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Missouri
Lacey Fitzgerald
of Richmond
Jun. 7, 2008
Northwest Missouri State University
Vocal
Big Brothers Big Sisters - Mentoring Advocacy
24,
Second Try
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Montana
Jennifer Lynn Hepner
of Great Falls
Jun. 14, 2008
University of Montana - MA, Communication Studies
Raqs Sharqi Dance
Beyond the Bell: After School Programs for Montana's Youth
23,
Third Try
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Nebraska
Gretchen Bergquist
of Oxford
Jun. 7, 2008
University of Nebraska - Kearney - Senior
Vocal
The Giving Habit; Bolstering Our Nation's Blood Supply
22,
Fifth Try
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Nevada
Julianna Erdesz
of Reno
Aug. 19, 2008
The America Musical and Dramatic Academy
Vocal
Boys and Girls Clubs of America
24,
Third Try
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New Hampshire
Natalie Shaw
of Manchester
May. 3, 2008
Plymouth State University - Graduate
Vocal
Hunger Relief and Awareness
Occup:Music Teacher
23,
Sixth Try
|
New Jersey
Ashley Fairfield
of Egg Harbor Township
Jun. 14, 2008
The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey - Performing Arts
Jazz Dance
Habitat for Humanity
22,
Third Try
|
New Mexico
Chirstina Olmni
of Albuquerque
Jun. 7, 2008
Central New Mexico University - Communications
Vocal
DWI - MADD at the aftermath
24,
First Try
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New York
Leigh - Taylor Smith
of New York City
Jul. 19, 2008
University of Virginia - Graduate
Vocal
Voices For Change: Empowerment Through Service
22,
Third Try
3rd RU
Thurs Prelim Swimsuit
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North Carolina
Amanda Lauren Watson
of Raleigh
Jun. 21, 2008
University of North Carolina - Chapel Hillf - Senior
Vocal
Making ALS History, One Person at a Time
21,
First Try
Quality of Life Finalist
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North Dakota
Tessie Jones
of West Fargo
Jun. 14, 2008
Minnesota State University - Moorhead - Senior, Art and Design and Mass Communications
Classical Piano
Life Awareness: Improving Mental Health & Preventing Suicide
Occup:Freelance Photographer / Graphic Designer
21,
Fourth Try
|
Ohio
Karissa Martin
of Woodsfield
Jun. 21, 2008
West Liberty State College
Vocal
: Girl in 14-G
Skin Cancer Awareness for the Next Generation
20,
Second Try
|
Oklahoma
Kelsey Cartwright
of Collinsville
Jun. 7, 2008
Oklahoma City University
Lyrical Dance
The Need to Know - Discovering Your Past
21,
First Try
|
Oregon
Danijella Krstic
of Beaverton
Jun. 28, 2008
Oregon Institute of Technology - Graduate, Dental Hygiene
Middle Eastern Belly Dance
Every Child Deserves a Healthy Tomorrow
24,
Second Try
|
Pennsylvania
Kendria Perry
of Nazareth
Jul. 12, 2008
Carnegie Mellon University - Grad Student
Classical Piano
Art Works! Arts in Education Initiative Focus on 21st Cent Workplace Readiness
23,
Fourth Try
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Rhode Island
Francesca Simone
of North Smithville
May. 24, 2008
The Boston Conservatory - Classical Vocal
Classical Vocal
Alzheimer's Disease Awareness
22,
Third Try
Quality of Life Finalist
|
South Carolina
Anna Perry
of Florence
Jul. 5, 2008
College of William and Mary - Graduate, Chemistry and Music
Classical Piano
St Jude's Research Hospital and Cancer Center
23,
Second Try
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South Dakota
Alexandra Hoffman
of Eureka
Jun. 7, 2008
South Dakota State Univerity
Vocal
Don't Risk It: Keep Sports Healthy
20,
First Try (SD Teen USA '06)
T 15
America's Choice Finalist
|
Tennessee
Ellen Carrington
of Jackson
Jun. 21, 2008
Union University
Vocal
Volunteer for Life
21,
Third Try
F
Top 7
|
Texas
Rebecca Robinson
of Buffalo
Jul. 5, 2008
Texas A&M University - Graduate, Spanish Language
Tap Dance
Breaking Boundaries with Bilingual Education
24,
Fourth Try (Teen Texas '00)
Miss Congeniality
|
Utah
Kayla Barclay
of Manti
Jul. 12, 2008
Brigham Young University / Snow College
Piano
Media Influence Awareness
18,
First Try
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Vermont
Ashley Wheeler
of Lyndon
Apr. 27, 2008
St. Michael's College - Senior
Vocal
Political Awareness Among Young Voters
21,
Third Try
Thurs Prelim Talent
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Virgin Islands
Shamika K. Thomas
of St. Thomas
University of the Virgin Islands
Vocal
Awareness and Prevention of HIV
23,
First Try
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Virginia
Tara Wheeler
of Woodbridge
Jun. 28, 2008
Regent University - Grad Student
Vocal
: Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me
Empowering America's Youth
24,
Third Try
Quality of Life Finalist
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Washington
Janet Harding
of Yelm
Jul. 12, 2008
Western Washington University - Elementary Ed / Social Studies / Communications
Piano
Big Brother / Big Sister of America
21,
Second Try
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West Virginia
Kayla Lynam
of Short Gap
Jun. 21, 2008
Grove City College
Piano
FITT Habits
21,
First Try (WV AJM '05)
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Wisconsin
Briana Lipor
of Racine
Jun. 21, 2008
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee - Senior, Communications
Classical Vocal
Save the Arts, Stressing the Importance of Arts Education
21,
Third Try
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Wyoming
Courtney Gifford
of Sheridan
Jun. 14, 2008
Sheridan Junior College
Comedic Vocal
Awareness of AD/HD and ADD
19,
First Try (WYOT '05)
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