Miss Indiana Becomes Miss America

Last night in Las Vegas, Miss America 2009 was crowned. People reports that the lucky winner was Miss Indiana, Katie Stam, a 22-year-old communications major at the University of Indiana. The International Business News reports that she sang to loud applause during the talent segment, even though she'd had a throat infection and laryngitis throughout the week.

The crowning came at the end of a reality show from TLC where viewers were able to watch the entire process of the elimination of girls from 52 to 15 to 1, from the talent portion to the swimsuit competition.

Stam began competing in pageants when she was 15. After her graduation from college, she plans to work in TV news. The News-Dispatch in Indiana quotes Stam as saying that Miss America is more than "the crown, the sash or the glitz and glamour," it's the opportunity to be a role model and encourage others to work for their goals.