The Online Reflector

 

By Samantha Cotten | Editor-in-Chief

The Reflector’s  Samantha Cotten was able to squeeze in an interview with UIndy’s newest star, Miss America Katie Stam between radio interviews during the Super Bowl festivities in Tampa, Fla. This is what Stam had to say about her first two weeks with the crown.

SC: What went through your head when you were named Miss America 2009?

MA: When they announced my name it was really an out-of-body experience. I was completely shocked and thrilled, and a little bit of everything went rushing through my body. I think everyone could tell by the look on my face when they called my name that it was just sheer excitement. 

SC: How has your life changed since that moment?

MA: My life has changed completely in every single way. The moment they put the crown on my head, I was whisked away for my very first media interview and press conference, and then to a VIP party for our sponsors. The next day, I was on a plane headed for New York for my whirlwind media tour in the city, and now I’m in Tampa for the Super Bowl. It’s crazy.

SC: Now that you’ve won the title of Miss America, is it everything you had always dreamed it would be?

MA: It’s so much more. This is something that I’ve been dreaming of and working toward my entire life. The moment they put the crown on my head, it forever changed me. Knowing that I am part of the legacy that is Miss America is really surreal. It’s a wonderful experience, and I am truly blessed.

SC: How are your family and boyfriend handling your new-found fame?

MA: They’re doing really well. They’re eating up every single second of it and living this experience right there with me, which makes it even more special for me.  I try to call home as much as possible, just to get an update. They’re trying to get everything organized at home for me since I’m not going to get to come home for a while. And even when I do, I will continue to make appearances as Miss America.

SC: What does your success mean for the state of Indiana?

MA: Indiana doesn’t get as much credit as it should. It has been an exciting year for Indiana, especially politically. We have never really mattered before, and this year we actually counted. It’s been a huge year for Indiana, and it means so much to me to be the first girl from Indiana to bring home the national title.

SC: What are you looking forward to most during your reign as Miss America?

MA: The number one thing that I’m really looking forward to is to be the official spokesperson for the Children’s Miracle Network. The CMN is an organization of 170 children’s hospitals across the U.S. and Canada and I get to act as their official spokesperson. I’ll be going to different children’s hospitals and meeting the children and learning their stories, and then taking their stories out to the community and do fund-raising. Last year the partnership between CMN and Miss America raised $1.3 million, which is incredible. I am so much looking forward to doing that. I love children and cannot wait to be an advocate for them and their cause.

SC: How do you feel about two other UIndy students claiming titles due to your success?

MA: Oh my goodness, I am overjoyed. Megan Meadors is a very dear friend of mine. I got to know her through the Miss Indiana Organization and Miss America, and she is just a phenomenal person. I cannot imagine passing on the title of Miss Indiana to anyone better. She is going to be a great representative of not only our state but our school. What a great thing for UIndy! I have gotten to know Bethany Clemens as well through her experiences with Miss Indiana, and she is a wonderful representative. She will make a great Miss Central Indiana.

SC: Would you like to say anything to your supporters at UIndy?

MA: I would love to just say “Thank you” to everyone. When I checked my e-mail three days after Miss America, I had 2,500 new e-mails- 2,500 new e-mails! I actually got through all of them, but I have not had a chance to respond to anyone. It makes me sick to my stomach that I might not get to. Just tell everyone thank you for all of their love and support. Know that I am thinking of everyone back at home, and I miss them and love them very much. When I come home for my homecoming in March, I cannot wait to see everyone and be able to celebrate with them.