"I was in the pageant last year, and knew I would have fun again this year. Everything else was just a bonus," said Jennie Keller, this year's winner of the Miss Ball State 2002 scholarship pageant.
Keller will be traveling to the Miss Indiana Pageant in June, where she will vie for the chance to represent Indiana at Miss America.
The senior is a resident assistant in Botsford Hall. Along with the crown and the scholarship money she earned Sunday night, Keller also earned two awards in the pageant's talent and interview portions.
As her platform, Keller chose domestic violence awareness. During her on-stage interview with Director of University Marketing Al Rent, Keller explained the significance of her platform.
"I would like to go the high schools and residence halls and explain to the young women the importance of spotting the signs of an abusive relationship," Keller said. "It's important that everyone be prepared should the situation arise."
For her talent, Keller sang Nat King Cole's "Orange Colored Sky." The crowd responded enthusiastically to Keller's animated rendition, clapping and cheering as she finished the song with a bow.
"I knew I could get up there and sing my heart out," Keller said of her performance.
Freshman Kimberly Ingle, baton twirler for the Pride of Mid America Marching Band, placed second; sophomore Lindsey Helmer, of the University Singers, finished third; freshman Danielle Bauman placed fourth, and sophomore Ashlee Stewart of the Colts Cheerleaders finished fifth.
Keller will be awarded a $1000 scholarship from the university, along with a $1000 award from Gaylor Electric. She will also receive a $500 scholarship for books provided by the Ball State Book Store and Barnes and Nobles. In addition, Keller received a $375 scholarship provided by advertisers for the pageant, along with gifts from several local companies.
Allison Hatcher, current Miss Indiana, performed on the piano both Saturday and Sunday while votes were tabulated by the judges. Allsya Fregason, Miss Indiana Jr., performed her piano selection from the Miss Indiana Jr. pageant. Julianne Stewart, Mistress of Ceremonies for the pageant and Miss Indiana 1998, also sang "My Man," a number she had performed in various competitions over the years.
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