TERRE HAUTE - Miss Ball State Lindsey Helmer was named second runner-up at the Miss Indiana Scholarship Program Saturday night. The contest was held at the Hulman Center on the campus of Indiana State University.
"It was so amazing," she said. "I had my doubts about being in the top 10 because I'm my worst critic. It's such an honor to place so high my first time doing it."
As the final five were eliminated, Helmer was one of the last three standing.
"I was standing next to the fourth runner-up Susan Guilkey," she said. "I was squeezing her hand so hard. I think that's how we make it through the night -- gripping each other's hands so hard and the winks for each other on stage."
Bryn Lawton Chapman, 21, of Indianapolis was crowned the 63rd Miss Indiana. She will represent the Hoosier state at Miss America Sept. 20 in Atlantic City, N.J. Miss America is the largest scholarship provider for women in the world.
"I knew God was going to change my life," she said. "But I didn't know he would put a crown on my head to do it."
Chapman won the preliminary talent competition Thursday. She joined Miss Heart of Indiana Katherine Cain and Miss City of Firsts Brielle Cotterman in a three-way tie for Friday's preliminary swimsuit competition. She is the only contestant to win both preliminary awards for talent and physical fitness in swimsuit.
"It was a really tough competition," Helmer said. "I've never seen so many talented people in one night. I couldn't have picked a top 15. All of the girls were great."
The contestants arrived in Terre Haute last Sunday in hopes of being named the next Miss Indiana. The week is filled with rehearsals, public appearances and other events.
"The rehearsals were harder than I imagined," she said. "They kept us busy all week, except for Thursday [when] I got some rest and relaxation."
With all the time the contestants spend meeting and greeting people, there isn't much time for sleeping.
"We got five hours of sleep a night," she said. "We were all tired but the adrenaline rush keeps you going."
The contestants spend the week with their local pageant director. Carol Kosisko accompanied Helmer throughout the competition. They have been preparing for Miss Indiana since her crowning in January. Kosisko is proud of Helmer's accomplishment.
"I was sitting with her parents, brother and boyfriend in about the fourth or fifth row up," Kosisko said. "We were all holding each other's hands. Lindsey's goal going in was making it in the top five. I couldn't be happier for her."
Ball State was well represented at the competition. Miss Northeast Danielle Bauman was selected as a top 10 finalist and Miss Duneland Bridget Bobel placed third runner-up.
"I want to thank everyone from Ball State for their support," Kosisko said. "So many people came to see them. I think that's what makes the Ball State program so special."
Bauman, 20, of Auburn, Ind., is a junior studying urban planning and development. She captured the Miss Northeast title two months ago and spent that time preparing for the contest by shopping, working her platform and hitting the gym.
"I just had a great experience at Miss Indiana," Bauman said. "It was my third trip there, and this year the girls were amazing. They exceeded all of my expectations."
Bobel, 22, of Peru, Ind., is a 2002 graduate in public relations. She works with the Indiana House of Representatives as a senior communications specialist. She was also the recipient of the Hoosier Leadership Award and the Indiana Community Service award. Both of these awards came with $500 scholarships.
"Receiving these awards is by far the highlights of this year," Bobel said. "This is what the program is all about: community service. I have not only dedicated the last three years to my platform but my entire life."
Helmer, 21, of Muncie is a public relations major and is involved with University Singers.
"It was so neat to know that I was representing a whole university at a state level," she said. "It was a great opportunity.
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