Allison Saul's alarm clock rang at 3 a.m. Saturday. She jumped out of bed and rushed around her room preparing for a long day, having no idea it would end in capturing the Miss Ball State crown.
Saul met with fellow University Singers at 5:30 a.m. to travel to Indianapolis for a performance. The show began at 10 a.m. and lasted an hour. Immediately after the performance she returned to campus, having only 10 minutes to gather her thoughts and prepare for her interview.
Interviews were conducted by a panel of six judges Saturday morning and afternoon. The interview portion of the Miss Ball State competition is worth the most points and focuses on community service and commitment to a platform issue. After completing the interview, she traveled to Pruis Hall to learn the opening and finale dance numbers.
"Once I get on a roll, I can just keep going and going, and then I crash," Saul said.
She's competed in four pageants, but has never broken the top five. This is her second attempt for the Miss Ball State title. She placed in the top 10 last year. Winning gives her the opportunity to travel to Miss Indiana in June where she'll compete for the chance to represent the Hoosier state at Miss America. She decided to compete in Miss Ball State for the talent portion.
"I'm completely shocked and overwhelmed," Saul said after winning. "I've never even considered going to Miss Indiana. I was hoping for first runner-up and when they announced that, I thought, 'Oh well, there's always next year.'"
The Miss Ball State pageant opened with the 14 contestants dancing to "She's Not Just a Pretty Face" in Pruis Hall. Director of university marketing Al Rent served as the Master of Ceremonies.
Contestants were judged on community service, personal and professional growth, academic achievement and the spirit of competition through four phases of competition: interview, talent, swimsuit and evening gown.
Miss Ball State 2003 Lindsey Helmer performed "River Deep Mountain High." Rent also conducted an on-stage interview with her asking questions about her year as Miss Ball State.
Miss Indiana Bryn Chapman also participated in an on-stage interview with Rent and performed "Home" while scores were being tabulated. There were several special guests in attendance including Miss Ball State 2000 Lori Brokaw, who currently holds the Miss Duneland title.
The show's finale, "Unforgettable," featured the contestants in evening wear, and Helmer took her final walk as Miss Ball State. She also assisted Chapman with the awards ceremony.
"There are always things you wish to see run better for the next year, but I think it went well and that the contestants were pleased with their performances," director Carol Kosisko said. "I know I am proud of all of them for taking the risk and giving it a try."-á
Saul was named Miss Ball State, earning $1,500 in scholarships, $450 for wardrobe and other prizes. She also won the interview award picking up an additional $250 scholarship. She is a junior from Shelbyville, Ind., majoring in secondary speech education. Her platform is Liver or Die: The Effects of Alcoholism. She selected this issue because her father died when she was 16 of alcoholism.
"Winning gives me that extra push to get out there and do stuff for my cause," Saul said.
For the talent presentation she sang Wild Party's "Raise the Roof."
Graduate student Melissa Cordial of Newslink Indiana placed first runner-up. Freshman pianist Ashley Dougherty finished second runner-up. Freshman dance major Tiara Kincade placed third runner-up, and sophomore Abby France, a third-generation Ball State student, finished fourth runner-up.
The beneficence award went to freshman Danielle Grady. Freshman Tyler Rhoton and junior DuJuanna London were selected the swimsuit winners. The evening gown award went to freshman Tiara Kincade. Amber Rogers went home with the people's choice award.
The program was sponsored by the Ball State Student Foundation and is under the direction of Kosisko, with help from graduate student Lindsey Walker. Kosisko and Walker will use the next few months to help Saul prepare for the Miss Indiana competition.
"I think Allison Saul will be a great representative for Ball State," Kosisko said. "She is a very bright, personable, pleasant young lady who is dedicated and knowledgeable about her platform "Liver or Die: The Effects of Alcoholism." I think especially at this time on the Ball State campus, she can play a vital role in the recognition of the problem of over-consumption of alcohol, the negative effects that it has on the family
and friends of the drinker, and in the treatment and healing process."442+â-¿+â-ƒ*AMcZ}/a-º,-¿x+â-¿"-+4-¦}f[---+â-å"ex--"?+â-î+â-ï+â-+L?+â-á? ?+â-ÿ+â'?kIL+â-¡AK+â-úp+â-¦=Nd+â-ïo+â-ú+â-Ç-úq,+â-+-¿4c"^u
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