Tiffany Schroer was crowned Miss Ball State University for 2005 at the annual scholarship competition Saturday. Miss BSU 2004, Allison Saul, handed over her crown to the sophomore telecommunications major from Seymour.
"Last year, I'd never been on the side of putting (the crown) on my head; now I'm putting it on someone else's," Saul said.
Schroer was selected based on her total score from five parts of the Miss BSU competition. As winner of the Physical Fitness in Swimsuit and Interview awards, Schroer earned enough points to beat out runners-up Danielle Bauman, Leslie O'Brien, Tiara Kincade and Toni Lenkensdofer. In addition to the fitness and interview portions, the girls participated in a talent competition, a casualwear competition and an eveningwear competition. Forty percent of Schroer's total points came from the interview portion, which was held with the judges individually before the show.
All contestants were required to have platforms, or causes that they would support if named Miss BSU. Schroer decided on "Serving and Honoring Veterans." Like past winners, she will give speeches and support the platform during her reign.
Schroer's friend Dan Wasson traveled back to Muncie to see her perform. He had seen the scholarship competition before, when he was a student at BSU, but had never seen Schroer participate.
"I don't really know a lot about pageants, but I think her chances are great based on personality, character and looks," Wasson said.
The 21 contestants were judged on more than those three qualities. According to Master of Ceremonies Al Rent, Miss BSU must be well-spoken, interested in higher education, skilled in physical fitness and aware of social issues. During the talent competition, the girls are judged on their interpretive abilities, stage presence, preparation and technical skill. Schroer sang a classical piece, but Bauman's tap dancing beat Schroer for the Talent Competition Award. Other talents included playing the piano, fiddling Irish jigs and jazz/hip-hop dancing. O'Brien won the eveningwear competition, where contestants were judged on their presence and poise. The contestants' evening gowns of choice were supposed to reflect their personalities and elegance.
The casual wear portion required the girls to answer a question drawn from a glass bowl. Topics included insurance for smokers, athletes in college, describing the perfect Miss BSU and personal idols. Senior Carrie Andrews answered a question about abstinence education. Andrews has competed in the Miss BSU pageant since she was a freshman.
"When she was a freshman, she did it to meet people, to have the experience," Barb Andrews said.
As Miss BSU, Schroer will be competing in the Miss Indiana scholarship program this spring. If she wins the title, she will be competing to become Miss America 2005. Miss Indiana 2004, Sarah Wiley, was at Emens on Saturday to talk about her year.
"This year has been wonderful. I enjoy being Miss Indiana and I wouldn't trade it for the world," Wiley said. "It's been such a rewarding program."
Yet not all audience members agreed with her. Lindsay White came to the pageant to see her two friends, but feels that the competition isn't the best way to gain scholarships.
"It comes off as degrading," White said. "Really only the swimsuit part is. I think it's kind of superficial."
White's friend Teryn Sahagun agreed.
"Physical fitness appearance doesn't determine your fitness level. But I'm really proud of [my friends] for getting up there and doing this."
The farewell presentation for Miss BSU 2004 was a slide show of pictures. She thanked her mom and brother Dylan for being there for her as she passed the crown to Schroer, Miss BSU 2005.
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