Four out of 31 spots competing for this year's Miss Indiana title belong to belong to some of Ball State University's very own.
Kara Mitchell, Lauren Petersen, Courtney Jurick and Erika Tishner will take center stage this weekend and try to prove to the judges they have what it takes to earn the largest source of scholarship money for young women around the world.
Petersen, who holds the title of Miss Central Indiana and is a recent Ball State graduate, said the experience has been a journey that has allowed her to embrace her passions to grow academically, professionally and personally.
"As an advocate for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Children's Miracle Network, The Miss America Organization and my community, I have learned so much about the person I aspire to be, while becoming the most authentic version of myself," she said. "Having an opportunity to make meaning out of life is a blessing because it is a gift that not only transcends the moment, but also guides me in who I am to become."
Petersen also encouraged Mitchell, Miss Ball State, to compete. Mitchell said now Miss Indiana is more than just a title to her.
Mitchell said she is working hard to earn the title to not just represent herself, but to earn the title for the LGBTQ community.
"Competing for Miss Indiana provides an opportunity to educate people and bring this issue to the forefront of our society's mind," she said. "I felt, at times, personally responsible for education those around me on things concerning diversity because I represent three minority groups: I am a woman, I am black and I am gay.
"Competing means the world to me because I get a chance to represent all the colors of the rainbow."
Tishner, Miss Hoosier Valley and a recent Ball State graduate, said she is balancing a 40 hour work week and has had times where her emotions have been put to the test, but it's something that is worth it.
"I feel at peace knowing that I have done absolutely everything I can to prepare and I will leave feeling no regret because I know I gave it my best shot," she said.
Jurick, who holds the title of Miss Three Rivers Festival, said the pageant has provided her with invaluable life lessons she'll be able to use in her future.
Jurick said she grew up watching pageants and her late aunt used to sing her the popular lyrics, "There she is, Miss America."
"It would be a night and year that I would never forget [if I won]," she said.
At the actual event, each contestant will have a nine and a half minute interview and will compete in talent, swimsuit and evening gown categories. Once scores are announced, the top 10 girls will compete Saturday night for the title of Miss Indiana.
After earning the title of Miss Indiana, the next step is Miss America.
Pageant information
June 22-25
Zionsville High School Performing Arts Center
1000 Mulberry Street, Zionsville, IN 46077
Fans at home can act as a "6th judge" and vote for the 11th girl they want to see compete in the finals, at a cost of $1 per vote.
You can visit the Miss America website and cast your votes here http://www.missindianapageant.com/peopleschoice.htm.
For updates visiting the facebook and twitter visit twitter.com/MissINPageant or Facebook.com/MissIndianaPageant.
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