Sophomore Carolyne Holcomb crowned Miss ISU

The audience cheered as music and orange spotlights filled the room where 12 ISU students performed a dance routine to "Viva Las Vegas" on the casino-themed stage, complete with a slot machine and roulette wheel.

The 26th Miss Indiana State University Scholarship Program took place on Sunday in Tilson Auditorium.

Carolyne Holcomb, a sophomore communication major, won the title of Miss Indiana State University 2009.

"I'm relieved that it's over and so glad I won," Holcomb said at the celebration reception held immediately after the event.

The twelve contestants prepared for over a month for Miss ISU, which included an onstage interview as well as talent, swimsuit and evening gown portions.

The contestants prepared by practicing public presentation and talents, getting a proper wardrobe, and getting in shape said Freda Luers, co-director of the Miss ISU pageant.

In the onstage interview Holcomb explained why her grandmother was her hero and about her platform which focused on youth volunteerism.

"The talent and swimsuit portions were my favorite," said Samantha Writtenhouse, a junior choral and general music education major and first runner-up in the competition.

"The past month has been so much fun. I've made so many great friends," said Rozlyn Turner, a freshman pre-pharmacy major and third runner-up in the competition.

It was a bittersweet day for Erica Eisenhut, Miss Indiana State 2008, as she walked across the stage for the last time, crowning the new winner.

"It's sad that the year is over but I'm not too distraught. I know I've gotten so much out of the year and a lot was accomplished," Eisenhut said.

Eisenhut gave advice to Holcomb, "Wake up every day and say 'I'm Miss ISU,' because you only get to do that for 365 days."

Several special guests attended the pageant including ISU President Daniel J. Bradley who presented Miss ISU with her award.

The Miss ISU Scholarship Program began in 1958, and Holcomb is the 26th winner. She will now begin preparing for Miss Indiana, which takes place in June 2009 in Zionsville, Ind.

The Miss ISU contest is judged based on 35 percent talent, 25 percent personal interview, 20 percent evening gown poise and presentation, 15 percent fitness in swimsuit, 5 percent onstage questions.

[ First Runner-up: Samantha Writtenhouse Second Runner-up: Jaclyn Fenwick Third Runner-up: Rozlyn Turner Fourth Runner-up: Taylor Shaffer Sycamore Spirit award: Erica Arroyo People's Choice award: Rozlyn Turner Talent: Jaclyn Fenwick Pre-Interview: Caroline Holcomb ]

( Brittany Parrett is a freshman business administration major. She can be reached at sascamed@isugw.indstate.edu.)