Miss Indiana Wins Miss America Pageant

 
 

FIRST PUBLISHED: January 25, 2009 12:47 PM EST
LAST UPDATED: January 25, 2009 1:08 PM EST

LAS VEGAS, Nev. --

Miss Indiana Katie Stam has been crowned Miss America 2009 in Las Vegas.

The 22-year-old University of Indianapolis student battled a throat infection and laryngitis throughout the week but still drew loud applause for her rendition of “Via Dolorosa” during the talent competition.

She also strutted onstage in a black bikini and an off-the-shoulder, white lace gown.

Stam, a communications major, plans to work in television news. She began competing in pageants at age 15.

The first runner-up was Miss Georgia Chasity Hardman.

Copyright 2009 by Associated Press. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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