Hello Friends!
It’s finally summer! Since I last updated you, I have been to eight different states making appearances, participating in media interviews, and meeting hundreds of new friends across America!
In the beginning of the month I visited the National Office in New Jersey where I was able to meet several of the Miss South Carolina State and their Teen Contestants who were visiting and I was able to spend time with them and share my experiences as Miss America with them.
From NJ, we drove to Delaware to participate in the Miss Delaware Pageant at the beautiful Dover Downs. I attended a pre-pageant reception where I had the opportunity to meet George Fiorile, General Manager of Dover Downs. At the pageant I performed the song “L-O-V-E” and presented the MAO award and had the opportunity to share the spotlight with Miss America 1981 Susan Powell who co-hosting the pageant with me! It was great to meet up with my friend, Miss Delaware 2008 Galen Giaccone and watch her crown the new winner. Congrats to Miss Delaware 2009 Heather Lehman!
After Delaware I flew to Las Vegas where I was the special guest at our 2010 Pageant host hotel, Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino and participated in autograph sessions for Planet Hollywood guests. After the autograph signings I posed for photos at an exhibit featuring entertainment memorabilia that included personal property of Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley!
Later that day I met with Robin Leach at the Bouchon in the Venetian as Chef Thomas Keller did a book signing. That evening, I was a VIP guest at the Donny & Marie Show at the Flamingo, where I had the opportunity to meet the showbiz duo backstage. I had a wonderful evening!
The next afternoon I worked with my official wardrobe sponsor, the Joseph Ribkoff Company, to participate in their Trunk Show at the Paradiso Store in the Mirage Hotel. I participated in a meet and greet at the store and met hundreds of adoring fans. I love wearing Joseph Ribkoff’s designs, so I was thrilled to be able to support them at their very special event in Las Vegas! I get so many compliments on the road wearing my Joseph Ribkoff designs and it was so much fun, getting a sneak peak at all of their new collections….I can’t wait to wear them!
From Las Vegas I flew to West Virginia via Pittsburgh to attend the Miss West Virginia Pageant and its surrounding activities. I had a wonderful time at the WVU Children’s hospital where I visited children in their rooms. It was such a rainy day; I was glad to bring some sunshine in! I participated in several events with the contestants including an event for Gladys Magazine and a golf benefit luncheon. Seeing Miss West Virginia 2008 Kayla Lynam again was a joy and I was so happy to catch up with her! At the pageant, I presented Executive Director, Leah Summer with an award for Miss West Virginia’s 65th anniversary! Congratulations to West Virginia on such an enormous accomplishment and congratulations to Miss West Virginia 2009 Talia Markham!
After West Virginia I flew to Indiana to meet with the Indiana Dairy Council and film a few public service announcements and take a few promotional photos for their child nutrition and fitness initiative. The photos and video will be used to promote the sale and consumption of dairy products to omprove the health and nutrition of the population of Indiana. I really loved working with them because, growing up on a dairy farm, I really support their message. Studies show dairy foods, when consumed as part of a healthy diet, contribute to better bone health, improve overall diet quality and may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Miss Indiana Pageant Week was next and I was so excited to be able to relive the memories I made one year ago when I was crowned Miss Indiana 2008. I had a great time visiting with my Miss Indiana family again and seeing my family and friends who I miss so much while I’m on the road. The Miss Indiana contestants were lovely and so much fun to hang out with! During the preliminary nights and Miss Indiana Outstanding Teen night I sang several songs such as “L-O-V-E” and “The Way You Look Tonight.” On the day of the Miss Indiana pageant I participated in a parade through Zionsville while riding on an orange corvette. After the parade was an autograph signing where I met about 100 supporters! Indiana is always so good to me, I am so proud to be a Hoosier! The night of the pageant I sang a duet with Miss Indiana Megan Meadors and “Unforgettable” solo. I’m so happy that Nicole Pollard was chosen as Miss Indiana 2009. I know she is well equipped for the job and will make our state proud! Congrats Nicole!
After the hustle and bustle of Miss Indiana Pageant week, I flew to Colorado Springs to help some very special people. I joined Sears’ Heroes at Home program, paired with Rebuilding Together, to help a local veteran renovate his home to accommodate injuries he sustained in Iraq. As my personal platform is promoting community service and involvement, I was thrilled to be able to give back to those who give so much for us.
I am currently in L.A. where yesterday I filmed a PSA for the National Ad Council that helps promote kids going to school and today I am participating in media interviews. I’m very excited for this weekend where I will be a part of both the Huntington Beach and Pacific Palisades 4th of July celebrations!
Best wishes to everyone for a wonderful and safe Fourth of July weekend! I give my sincere thanks and appreciation to our armed forces who continue to stand by America’s side and all those abroad who continue to fight for our freedom. Have a great weekend!
Warmest wishes,
Katie
July 2nd, 2009
Hello friends!
This year has been so amazing and the past few weeks were no exception! I have had the opportunity to be a part of some pretty incredible events and they continue to make my year so very memorable!
First and foremost, Indianapolis 500 weekend was AWESOME! I helped kick off the Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade by participating in the opening production number, in which I sang God Bless America. During the parade, I rode on the Firestone float along with racing legend Mario Andretti. He was super nice and it was such a memorable experience back in my home state!
As a part of pre-race activities for the Indy 500 the next day, I was driven on the back of a silver corvette in a parade of eight celebrities, including actor, Josh Duhamel; artist, Thomas Kincade; actor/host, Mario Lopez; US Air Force General Craig McKinley; and actor, Jim Nabors. Shortly after the celebrity lap, I performed America the Beautiful on the Victory Podium in front of a crowd of over 300,000 race fans. The crowd went wild! After the race, I joined the Firestone group for the victory celebration at Victory Podium where I had a group photo taken with Helio Castrovenes, winner of the Indy 500!
From the Indy 500 I flew to Puerto Rico to take part in the press conference for the announcement of the Miss Puerto Rico Pageant on July 31st. There were so many media outlets present! I am so happy that the people of Puerto Rico are truly excited to have the Miss America Organization back after nearly 50 years! Prior to the press conference, Puerto Rico’s Secretary of State presented us with a Proclamation. Immediately following the press conference, we were invited to tour the Governor’s mansion. This guided tour included meeting with the First Lady of Puerto Rico, Luce Vela who was thrilled to have us visit one of the world’s most historic sites, Fortaleza!
Following the tour, I had three photo shoots and wrapped up my day with additional TV and radio interviews before leaving Puerto Rico on Wednesday. I can’t wait to return to Puerto Rico for the July 31 Miss Puerto Rico Pageant and crown the 2009 winner who will compete for Miss America in January 2010!
After Puerto Rico I flew to L.A. where I participated in activities for the U.S. Army Ball. During the day I spoke at a luncheon that honored Family Readiness Group volunteers for their service to the troops. I also visited the VA hospital in Long Beach where I chatted with wounded soldiers and listened to them speak about their experiences. That evening, I attended the Army Ball and I had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem. My good friend, Miss California Jackie Geist, was also in attendance, so it was great to catch up with her! I had such a great time at this event, which honors our troops. They truly deserve all the attention they get!
While in L.A., I had the fantastic opportunity to attend an Angels baseball game. I was accompanied throughout the night by Army Brigadier General Andersen and Sgt. Sabin, who also joined me on the roof of the dug out to lead the fans during the 7th inning stretch in singing Take Me Out to the Ballgame. I couldn’t believe I was back again performing at this wonderful stadium. Back in October, the 2009 national contestants were guests of the Angels while we were filming with TLC and I stood on the dug out that evening as Miss Indiana! It was so much fun to be back again. This time, I was thrilled to be there as Miss America and be joined by military escorts!
The next day I filmed an episode for The Price is Right where I presented the first prize of the day and then later announced one of the showcase showdowns! It was such a great experience and I can’t wait to see it on T.V.!
From L.A. it was off to Arkansas where I participated in an event with Wal-Mart in conjunction with CMN. I spoke to two groups at the Logistics and Transportation Buildings at Wal-Mart headquarters and recorded a PSA for the Wal-Mart truckers. Later that day I spoke during a general assembly of about 800 Wal -Mart Transportation Associates and executives.
After Arkansas, it was back to my home state where I participated in several events with the Indiana Elks organization. I was able to speak about my platform of community service and stress the importance of getting involved in your communities. At a dinner that night, I sang God Bless America. It was a wonderful evening and it was great to meet so many people who are committed to service and helping out their neighbors.
After Indiana I flew to D.C. where I participated in the National Association of Broadcaster’s Service to America Awards. I sang the National Anthem and presented the Radio Community Award. It was a wonderful evening and a great cause to celebrate!
I’m now in New York where I will be attending the Duke of Edinburgh Awards tomorrow with our Chairman of the Board, Sam Haskell! Then it’s off to the Miss Delaware Pageant this weekend, a Joseph Ribkoff event in Las Vegas next week, and then the Miss West Virginia Pageant next weekend! Pageant season is here!! We have already crowned some fabulous state contestants, and I can’t wait for the rest of the winners to be announced! Best of luck to our class of 2010!
Warmest wishes,
Katie Stam
June 9th, 2009
Hello friends!
This month has been incredibly packed with activities that I haven’t even had a minute to slow down to update everyone on my travels!
In the beginning of May, I was in Pennsylvania to attend a benefit gala for the Bucks County Choral Society. I had a wonderful time and I performed two songs, “What a Wonderful World” and “Via Dolorosa.” I was so thrilled to see the guests get up and start dancing while I sang! I wish I had time to sing a few more songs, but it was a wonderful evening nonetheless.
From Pennsylvania, I flew to the West Coast where I walked the red carpet at an event to celebrate MAO Chairman of the Board, Sam Haskell’s new book, Promises I Made My Mother. I mixed and mingled with celebrities and special guests such as our President and CEO, Art McMaster, Miss America 1943 Jean Bartel, Miss America 1965 Vonda Van Dyke Scoates, Miss America 2001 Angela Baraquio, and Miss America 2008 Kirsten Haglund. Patricia Heaton, Kathy Ireland and Marilu Henner were also special guests of Sam. I was extremely honored to have the opportunity to do a reading from his book and it was so great to see some of my Miss America family again! While in L.A., I stopped by KTLA and ABC 7, where I had the chance to promote the upcoming Army Ball that I will be attending next week.
From America, it was off to Germany! We were welcomed by the Deputy Commander, Vice Admiral Gallagher and his staff. Vice Admiral Gallagher is second in command of our troops in Europe, so it was quite an honor to be welcomed by him! The next day I spoke at Patch Elementary School in Stuttgart about the importance of community service and involvement. The kids were great and I was so happy to be able to answer all their questions. I also sang the National Anthem for the changing of command ceremony. Several high ranking military officers were in attendance including General Ward, who is in command of all the troops in Africa and General Craddock, who is in command of all the troops in Europe. It was so surreal to meet two of the most important people in our Armed Forces!
The next day we visited Illesheim base. I spoke before a 5k race where I also shot the start pistol and high-fived every runner as they crossed the finish line! Next I visited Aviation Battalion FRG where I visited with family members of soldiers who were about to be deployed to Iraq. I was so happy to bring joy to these families, as I know they will have a tough few months ahead of them. I even helped the children make a banner!
Afterwards, I participated in the dedication of Illesheim’s Sports-field where I assisted in dedicating the field to the late John Sanchez, who managed Illesheim’s rugby team and was actively involved in organizing events for soldiers and their families. It was a moving ceremony for such a dedicated individual.
Then, I visited recovering soldiers at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center’s intensive care unit. Most of the soldiers have been wounded in Iraq. I am so grateful to them for their service to our country and I was happy to be able to thank them in person. I even left autographed photos as a gift for the patients who were not awake, so that they could know how grateful I am to them. I didn’t want to leave Germany. I had such a great time visiting with the troops and showing them my appreciation, but it was back to the States for me.
From Germany I flew to LeBonheur Children’s Medical Center in Tennessee. At the hospital I visited with children and helped them make paper crowns. I love meeting so many wonderful children at these hospitals. Each one of them holds a special place in my heart.
From there it was off to Mississippi for media interviews and then, I flew to Ohio to participate in a Speedway Golf Tournament sponsored by CMN. I met several professional golfers and spoke at the Awards dinner for the tournament to thank the golfers for their participation and support of CMN.
Now I’m writing you from Chicago where I am promoting SEARS Heroes at Home campaign via a special satellite media tour and tomorrow I’ll be off to Indiana again in celebration of Memorial Day this weekend where I’ll be with the American Legion to celebrate our military heroes.
It’s good to be back in my home state again. I can’t wait to be a part of the Indy 500 festivities this weekend! I fly right to Puerto Rico on Monday to participate in the Miss Puerto Rico Scholarship Organization press conference. I’ll be making a very special announcement, so keep an eye out for some news from the Miss America Organization!
I hope you all have a safe and healthy Memorial Day holiday! Please keep all of our brave soldiers who are serving abroad in your thoughts and prayers.
Warmest regards,
Katie
May 20th, 2009
Hello Friends!
So much has happened since my last update and I wanted to share all of my exciting news with you!
Last month, while in Indiana, I had the special privilege to attend the Indiana Pacers final basketball game of the season against the Milwaukee Bucks for Fan Appreciation night with my Dad, brother and uncle. While at the game, I met the Pacers team, participated in an on-court gift exchange with Pacers player, Troy Murphy, and was introduced at center court prior to the game. I even shot a three-pointer before the game started! The Pacers ended up winning and closed their season on a high note, and I was so happy to be able to enjoy that moment with my family!
After my break, it was off to participate in several appearances for the USO in Washington D.C. I started with a tour of the Marine Barracks and the Home of the Commandants, where we met up with the Commandants’ wives, who were great hosts! We then proceeded to the Pentagon where we interacted with wounded warriors and took a tour of the area of the Pentagon that was hit on 9/11. It was so overwhelming to be standing in a spot where history was made. I will continue to pray for the victims and their families who lost their lives that day. While at the Pentagon, I had the great opportunity to meet the Secretary of the Army, Pete Geren. The next day I participated in Walter Reed Memorial Hospital’s Family Fun Fest and assisted in presenting the C.Haskell Small Award for Volunteerism. It was a beautiful day, and I was so happy to be able to enjoy the outdoors!
From D.C. I flew to Las Vegas to participate in the National Association of Broadcasters conference. As part of my platform of Promoting Community Service and Involvement, I teamed up with the Corporation for National & Community Service at their NAB conference booth to promote the AmeriCorps program. I participated in several media interviews and talked to hundreds of booth visitors about the importance of volunteering!
After Vegas, I flew back to the east coast where I joined Keep America Beautiful at the NYC kickoff of the Great American Cleanup. The kickoff was an Earth Day rally to celebrate the second anniversary of the “Keep New York City Beautiful Coalition,” an affiliate of the national organization. It was wonderful to meet all the city residents who came out to support the “Green Starts Here” platform, as part of the national Great American Cleanup campaign. I spoke a few words encouraging everyone to “think green” and sang “America the Beautiful.” I also appeared on Fox & Friends that morning to promote the event. It was great to see my fellow sister, Miss America 1989 Gretchen Carlson, again! I also made a special announcement on her show about MAO welcoming back Puerto Rico to the Miss America Pageant! This is the first time in almost 50 years that we will have a Miss Puerto Rico at the Miss America Pageant and I am so excited! I get to crown the new Miss Puerto Rico in August at their pageant, so I’m looking forward to it!
I left New York City and flew to Alabama for Talladega Superspeedway Race Weekend. I participated in several events including the International Motorsports Hall of Fame Reception and the Induction Ceremony. I also had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem prior to the Aaron’s 499 race on the last day of the weekend. This was my second time attending a NASCAR race and I was thrilled to be visiting NASCAR’s Most Competitive Track! And I really enjoyed the garage tours and meeting the drivers. During the course of two days we spent many hours down in the pit and garage areas. I had the opportunity to meet Kasey Kahne, my favorite driver and we even watched part of Sunday’s race from his pit box! So amazing! I also met fellow Hoosiers, Ryan Newman and Tony Stewart, Kurt Busch, Kyle Petty, Michael Waltrip, Jeff Gordon and many others. In fact I helped Michael Waltrip’s NAPA pit crew move his car to inspection and then over to the starting point! It was so much fun and everyone kept asking who the new crew member was! Talladega was a great time and I hope to make it back again soon!
What a busy week last week has been. This upcoming month is going to be filled with new milestones including a visit Germany to work with our military and celebrate our troops abroad with their families. I’ll also be appearing at the Indy 500 and participating in Miss Puerto Rico Press Conference in Puerto Rico all in the same month! I am loving every minute of it though, and will continue to keep you all updated on my activities!
I hope everyone is enjoying this Spring weather. Our first state pageant is already this weekend and I wish all of you competing - the very best. Talk to you soon!
Warmest wishes,
Katie
April 30th, 2009
Hello Friends!
The last two weeks have been wonderful for me and were filled with visits to Children’s Hospitals, spectacular events and even more media interviews.
On Monday, I visited the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) as the official Goodwill Ambassador for the Children’s Miracle Network. Each patient I met with touched my heart as I heard their stories of hope, courage and strength. I had a great time with them making paper crowns and helping them feel as special as I already know they are!
While in Philadelphia, I stopped by the 10! Show where they interviewed me about my year as Miss America so far. It was my first visit to CHOP and I can see why they call it the City of Brotherly Love!
I then flew to my home state to make a stop the Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. Visiting these hospitals and meeting these special children have quickly become my favorite part about being Miss America. After my hospital visit, I attended an awards luncheon in celebration of Walmart and Sam’s Club support of CMN and the Riley Hospital for Children. I spoke for a bit about CMN and the important initiatives they are taking with Children’s Hospitals around the country. The Indiana champion, AJ Stinger, that I accompanied to D.C. for the CMN Celebration was seated at our table with his family. I was very happy to see him as we formed a wonderful friendship during our time in Orlando and D.C. A piece of art created by one of the children was presented to me at the luncheon and I was so honored to receive something so incredibly special – it is now one of my favorite treasures from my year as Miss America.
Then on Saturday, it was back to the East Coast where I performed “Route 66” in the National Cherry Blossom Parade in D.C. The annual parade march travels along Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th Street, passing the Washington Monument and The White House. There were so many people there!! I was joined on a float by Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2009 Taylor Fitch, Miss D.C. 2008 Kate Marie Grinold and Miss Maryland 2008 Louise Schlegel. It was great to see some familiar faces! I always have a fantastic time when I get together with my fellow Miss America program sisters.
From D.C. it was back to Philadelphia! I sang the National Anthem at Citizens Bank Park before the World Series Champions, the Philadelphia Phillies at their home opener, which was also the opening day of the 2009 Major League Baseball season! This was the largest crowd I ever performed in front of – 50,000 people and fireworks that made it seem like the 4th of July! But, I was so excited to be there and the crowd seemed to enjoy my performance, so I was happy! I was hoping my presence would bring good luck to the World Series Champions, but the Atlanta Braves stepped up to the plate and defeated them. Sorry Phillies – maybe next time!
The next day I flew home for Easter break. It’s great to have a week off to reconnect with my family and friends, but I am eager to get back on the road to continue my year of service!
Oh and don’t forget to vote for me for Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2009! I am so honored to be nominated! To vote, visit: the Time Website. You have until April 28th!
I hope everyone has a happy and healthy Easter and Passover!
Warmest regards,
Katie
April 9th, 2009
Hello Friends!
Spring is finally here and I am so ready for warmer weather and in fact, I think I have come down with Spring fever already!
Speaking of warmer weather, I was recently in Florida for the annual Children’s Miracle Network Celebration. The annual celebration kicked off on a Thursday with an opening night party and special pin exchange event where I met children from across the country who are champions in fighting life threatening illnesses. These children have faced the most challenging health issues and have emerged as our heroes. This touching event was followed by a special performance from Julianne Hough, who is currently on Dancing with the Stars. I was able to go backstage and meet her after the concert – such a sweet girl!
Friday the Medal Ceremony took place where I co-hosted with country singer, Mark Wills. The Miracle Kids who got awards were so precious and my co-host was awesome! That night I performed “What a Wonderful World” at the Delta Miracle Awards Reception.
The magic continued the next day during the Miracles in Media awards, where I performed a humorous skit that spoofed The Dukes of Hazzard. The bit featured actor James Best, who played Roscoe P. Coltrane in the television series. It was really funny and I think the crowd enjoyed it too.
That Tuesday I accompanied 53 very special ambassadors to the White House to meet the President. Along with these young “Champions” who are living testaments to the medical care being provided at Children’s Miracle Network hospitals across the country, I had the opportunity to meet and shake hands with President Barack Obama. In addition to the White House visit, the Champions and I had the opportunity to visit with members of Congress during a luncheon at Capitol Hill where Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) spoke to us.
One of my most important and most rewarding duties is to serve as the official Goodwill Ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network. Being able to get to know each of these Champions on a personal level has connected me forever to them and their families. I look forward to visiting their hospitals and helping them raise money throughout the year.
After the CMN Champions activities, I didn’t think the week could get any better. I was wrong! On Wednesday I paid a visit to Walter Reed Medical Center to commend our Iraq War wounded warriors who bravely fought for our country. I was so excited to finally meet our military heroes! That night I attended the USO dinner where I sang the National Anthem and had the opportunity to meet more of our country’s soldiers, celebrities including Renee Zellweger and political figures such as Al Franken. It was a great night and I was proud to be involved with such a wonderful event that pays tribute to the people in our country who truly deserve it the most.
On Thursday, I had the opportunity to visit Bethesda Naval Medical Center to again thank our troops for their commitment and service to our country. Visiting these hospitals have been some of the most heartwarming experiences for me and I am so happy I get to thank the troops in person for their heroic efforts.
And, this past Monday I had the fantastic opportunity to visit the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The kids and I had such a great time bonding while making paper crowns. It was such a fantastic opportunity to meet so many wonderful children and put smiles on their faces. I also stopped by the 10! Show in Philly on Tuesday before I left, which was a fun treat. I’m now off to visit the Indiana Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis. I can’t wait to see everyone!
I hope everyone is enjoying the beginnings of Spring! And speaking of Spring fever, I will be at the Cherry Blossom parade on Saturday and also have the wonderful opportunity to sing the National Anthem this Sunday for Major League Baseball’s World Champs - the Phillies! So watch for the Tune In Alert information on baseball’s Home Opener!
Take care!
Katie
April 7th, 2009
Dear Friends:
Wow- I have had only a quick minute to stop and write this since IHOP’s National Pancake Day and it went great! We taped a fun segment with Extra in the morning where we “skyped” my Dad in from his classroom in Indiana. It was amazing seeing him…yes I got a little emotional! Later that morning we went to the IHOP in L.A. where I cooked and served pancakes, even showing off my skills of making my signature heart pancake! I am proud to say that we helped raise more than $1.3 million on National Pancake Day, which will benefit the Children’s Miracle Network! Making a difference in these children’s lives is so important to me and I am really glad I am able to do that every single day.
Then I was off to be a guest as Mario Lopez invited me to attend a taping of MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew, which he hosts. It was so much fun! We had front row seats and the crews were absolutely amazing! I even made it on TV for a few seconds when the show aired!
The next two days I had photo shoots with Pageantry and fourpoints Magazines. Both shoots were fantastic and the locations were picturesque.
Next, we spent a couple days in Phoenix where we had a photo shoot for Savvy magazine. I can’t wait for everyone to see all the photos!
From Arizona it was finally off to my home state of Indiana! I was so excited to come back and see all of my supporters at home. I last saw Indiana in January before I went to the Miss America Pageant, and it is still as beautiful as ever! I started the week in Zionsville where I spoke to students at Stonegate Elementary School. I was so surprised to walk into the gym and get a standing ovation! I knew Hoosiers were excited for me, but I didn’t quite know HOW excited they really were. It’s absolutely surreal!
From Zionsville, it was off to my hometown of Seymour! It was so great to embrace my parents after a month and a half of not seeing them. I miss them on the road, but I know that they are happy that I am living my dream. I thought Zionsville gave me a warm welcome, but Seymour went above and beyond! Once again I received a standing ovation when I walked into the middle and high schools, and once again I was so surprised! It felt great to be home and the outpouring of love from my wonderful friends, family and neighbors was tremendous. It really showed in the parade that was held in my honor later that day. I got to ride in a black Corvette down 2nd Street from Seymour High School to City Hall. I can’t believe how many people came out just to see me! I wish I could have met all of them, but it probably would have taken me all year! If you were there and I didn’t get a chance to meet you, please accept my sincerest appreciation for your support! Dinner at Pewter Hall that night was great, and I was once again so happy and overwhelmed by everyone’s well-wishes.
The next day we traveled back to Indianapolis where I was scheduled to spend the morning and afternoon at the Statehouse! I visited the House of Representatives first where they provided me with a proclamation. It was awesome! From there I had lunch with Governor Mitch Daniels and we participated in his In Shape Indiana program at the National Institute for Fitness and Sport. We spoke to sixth graders about the importance of maintaining healthy lifestyles and had a mini relay race. I won of course! But only because the Governor forgot a step in the relay – oh well! Maybe next time we can have a rematch! Afterwards, it was back to the Statehouse where I visited the State Senate and was honored with another proclamation. Governor Daniels presented me with the Sagamore of the Wabash, which is an award rarely given out to Hoosiers who have made significant accomplishments. I feel very honored to have received this award!
After the Statehouse I returned to my school, the University of Indianapolis for a welcome home reception. I was so excited to see my classmates and professors that I haven’t seen in so long! It was great to be back in the halls of the school that I love. I was so touched to be presented with the very first Katie Stam Service Award that will become an annual award at my University. I can’t wait to finish my degree after my year of service. Go Greyhounds!
Saturday night was the big Homecoming night with Former Miss Indianas, my fellow pageant sisters from Miss America 2009 and the crowning of my successor, Megan Meadors. The event was beautiful and I was so happy to see all my Miss America friends. MAO Board Chairman, Sam Haskell was even there! Megan was so happy to take on the role as Miss Indiana and I couldn’t have asked for a better woman to take on the job! I really can’t express how heartwarming my homecoming week has been. I feel so loved and I thank God every day for the tremendous amount of support that I have received from Hoosiers and the country as well.
I just completed a Simon Malls tour around Indiana. I visted ten malls in three days and met lots of fans. It was great!
It’s been long days, but it’s been so worth it. Thank you again to all my supporters, especially in Indiana. I hope to see you again the next time I visit! I just took a couple of days to rest up but now it’s back to touring the nation!
Talk to you soon!
Katie
March 16th, 2009
Dear Friends,
I have been having so much fun lately that I have hardly gotten a chance to update you all on my blog or even my calendar!
At SuperBowl XLIII, I had the time of my life! I spent SuperBowl weekend participating in several exciting events for Taste of the NFL, where I had the opportunity to meet many sports and entertainment stars. I even met some of my news idols like Meredith Viera and Ann Curry. It was so awesome! I conducted several media interviews with outlets such as Sirius Radio, ESPN radio, and WFAN radio and interviews for The Insider and EXTRA. Everyone wanted to speak with me about my Superbowl pick! Although I was rooting for the Arizona Cardinals, I am proud of our new Superbowl champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
While in Tampa, I made my first official visit as the Goodwill Ambassador for the Children’s Miracle Network to Tampa Children’s Hospital. It truly is a blessing to be able to meet these children. Their hope and determination have inspired my life in more ways than they can imagine. I had such a great time making sashes and crowns with the little ones, I didn’t want to leave!
I had such a great experience in Tampa, but it was off to D.C.! I had the opportunity to attend the Washington Press Club Foundation’s 65th Annual Congressional Dinner. It was such a thrill to be with journalists and to mingle and pose for photographs with prominent politicians who are leaders in Washington. I even had the chance to speak with Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi! She is a lovely woman and I really look up to her as a successful and powerful individual who broke so many boundaries for women in politics.
From D.C. it was back to New York where I attended the world premiere of Touchstone Pictures’ and Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ Confessions of a Shopaholic at the Ziegfeld Theatre. It was so much fun to walk the red carpet amongst famous celebrities including the star of the movie, Isla Fisher. I’m still in shock at people’s reaction to me and I am so grateful for this experience …
The next week I made my first visit to the National Office in New Jersey. It was interesting to see all the behind the scenes details that I never even think about! And I loved seeing all of the beautiful portraits dating back to Miss America 1921 Margaret Gorman hanging on the walls- it was powerful to see my portrait now hanging amongst these great women that I personally admire so much.
That weekend after a bout with Bronchitis, I flew to Palm Beach, FL, where I was a guest of Zerosmoke at the 54th Annual Palm Beach Heart Ball, which supports the efforts of the American Heart Association. I was the surprise guest of honor at the event and spoke about my commitment to help people quit smoking. As the official spokesperson for Zerosmoke, I take this cause very seriously and want to help as many people as I can to kick the smoking habit.
While in Palm Beach, I had the great opportunity to sing the National Anthem at the International Polo Club. Before the match, I enjoyed a fabulous brunch with actor Tommy Lee Jones; International Polo Club President, John Goodman; America’s Most Wanted host, John Walsh; and Congressman Tom Rooney. I can’t believe I got to eat with these amazing and so totally different people! I never know who I am going to meet as Miss America… I can’t wait to see who I meet next!
Yesterday I attended the Leeza Gibbons Night to Make a Difference at Mr. Chow in L.A. as a special guest of “the hottest hairdresser in Hollywood” and 2009 Miss America Pageant judge, Ken Paves. The “party with a purpose” was being held by Leeza Gibbons and Olivia Newton John who have teamed up with music legend David Foster to bring awareness to their two charities, the Memory Foundation and the Cancer and Wellness Centre. The event was awesome and there were so many celebrities there! They applauded some of the celebrity philanthropists, honoring them as the evening’s Ambassadors of Change which included Laila Ali, Jessica Biel, Cindy Crawford, John Paul Dejoria, Fran Drescher, Hilary Duff, David Foster, Leeza Gibbons, Melissa Gilbert, Erin Gray, Tony Hawk, Slash & Perla Hudson, Larry King, Ali Landry, Mario Lopez, Daryl McDaniels, Olivia Newton-John, Holly Robinson & Rodney Peete, Dr. Phil & Robin McGraw, Jane Seymour, Amy Smart and many others. I’m so thankful to have been able to attend this event!
I’m currently in L.A. to help IHOP with National Pancake Day. I will be doing several media interviews to promote National Pancake Day including spots with Access Hollywood and EXTRA. Don’t forget to come into IHOP tomorrow from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. to get your free short stack of pancakes and donate to the Children’s Miracle Network!
Talk to you soon!
Katie
February 23rd, 2009
Dear Friends,
I am still in a whirlwind! Hearing my name called on Saturday night as your Miss America 2009 was like being in a dream…and when I woke up in New York, my dream was realized and I began my first day with no sleep. I immediately started off for interviews that were planned for Fox News Channel’s FOX & Friends with co-host, and our Miss America 1989, Gretchen Carlson. Then I was off to Live! with Regis and Kelly and then The Today Show with Kathie Lee and Hoda Kotb. And that was just the first three hours of being in New York City!
I still get a thrill when I am introduced as Miss America! My interviews and appearances have been amazing and I am getting to meet so many individuals who are legends in the news industry like Brian Williams, Charlie Gibson, Mika Brzezinski, Willie Geist, and so many others! It has been such a joy, especially since I have a tremendous love for the broadcast industry and hope to have a career in the industry in the future.
After three very full days of interviews in New York that even included radio stations from my home town, I was off to Tampa to participate in Taste of the NFL and experience the activities surrounding the Super Bowl. What a first week! When I arrived in Tampa, I was interviewed by EXTRA and Inside Edition and met some NFL players! I also met country super couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, music legend Bruce Springsteen, sports anchor Bob Costas, and last year’s Super Bowl MVP, Eli Manning. The events are fabulous and the weather is warm and sunny - a big change from the snow and ice that I left in New York.
I have already received so many wonderful calls and notes from all of you who are part of the Miss America family and I am blessed to have you and to have this job as Miss America 2009.
I’m having the time of my life! It still hasn’t really hit me yet that I am Miss America. Every time I say hello, I still wonder if it’s really me with the title. Thank you for your support and your love. I will keep you informed on my travels and my experiences on the road - so stay tuned, the journey has just begun!
Warmest wishes,
Katie
February 2nd, 2009
