And the New Miss Ball State University is…..

Megan Thwaites.  Congratulations to this extraordinary young lady who will vie for the title of Miss Indiana in June.

It was an awesome experience to participate as a judge in the Miss Ball State Pageant.  I was overwhelmed with nostalgia once I arrived on campus.  In fact, after the pageant I simply stood in Pruis Hall for a few minutes and took it all in.  I was crowned Miss Ball State on that same state 11 years ago.  It seams like yesterday. I can still remember the moment they called my name as the winner.  I was so excited and surprised!  It actually brings tears to my eyes.  I feel blessed to have so many awesome experiences in my life.  Each of them have changed me into the women that I am today.

Below are a pictures with two of my favorite people at Ball State University!

Jennifer and Carol Kosisko, The Director of the Miss Ball State Pageant

Jennifer with friend and mentor, Dr. Michael O’Hara. Dr. O’Hara is the Associate Dean of the College of Fine Arts at Ball State University

Meet the Newest Judge Of The Miss Ball State University Pageant

I am honored to say that I will be judging the Miss Ball State University Pageant on Saturday, January 19, 2013. The Miss America Organization has a special place in my heart because I am a former contestant.

I began my pageant career when I entered the Miss Ball State Pageant at the urging of friends. In 2002 I was crowned the winner out of 32 contestants. After graduation, I returned to my home state to compete in The Miss Ohio Scholarship Program was the recipient of the Miss Ohio Spirit Award and 4th runner up to Miss Ohio in 2004. I was also awarded the prestigious Miss America Community Service Award for my work raising awareness of dating violence on high school and college campuses in Ohio and Indiana. I’ve held three local titles, competed at the state level 3 times and earned thousands of dollars in scholarships, which I used as a student at Ball State and to pay off college loans after graduation.

I am a strong proponent for the Miss America Organization and the positive impact it has on the women who compete in the program.  For this reason I am honored to help choose the next Miss Ball State who will be vying for the title of Miss Indiana in June. It is also a special honor to serve the University that we love so much.  I am especially grateful the the director of the Miss Ball State pageant, Carol Kosisko, who invited me to judge the competition.  Carol was my first director and has remained a dear friend. The next Miss Ball State is very lucky to have such a kind, encouraging and supportive director on their side!

I’ll post the results on Sunday!

2002 Miss Ball State University Top 5