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THE PAGEANTRY INTERVIEW

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Dreaming Katie Stam’s time as Miss America is coming to an end, but the dream she once had as a three-year old is fueling her to inspire the dreams of many others

Less than a year ago, Katie Stam was a 22-year old student at the University of Indianapolis trying to fulfill a dream she carried since she was a three-year old girl tending to dairy cattle on her family’s farm. On January 24, 2009, Katie’s dream came true and she became a household name as she was crowned Miss America in front of a massive television audience with the backdrop of the Las Vegas lights.

As she prepares to crown her successor in January, Katie is still overwhelmed by the fruition of her dream and the impact of her reign, not only on the thousands of lives she has personally affected, but also on herself. While she looks forward to heading home for some quality time with her family and friends, as well as heading back to school, Katie shares her fond memories of this past year, her ambitions for life, and some words of wisdom for her successor.

was a little girl. I hope everyone has a chance to feel it.

PM: Your parents—have you had a chance to talk to them about what they thought and how they felt when they realized, “Our Katie is Miss America”? KS: I don’t know if they still get it. Every once in a while I think it still hits us all, because once you get the title you’re off and running for an entire year. By the time that you finally get to wind down and settle in a bit, and really think about what you’ve done — it’s already over. They were the same as me, just pure joy and it’s still hitting them, little by little, every single day.

and say that you did it and it was the best year of your life.

Pageantry magazine: Let’s revisit your winning night. When you first heard that you had won—that you were the new Miss America—what was your first thought? Katie Stam: People ask me that all the time — what was I thinking — and I don’t remember what I was thinking but I remember what I was feeling. Just imagine every positive emotion rushing through your body all at once, just pure adrenaline. It honestly is the moment that your dreams come true in every essence of the word. This was something I wanted to do since I

PM: We’ve spoken with many of your predecessors over the years, and we always talk about the extended travel and how much time you actually spend on the road. How much do you spend on the road and how much time do you get to spend with your family? KS: I have been gone ever since January 15, which was the day I left for the pageant. I had a couple days over Easter and two days at Thanksgiving, and then some time off at Christmas. But other than that, I have been on the road every single day. This job is more than a full-time job. You work seven days a week, and you don’t get sick days. You get very little vacation, but you only have one year to do it. You need to cherish that one year. You’ll be overworked and exhausted, but you can look back on it

PM: With all of your travel experience and not having very much time off, what one travel experience stands out in your mind?

KS: As far as travel experiences, I’d have to say my trip overseas to Germany to visit with our military. It was the very first time I had ever been out of the country, period. But as far as experiences in general — picking a favorite — it’s hard to choose just one, because everything is so different, wonderful, and unique in its own way. But going to Germany, such a historical place and where all of my ancestors are from, it was just such an amazing experience. I can’t wait to go back some day.

 

PM: And, of course, with going over to visit the troops, how was your reception from them?

KS: Amazing. They are just so welcoming to you, because you took a moment to come see them. They just want people to appreciate them. They don’t want somebody to have sympathy for them for what they’re going through. They don’t want somebody to say they’re sorry for what they