Indiana State University Newsroom

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - Indiana State University student Carolyne Holcomb, a junior communications major from Terre Haute, will take her "A" game to Zionsville Sunday to compete for the Miss Indiana crown.

The daughter of Carolyn and Dennis Glossop and Vic Holcomb, she earned the title of Miss ISU in October.

"This is actually my second title," Holcomb said. "The first title I won was Miss Crossroads 2008."

The graduate of Terre Haute South Vigo High School competed three times before winning her first title, finishing as a talent preliminary winner and third runner-up to Erica Eisenhut in Miss ISU 2008 and second runner-up in Miss Crossroads 2007.

Competing in pageants has been a rewarding experience for the Terre Haute native. The interviewing process for pageant competitions has helped her in preparing for job interviews while other aspects of the competition have taught her poise and how to be comfortable in her own skin.

"It teaches you your own self-worth," she said. "Your self-confidence is bolstered."

While preparing to compete for the second time for the title of Miss Indiana, Holcomb has raised money for the Children's Miracle Network, encouraged people to volunteer in their communities, participated in the Corvette Club's Spring Fling and volunteered at Special Olympics Indiana events.

Specializing in public relations and pursuing a dance minor, Holcomb is involved with the University Honors Program, co-coach of the South High School dance team, and a Universal Dance Association instructor. She is currently working in Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's Office of Annual Giving.

"Carolyne has done a wonderful job representing ISU at events all year long," said Al Perone, associate dean of students at Indiana State. ‘She will represent Indiana State well at Miss Indiana."

Her platform, advocating volunteerism through G.I.V.E. (Get Involved and Volunteer Everyday) was inspired by her mother, who encouraged her to "be nice to someone today" as a young child.

"My platform is about giving and inspiring others to Get Involved and Volunteer Everyday," she said. "I advocate volunteerism and inspire young children to G.I.V.E just as my mother did for me so that they might grow to become passionate about volunteerism, just as I am today."

In the midst of all the activity, Holcomb has one goal for the Miss Indiana competition.

"I'd be thrilled to win, but I definitely want to make the top 10," she said.

The Miss Indiana Scholarship Pageant will take place June 21-27 at the Zionsville Community Schools Performing Arts Center in Zionsville. Holcomb will compete against 27 other women in interview, fitness, talent and evening gown competitions.

For more about the Miss Indiana competition, visit www.missindianapageant.com . For more information about the Miss ISU competition, go to http://web.indstate.edu/sao/missisu.htm .

2009 Miss Indiana Pageant Schedule

Sunday, June 21
3 p.m. - Opening Reception featuring guest speaker, Sam Haskell. Book signing to follow.

Wednesday, June 24
Preliminary Competition, 7 p.m. at the Zionsville Performing Arts Center

Thursday, June 25
Preliminary Competition, 7 p.m .at the Zionsville Performing Arts Center

Saturday, June 27
Miss Indiana Parade, noon, downtown Zionsville
Autograph signing, 1-2 p.m. at various Zionsville merchants
Miss Indiana Finals, 7 p.m. at the Zionsville Performing Arts Center

-30-

Contact: Freda Luers, Associate Director, Student Activities and Organizations, 812.237.3852 or fluers@indstate.edu

Writer: Paula Meyer, ISU Communications & Marketing, 812.237.3783 or pmeyer4@isugw.indstate.edu