IU sophomore Terrin Thomas expresses her excitement at being crowned Miss Indiana University 2013. Thomas, a singer whose platform is Volunteerism, also won the talent portion of the Feb. 17 competition at Willkie Auditorium.
Photo by Mark Felix

Sophomore Terrin Thomas, a journalism major from Auburn, Ind., bested eight contestants in the 2013 Miss Indiana University scholarship pageant Sunday evening to become the 2013 Miss Indiana University titleholder. Held at Willkie Auditorium, the pageant awarded over $3,500 in scholarships and prizes to pageant contestants.

In addition to earning the title of Miss IU, Thomas received a $1,500 scholarship courtesy of the IU Foundation.  And with Miss Indiana University serving as a preliminary for Miss Indiana and Miss America, Thomas has also been given the opportunity to compete for the title of Miss Indiana in Zionsville, Ind., the week of June 17-22.

Furthermore, during her year of service as Miss IU, Thomas will represent IU at various campus and community events, in addition to traveling throughout the state to advocate her platform issue. As the new titleholder Thomas received a $1,500 scholarship from the IU Foundation, a year of personal training from Hoosier Crossfit, a personal care package from Carmen Delgado’s Salon and Spa, a competition swimsuit and a $200 gown credit from Ashley Renés, plus a month’s Mega Membership from Total Tan. By winning the talent phase of competitionThomas earned an additional $250 scholarship, provided by the Bloomington American Legion Post 18.

In addition to developing a platform, each contestant was required to raise a minimum of $100 for Children’s Miracle Network, the official philanthropy of the Miss America Organization. Prior to competing in the pageant, the nine Miss IU contestants raised $1925 for Children’s Miracle Network.

Several other contestants received awards during the preliminary and final competitions, including first runner-up Erika Burghardt from Lafayette, Ind., ($1000), who also won the interview award ($250); second runner-up Mallory Essig from Indianapolis, Ind., ($500); Kiwanis One Can Make a Difference community service award winner Holly Heerdink ($250); People’s Choice winner Chelsea Smith (gift basket from the Chocolate Moose); and Congeniality winners Mallory Essig and Holly Heerdink (DVD double set of the Miss Congeniality movies).

This year’s pageant was made possible by generous grants from IUSA, RHA and the IU Foundation. Major sponsors from the Bloomington community include Hoosier Crossfit, Mary M’s/Walnut House Flowers, Bloomington Kiwanis, South Central Indiana Kiwanis, the Chocolate Moose, Carmen Delgado’s Salon and Spa, Total Tan, Penn Station, Nadia’s Bistro and Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio.

About Miss Indiana University Organization

The Miss Indiana University Organization celebrates the multitude of student talent and service on the diverse IU-Bloomington campus. Our scholarship pageant provides opportunities for articulate young women to be recognized for their accomplishments and to work toward personal goals.