Good morning from Miss Indiana! 
 
Brandy has been busy since she arrived in Zionsville on Sunday.  Yesterday the women visited Riley Hospital for Children.  Riley is a part of the Children’s Miracle Network of hospitals and is one of the partners of the Miss America Organization.  It was a great experience for Brandy, especially since she is pursuing a career in medicine.  The women had dinner with the local Lions Club members.  This organization is one of the lead sponsors of the scholarships provided to the contestants.
 
Today has been a long one for the contestants, local directors, Miss Indiana Board and all of the many volunteers.  The day was full of rehearsals, a women’s empowerment luncheon and then a full dress rehearsal for all 3 nights of preliminary competition.  We spent 6.5 hours listening to talent pieces, watching women walk the stage in healthy lifestyle and evening gown.  Although tiring, it was amazing to see all of the hard work the contestants have been doing over the past few months in preparation of Miss Indiana Week.
 
This morning around 9 a.m. Brandy had her 10-minute private interview with the judges.  The panel of judges range from a past Miss America, to community agency advocate, to a musician to a local pageant director.  Brandy has done well in her practice interviews - a special shout out to all those individuals who helped with those.
 
We have four Sycamores competing this week.  It was happenstance that they were all assigned spots close to each other in the dressing room back stage.  That has been a true blessing in that they can lean on each other for assistance or a pep talk when needed.

This evening Brandy competes in Healthy Lifestyle and Evening Gown. As with all of the contestants – they just want to start the competition part of the week!   

We would encourage you to follow the Miss Indiana social media pages and website as there will be lots of photos and information posted.  We will also be posting on the Miss ISU website and Facebook page.   http://missindiana.org/public_html/index.php/state-competition/
 
Thank you for your continued support of Brandy and the Miss Indiana State University Program.  Keep sending her those positive thoughts, texts, emails, etc. they help!!!
 
In the Sycamore Spirit~
Freda and the Miss ISU Board of Directors

​Good evening from Zionsville!  Competition Day #1 is in the books for Brandy and the other contestants.
 
Today Brandy was up early preparing for her 10-minute private interview with the judges.  Overall, she felt good about the conversation.
 
This afternoon some of the contestants spent time at the Boys and Girls Club here in Zionsville.  They hung out with the kiddos and it was a nice stress reliever.
 
Tonight on stage the Mu Group – which is what group Brandy and two other Sycamores are a part of competed in Fitness and Healthy Lifestyle and Evening Gown.  Brandy was poised and looked stunning in her gown.  She has been really showing off her love of earrings this week.  I think it is an obsession! 
 
Kaytlynn Eberly, a doctoral student in Occupational Therapy, provided wellness workshops during the year to anyone that had competed in the Miss Indiana program.  Brandy attended one of the workshops and found it to be very helpful.  https://ebekj3.wixsite.com/balance2bewel
 
The contestants had the opportunity to apply for a $200 scholarship that was provided by Kaytlynn.  They had to submit a piece of wellness related artwork and provide a note on its relevance.  In addition, they had to write a summary of their wellness story or an experience in their life that challenged your wellness.  Brandy’s artwork and essay were selected – she received the scholarship!  YAY!
 
It was great to have so many friends, ISU supporters and family members in the audience cheering for her.  Thank you!
 
It is another early wakeup on Thursday!  We will update again tomorrow evening’s competition.  Brandy will be doing her talent piece.
 
Keep following the Miss ISU Facebook page for additional photos.
 
In the Sycamore Spirit~
Freda and the Miss ISU Board of Directors

Sunday was a busy day for Brandy as she moved into the Performing Arts Center and hotel.  Her roommate is great - she is Miss South Bend. Brandy is definitely ready for Miss Indiana week to get started! There was an opening reception for all of the contestants at the Golf Club of Indiana (fantastic place if you live near Zionsville). 

We were excited that Brandy received a scholarship for being Runner-Up for the Hoosier Memorial Leadership Award.  Great way to start the week (see picture above!). 

Thanks for your support of Brandy and the Miss ISU program.

In the Sycamore Spirit, 
Freda and the Miss ISU Board of Directors