Miss Indiana Katie Stam has been crowned Miss America 2009 and will be on a year-long national speaking tour.

What does Miss America do after she is selected?
After Miss America is selected she embarks on a year-long national speaking tour. As a national spokesperson and advocate, Miss America travels approximately 20,000 miles a month, to a different city every other day, addressing diverse audiences, increasing awareness and promoting her chosen platform. (source)

The 22 year old communications major from University of Indianapolis also won Tuesday night’s swimsuit preliminary round in the 87th annual competition, hosted by Mario Lopez.

The Seymour native drew loud applause for her rendition of “Via Dolorosa” during the talent portion of the pageant at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.

Stam took home a $50,000 scholarship and will be embarking on a year of travel and public appearances. She hopes of becoming a television news anchor.

The first runner-up was Miss Georgia Chasity Hardman, who took home a $25,000 scholarship.

The 52 women competed in blue jeans, bikinis and gowns following a mini-reality series on pageant prep work and a week of preliminary competition.