USI student competes for Miss Indiana crown
June 12, 2019
Callie Cessna '21, social work, is spending part of her summer break competing for the title of Miss Indiana. The Bridgeport, Illinois, native, who has called Evansville home the past two years while attending USI, qualified for the Miss Indiana Scholarship Pageant by earning the title of Miss Northwest Territory in the fall.
Cessna, a member of USI's Alpha Sigma Tau sorority, will compete in the interview, onstage interview, evening gown and talent portions of the competition Wednesday, June 12 through Friday, June 14, in Zionsville, Indiana. She plans to sing "Hallelujah" in the talent competition. "The week so far has been the most crazy, wonderful and exhausting experience," Cessna said. "When I first started getting involved with the Miss America Organization, I knew it would lead to scholarships and other opportunities. What I didn't know was the connections that I would make in this true sisterhood of women. We are doctors, lawyers and social activities. But more importantly, we are women supporting women."
In addition to her involvement in Alpha Sigma Tau, Cessna has served as the Newman/Governor Area Council president at USI, worked at the Technology Commercialization Academy and been Kappa Alpha Order's Southern Belle. She also volunteers when possible.
Cessna hopes to secure a place in the top 10 during the Miss Indiana finale Saturday, June 15. She could also earn an 11th semi-finalist spot designated for the competition's People's Choice winner. This contestant will be determined by online votes received through June 13.
The winner of the Miss Indiana Scholarship Pageant will be crowned Saturday, June 15, and will advance to compete in the Miss America Competition.
"My favorite thing about the week is spending time with my Miss Indiana sisters," Cessna said. "I have no idea how I'm going to leave them on Sunday."