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“And the winner is ... Katie Stam!” 

Being chosen Miss America 2009 was a dream come true for Katie, who had been interested in everything Miss America since childhood. She fashioned “crowns” made from cereal boxes and paraded around the house pretending to strut down the runway! Katie’s mom, Tracy, stated, “For Katie, coming from a rural farming area, to be selected as Miss America is still incomprehensible. Katie helped with farm chores, was a 4-H member, and showed cattle at the county fair!”

Although “beauty,” in the sense of eye-appeal, is a part of the Miss America story, there is actually so much more to it. The Miss America experience includes scholarships, education, community service, and personal and professional growth, grounded in goals that enhance the lives of others. Rather than competing “against each other,” contestants compete “with each other,” thus making the experience a sisterhood event. Katie still carries that thought in her heart. “It is a powerful reframing of the experience that is relative to motherhood, the workplace, and friendship; we are doing this together.”

As a lifelong member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, Katie’s faith was grounded through attending Sunday School, Lutheran elementary school, and worship services. Tracy shared, “The constant rock that our family leans on ... is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” As she traveled around the country during 2009, Katie’s fiancé, Brian (now her husband), gifted her a travel Bible, and often they would pray and read devotions together via phone. “The Miss America organization respected my faith and said that if I was asked, I could share it. God created opportunities everywhere I went ... people would ask me in very public forums to share my faith. God made a way!”

The biblical story of Esther continues to guide Katie. “The part of Esther’s story that resonates with me is that she was called to her position of influence for a purpose. He has given us all opportunities to serve Him, and we are capable of doing great things if we are courageous enough to accept His calling.”

During her reign, Katie was part of the Children’s Miracle Network and numerous organizations supporting service men and women. Today, as a working mom of three pre-teen children, she volunteers with an organization advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected youth, has developed a 4-H scholarship program, and has written a devotional and a children’s book.

One of Katie’s guiding Bible verses is, “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is” (Psalm 39:4 NLT). She feels it is important to pause and reflect on the brevity and purpose of life. During the 17 years since serving as Miss America, Katie continues to share her faith and influence others to serve the Lord with the gifts God has given to them.

Here is a link to Katie’s story in the Fall 2010 edition of the Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly:      

LWQ Fall 2010 Katie Stam
 

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