MISS INDIANA USA HISTORY AND HALL OF FAME

“Wearing the sash ignites a lifetime of confidence, resilience, and purpose that continues long after
the crown is placed..”

At last year’s pageant, former Miss Indiana USA® winners returned to welcome Sydney Shrewsbury, Miss INDIANA USA® 2025, into the legacy. Titleholders representing 2024, 2023, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 1998 were in attendance.

MISS INDIANA USA HISTORY

SPECIAL PLACEMENTS AT THE MISS USA PAGEANT:

1ST RUNNER-UP: Holli Dennis (1981)
2ND RUNNER-UP: Kelly Lloyd** (2002) • Elaine Richards (1966)
3RD RUNNER-UP: Alexis Lete (2020) • Jayme Buecher (1978)
SEMIFINALIST: Mekayla Diehl (2014) • Jillian Wunderlich (2011) • Brittany Mason (2008) • Tashina Kastigar** (2003) • Pratima Yarlagadda (1999) • Holly Roehl (1996) • Jo Berryman (1975) • Tessa Seay (1973) • Sue Ekamp (1962) • Cecilia Dennis (1954) • Virginia Johnson (1952)

DOUBLE STATE WINNERS - Indiana has had 11 MISS INDIANA USA winners who competed at both MISS USA and MISS TEEN USA. Of the 11 winners, nine of them also won the title of MISS INDIANA TEEN USA. There were two Miss Indiana USA winners that resided in a different state when they won their state Teen USA title.

Darrian Arch: Miss Indiana USA 2018 • Miss Indiana Teen USA 2013
Morgan Abel: Miss Indiana USA 2016 • Miss Indiana Teen USA 2008
Megan Myrehn: Miss Indiana USA 2012 • Miss Virginia Teen USA 2008
Jillian Wunderlich: Miss Indiana USA 2011 • Miss Florida Teen USA 2008
Courtni Hall: Miss Indiana USA 2009 • Miss Indiana Teen USA 2009
Jami Stallings: Miss Indiana USA 2007 • Miss Indiana Teen USA 2003
Tashina Kastigar: Miss Indiana USA 2003 • Miss Indiana Teen USA 1998
Kelly Lloyd: Miss Indiana USA 2002 • Miss Indiana Teen USA 1993
Sarah McClary: Miss Indiana USA 2001 • Miss Indiana Teen USA 1995
Nicole Llewellyn: Miss Indiana USA 1998 • Miss Indiana Teen USA 1992
Heather Hart: Miss Indiana USA 1996 • Miss Indiana Teen USA 1991

SPECIAL AWARDS won by Miss Indiana USA at the MISS USA Pageant:
Heather Gray (1992): Best State Costume
Gretchen Reece (2015): Miss Photogenic
Tate Elizabeth Fritchley (2019): Miss Congeniality

Three MISS INDIANA USA winners have competed at the Miss America Pageant; however, only two women have had the distinction of winning both Miss Indiana USA and Miss Indiana titles.
Haley Jordan Begay: Miss Indiana USA 2023 and Miss Indiana America 2017
Kelly Lloyd: Miss Indiana USA 2002 and Miss Indiana America 1999
Alecia Masalkoski: Miss Indiana USA 1987 and Miss Michigan America 1985

Two MISS INDIANA USA Winners were also crowned the MISS INDIANA STATE FAIR QUEEN:

Tate Elizabeth Fritchley: MISS INDIANA USA 2019 and Miss Indiana State Fair Queen 2017
Lisa Childress: MISS INDIANA USA 1974 and Miss Indiana State Fair Queen 1970

Miss Indiana USA® Titleholders

The title of Miss Indiana USA® has been held by many remarkable women who have represented their state with pride and grace at the national Miss USA competition. Several of Indiana's titleholders have advanced to become semifinalists, finalists, or special award winners at Miss USA, making them inspirations for future contestants. The legacy of Miss Indiana USA winners is marked by their continued contributions to their communities, personal successes, and the impact they have made in the world of pageantry and beyond.

In 2021, the state office introduced local USA titles to provide more contestants with the opportunity to compete, enhancing the pageant’s inclusivity and reach across the state. This new approach allowed contestants to represent specific regions, festivals, or communities within Indiana, such as Miss Southern Indiana USA, Miss Indianapolis USA, and Miss Pride of Indiana USA.

In 2023, the Miss Universe Organization made a groundbreaking change by lifting the age limit for contestants, allowing women of any age to compete.

The most significant change occurred in 2024, when all restrictions were lifted, allowing single, married, divorced women, mothers, and women without children to compete for the title. This historic decision further promoted inclusivity, making the pageant a platform for women from all walks of life to shine. Stephanie Sullivan, Miss Indiana USA 2024, for example, made history as the first mother to compete in Miss USA following these new rules.

These changes reflect the evolving nature of pageantry, allowing it to remain relevant and empowering for women across the world, and continue to inspire future contestants to chase their dreams, regardless of their circumstances.

RECENT MISS INDIANA USA WINNERS

  • SYDNEY SHREWBURY

    MISS INDIANA USA 2025

  • STEPHANIE SULLIVAN

    MISS INDIANA USA 2024

  • HALEY JORDAN

    MISS INDIANA USA 2023

  • SAMMY TONEY

    MISS INDIANA USA 2022

  • A'NIYAH BIRDSONG

    MISS INDIANA USA 2021

FORMER MISS INDIANA USA WINNERS

MISS INDIANA USA® 2025
Sydney Shrewsbury
Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana
Local Title: Miss Indianapolis USA

MISS INDIANA USA® 2024
Stephanie Sullivan
Hometown: Elkhart, Indiana
Local Title: Miss Elkhart County USA

MISS INDIANA USA® 2023
Haley Jordan Begay
Hometown: Pittsboro, Indiana
Local Title: Miss Central Indiana USA

MISS INDIANA USA® 2022
Samantha Paige Toney
Hometown: Greenwood, Indiana
Local Title: Miss Clarksville USA

MISS INDIANA USA® 2021
A'Niyah Monae Birdsong
Hometown: Anderson, Indiana
Local Title: Miss Anderson USA

MISS INDIANA USA® 2020
Alexis Nicole Lete
Hometown: New Albany, Indiana
Miss USA Placement: 3rd Runner-Up

MISS INDIANA USA® 2019
Tate Elizabeth Fritchley
Hometown: Evansville, Indiana
Miss USA Award: Miss Congeniality

MISS INDIANA USA® 2018
Darrian Rachel Arch
Hometown: Chesterton, Indiana
FORMER MISS INDIANA TEEN USA® 2013

MISS INDIANA USA® 2017
Brittany Winchester
Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 2016
Meryssa Morgan Abel
Hometown: North Vernon, Indiana
FORMER MISS INDIANA TEEN USA® 2008

MISS INDIANA USA® 2015
Gretchen S. Reece
Hometown: North Vernon, Indiana
Miss USA Award: Miss Photogenic

MISS INDIANA USA® 2014
Mekayla Fawn Diehl
Hometown: Bristol, Indiana
Miss USA Placement: Top 20

MISS INDIANA USA® 2013
Emily Hart
Hometown: Fort Wayne, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 2012
Megan Leigh Myrehn
Hometown: Carmel, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 2011
Jillian Leigh Wunderlich
Hometown: Kokomo, Indiana
Miss USA Placement: Top 16

MISS INDIANA USA® 2010
Allison Biehle
Hometown: North Vernon, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 2009
Courtni Shabana Hall
Hometown: Crawfordsville, Indiana
FORMER MISS INDIANA TEEN USA® 2004

MISS INDIANA USA® 2008
Brittany Mason
Hometown: Anderson, Indiana
Miss USA Placement: Top 10

MISS INDIANA USA® 2007
Jami Ann Stallings
Hometown: Newburgh, Indiana
FORMER MISS INDIANA TEEN USA® 2003

MISS INDIANA USA® 2006
Bridget Bobel
Hometown: Peru, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 2005
Kaitlyn Christopher
Hometown: Kokomo, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 2004
Stephanie Jean Keusch
Hometown: Jasper, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 2003
Tashina Brooke Kastigar
Hometown: West Terre Haute, Indiana
Miss USA Placement: Semi-Finalist
FORMER MISS INDIANA TEEN USA® 1998

MISS INDIANA USA® 2002
Kelleah Ann “Kelly” Lloyd
Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana
Miss USA Placement: 2nd Runner-Up
FORMER MISS INDIANA TEEN USA® 1993

MISS INDIANA USA® 2001
Sarah McClary
Hometown: Evansville, Indiana
FORMER MISS INDIANA TEEN USA® 1995

MISS INDIANA USA® 2000
Kristal Michelle Wile
Hometown: Anderson, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1999
Pratima Yarlagadda
Hometown: Shipshewana, Indiana
Miss USA Placement: Semi-Finalist

MISS INDIANA USA® 1998
Nicole Llewellyn
Hometown: Munster, Indiana
FORMER MISS INDIANA TEEN USA® 1992

MISS INDIANA USA® 1997
Tricia Carolyn Nosko
Hometown: Evansville, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1996
Holly Noelle Roehl
Hometown: Indiana
Miss USA Placement: Semi-Finalist

MISS INDIANA USA® 1995
Heather Michelle Hart
Hometown: Newburgh, Indiana
FORMER MISS INDIANA TEEN USA® 1991

MISS INDIANA USA® 1994
Kim Scull
Hometown: Clarksville, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1993
Lisa Renee Higgins
Hometown: South Bend, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1992
Heather Christine Gray
Hometown: Indiana
Miss USA Award: Best State Costume

MISS INDIANA USA® 1991
Cathi Bennett
Hometown: New Albany, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1990
Meri Lyn Buker
Hometown: Kokomo, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1989
Gwen Rachelle Volpe
Hometown: Griffith, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1988
Loetta Lynn Earnest
Hometown: East Chicago, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1987
Alecia Rae Masalkoski
Hometown: Bremen, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1986
Diane Andrysiak
Hometown: South Bend, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1985
Theresa Hobbs
Hometown: Wilmington, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1984
Susan Willardo
Hometown: Highland, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1983
Antoniette “Toni” Marie Yudt
Hometown: Portage, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1982
Sara Anne Binkley
Hometown: Greencastle, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1981
Holli Rene Dennis
Hometown: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Miss USA Placement: 1st Runner-Up

MISS INDIANA USA® 1980
Susan “Susie” Osby
Hometown: Hebron, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1979
Deborah Ann Hayes
Hometown: Kokomo, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1978
Jayme Buecher
Hometown: New Albany, Indiana
Miss USA Placement: 3rd Runner-Up
Miss USA Award: Best State Costume – 3rd Place

MISS INDIANA USA® 1977
Lynn Flaherty
Hometown: Nappanee, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1976
Annette Anderson
Hometown: Gary, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1975
Jo Ellen Berryman
Hometown: Kokomo, Indiana
Miss USA Placement: Semi-Finalist

MISS INDIANA USA® 1974
Lisa Gay Childress
Hometown: Spencer, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1973
Debbie Ausenbaugh
Hometown: Merrillville, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1972
Julie Jo Clifford
Hometown: Edwardsport, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1971
Debra Dee Downhour
Hometown: Cassville, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1970
Mary Ann McBride
Hometown: Michigan City, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1969
Linda Smith
Hometown: Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1968
Nikki Peck
Hometown: Hammond, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1967
Pamela Jo Talmadge
Hometown: Hammond, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1966
Elaine L. Richards
Hometown: Merrillville, Indiana
Miss USA Placement: 2nd Runner-Up

MISS INDIANA USA® 1965
Did Not Compete

MISS INDIANA USA® 1964
Charlene Kratochvil
Hometown: Kokomo, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1963
Vickie Little
Hometown: Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1962
Sue Ekamp
Hometown: Mishawaka, Indiana
Miss USA Placement: Semi-Finalist

MISS INDIANA USA® 1961
Janice Kay Oliver
Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1960
June Cochran
Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1959
Anita Watkins
Hometown: Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1958
Shirley Ann Ball
Hometown: Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1957
Patricia “Pat” Dorsett
Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1956
Beverly Mattox
Hometown: Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1955
Mary Ann Wasick
Hometown: Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1954
Cecilia Ann Dennis
Hometown: Milan, Indiana
Miss USA Placement: Semi-Finalist

MISS INDIANA USA® 1953
Edith Mae Krumme
Hometown: Seymour, Indiana

MISS INDIANA USA® 1952
Virginia Ann Johnson
Hometown: Indiana
Miss USA Placement: Semi-Finalist