Miss Indiana Jackie Jerlecki of Goshen competed last week in the prestigious Miss America Scholarship Pageant in Las Vegas. She was one of 53 contestants. The pageant was broadcast nationally on ABC Saturday night following several days of preliminary competitions.
In the end, Jerlecki was not included in the Top 15 constants, which is essentially the first cut of the competition. Miss Wisconsin Laura Kaeppeler was eventually named Miss America and we would certainly like to congratulate her.
We would also like to take a second to congratulate and thank Jerlecki for her fine effort and for representing our community with class and dignity. More than 10,000 young women across the country participate in the Miss America program starting with county and regional pageants. Jerlecki, for instance, was Miss Duneland before winning the crown of Miss Indiana last summer. To be one of the top 53 finalists for Miss America, in Jerlecki’s words, “is truly humbling.”
Not to mention truly amazing.
The 23-year-old Goshen High School and Bowling Green State University graduate will now concentrate on fulfilling her year-long duties as the reigning Miss Indiana. On June 23 she will pass her title onto the next Miss Indiana and there’s a chance that could be another Goshenite – Miss Elkhart County Emily Kolbus, 23, who is a graduate of Goshen High School and the University of Notre Dame.
Regardless who is the next Miss Indiana, we continue to be so proud of the current Miss Indiana. We should also like to thank Jerlecki’s parents, Natalie and Matt, for going above and beyond in communicating with The Goshen News during the week-long Miss America Pageant activities in Las Vegas. This was not only a great accomplishment for Jackie, but for the entire community.
Way to go, Jackie. You did great and we couldn’t be prouder.
Opinion
Related Photos
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Miss Indiana Jackie Jerlecki models her evening gown during a Miss America Pageant preliminary round. Miss America Pageant
Jackie Jerlecki’s run a high mark for our community
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