Q&A with Kalyn Melham: Miss Indiana, Muncie resident and Ball State grad

MUNCIE, Ind. — The summer of 2024 will likely prove to be among the most memorable in the life of Muncie resident Kalyn Melham.

On June 29, Melham was crowned Miss Indiana, a title that brought a $10,000 scholarship and will allow her to compete in the Miss America pageant in early 2025.

A few weeks after that, the Muncie resident earned her master's degree in information and communication sciences from Ball State University.

A few days before her graduation ceremony, Melham met with The Star Press on the BSU campus for an interview.

Q: Could you tell me a little about your background, where you went to high school, and where you're at in life right now?

A: I went to Yorktown High School. I graduated in 2019. And I went to Ball State University for my undergraduate studies in English and professional writing. And then I decided to go to grad school here at Ball State, and I'm currently pursuing my degree in information and communication sciences. And I graduate (on July 20), so we're closing out the academic journey for right now.

Q: What led to you participating in this year's Miss Indiana pageant?

A: I've actually been competing in pageants since 2019. That fall semester when I started as a student at Ball State, I did my first pageant in November to prepare for the Miss Ball State pageant (which is a qualifier to compete in the Miss Indiana pageant).

So I competed and it actually took me seven times before I got a title in the Miss America organization. I was the Delaware County Fair queen (in 2021). So I went to Miss Indiana for the first time last year and made Top 11 and had a lot of fun. I really wanted to try again. And I'm really glad that I did.

Q: How did it feel to be named Miss Indiana?

A: Very surreal. ... At that moment, I think I finally just allowed myself to feel everything. So not even just the excitement and joy of getting to serve as Miss Indiana, but also I'm exhausted and I finally get to just relax. ... I can just be.

(The days leading up to the pageant saw contestants engage in a number of community service activities.)

Q: What activities will you be participating in during your year as Miss Indiana?

A: My year is primarily using my service initiative, ACT: Advocating for Change Through Theatre. In 2019, before I even started pageants, I was in a play at Muncie Civic (Theatre) and we asked audience members to bring one can of food. We had over 200 pounds of food or Blood ‘n’ Fire Ministries. It's so easy. All we have to do is do our thing as theater performers but also ask them to bring snacks for Boys & Girls Clubs, or donations for Riley (Hospital for Children). There's so much that we can do, which is why I decided to take that route.

That's primarily what I'll do with my year, (and) continue to do theater, which is my passion, and then continue to fundraise. I haven't done a show in forever because of grad school, but I'm hoping to audition and be in one very soon.

Also throughout the year they have local pageants that qualify girls for Miss Indiana next year. And those have already started. I will go to every local one. Sometimes I emcee. Sometimes I sing. I just help out in any way I can to get the girls ready for next year.

Q: What are your long-term goals?

A: My biggest dream is to perform on a Broadway stage someday. Of course, I understand that's a hard dream to fulfill. I think that could happen with all of the amazing doors that could open from my time as Miss Indiana and potentially Miss America.

I feel like I've gained a lot of adaptable skills that could be (used) in any work setting. I would love to do any job that is centralized around community outreach. Right now, I'm enjoying the year as Miss Indiana. ... It's cool to bring attention to an organization that's so positive.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Q&A with Kalyn Melham: Miss Indiana, Muncie resident and Ball State grad