Las Vegas ? Katie Stam of Indiana was crowned Miss America on Saturday night, fighting off a throat infection, laryngitis and 51 other contestants to win the 88-year-old pageant.

The 22-year-old University of Indianapolis student became the first Miss America winner from the Hoosier State. She drew loud applause for her rendition of “Via Dolorosa” during the talent portion of the beauty pageant at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.

The Seymour native also strutted onstage in a black bikini and an off-the-shoulder, white lace evening gown. During the interview portion of the competition she decried the use of performance-enhancing drugs among professional athletes and discussed the definition of glamour.

Stam won a $50,000 scholarship and hopes to obtain a bachelor’s degree in communications and become a television news anchor.