Lancaster
Two contestants from Columbus will be competing in Miss Indiana and Miss Indiana’s Teen next week.
In the running for Miss Indiana is Saylor Lancaster. Lancaster currently holds the title of Miss Hoosier Heritage.
Lancaster’s platform issue is C.A.R.E For Kids (Cancer Awareness, Research, and Education). Lancaster is also involved in Riley Dance Marathon, which raises money for Riley Hospital. Lancaster’s inspiration for selecting this issue is her brother, who was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 10.
“I aim to spread awareness through my community,” said Lancaster. Lancaster’s talent is playing piano, which she has been doing for 16 years, taught by her grandma.
“It’s a pretty special thing,” she said.
Lancaster is looking forward to meeting other contestants in the running for Miss Indiana, and is very happy to be representing Columbus. “It’s a huge honor, I love Columbus,” said Lancaster.
“I love the people, the town, the history,” she said.
Bethany Lewis, currently Miss Heart of Indiana’s Teen, is the hopeful for the Miss Indiana’s Teen title.
“I’m looking forward to meeting all of the girls,” said Lewis.
Lewis’s platform issue is Upcycle It, where she encourages upcycling, the process of making something new out of something old. Upcycling targets waste, and is a way to reduce it. Lewis uses this issue to inspire kids to upcycle and be creative.
Lewis’s talent is a gymnastics routine. She has participated in gymnastics for nine years.
In addition to meeting the other girls contending, Lewis is excited to represent Columbus. She said that pageants aren’t super common in the area, making her experience pretty unique.
“It’s cool to be a representative, for not just Columbus, but for all the people that don’t get the opportunity to go,” she said.
Miss Indiana week begins on Monday. The finals take place on Saturday, June 29 in Zionsville.
