Meet IU’s Newest Royalty: Jaclyn Fenwick

Jaclyn Fenwick, a blonde-haired, blue-eyed beauty from Vincennes, Indiana is a senior studying Public Relations and Psychology with a 3.95 grade point average.

Jaclyn started participating in the Miss America program when she was 17. Not only did she have a love for performing, she enjoyed participating in philanthropic activities in her community.  The Miss American Organization gave Jaclyn a place to perform and give back to her personal platform, “Broken Homes: Don’t Let Them Break You.” 

The first year Jaclyn competed as a teen, she placed top five at the state-level.  She returned to the pageant world at 21 after taking a few years off. 

On her twenty-first birthday she on her first local title as Miss Crossroads to America 2009.  The following year she won her hometown title, Miss Northwest Territory 2010. 

Each day Jaclyn prepares for pageants. She watches the news, keeps up on current events,practices interview with her family and friends, and works out five times a week.

Even with all of her practice, she can’t always seem to shake off her nerves. She considers waiting for her interviews to begin to be torturous. And although talent is her favorite portion of the pageant, it is also one of the most nerve-racking parts (she sings as her talent). She explains that although one can practice and practice, sometimes nerves get the best of you. 

Jaclyn’s family and friends are her good luck charms.  They give her the strength to get on stage each time and do her best.  She also sings Amazing Grace and says a prayer as a ritual before each pageant. 
 
When her name was called as the new Miss IU, Jaclyn says she was in “utter shock.”  Although she knew she would do a great job as Miss IU, she says that other girls would have done a great job as well. 

Even though she has held her new title for a few days now, she is still on cloud nine. She was sad that her mom and brother missed her pageant (the first one they ever missed), but she knew they had been rooting and praying for her all day. 

As Miss IU, Jaclyn hopes to educate other people about the Miss America Organization.  She also wants students to get involved in her platform. Jaclyn wants to get involved with different organizations and events on campus, and hopes to be able to sing the national anthem at a football or basketball game.

She is proud that she is able to represent IU at the Miss Indiana pageant in June. To prepare for the pageant she will continue to work on her interview skills and work with a personal trainer to stay physically fit.  She will also work on her talent as she searches for the perfect song to sing. 

By succeeding in the Miss IU and Miss Indiana program, Jaclyn has been given the opportunity to succeed in more than just one area. “I’ve learned to view my weaknesses as opportunities rather than failures—always allowing for self-improvement,” Jaclyn says. “I have been able to gain valuable skills and traits that will allow me to be a strong, talented, and independent individual who is ready to live out her dreams and career ambitions. As Jaclyn Fenwick, I can make a difference one person at a time—as Miss IU, I can impact large groups at one time.” 

Don’t forget to cheer Jaclyn on at the Miss Indiana pageant on June 22-25 in Zionsville, Indiana.