For Kalyn Melham, the journey to the Miss America stage is about more than just glitz and glamour; it’s a mission driven by a dedication to service, a commitment to uplifting others and a love for her hometown. Melham is quick to try to dispel misconceptions about the organization.
“First and foremost, the Miss America organization is a scholarship program,” said Melham, who has both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ball State University. “It has helped many women like me pursue their dreams and fund their education. I’m very grateful it pushes us to grow academically.”
And gone are the days of walking across the stage in a bikini and 6-inch heels. Now, the Miss America organization partners with the American Heart Association on a national level, and focuses more on the importance of overall health and well-being.
Finding Her Passion
Melham’s affection for Muncie goes beyond a simple hometown connection. She appreciates Muncie for being a tight-knit community that has supported her, given her a platform to grow and allowed her to find her voice.
And what a voice that is. Melham has been involved in local theater for the last nine years and also takes voice lessons with a local coach. She plans to sing a track from the musical “Smash” for the talent portion of the upcoming competition.
“[The stage] is so moving; it’s like nothing else,” she said. “Muncie Civic Theatre has played a huge part in developing my skills. Growing up there and in their youth education program carried into the pageant world too, and became a perfect blend of all my passions.”
Commitment to Service
Her pride in Muncie is also evident in her commitment to giving back. As Miss Indiana, and even prior to obtaining that title, she has taken many opportunities to volunteer locally, engage with youth and support community initiatives that foster positive change. It was in Muncie that she started her nonprofit organization, Advocating For Change Through Theatre.
However, as she heads to the Miss America pageant, she plans to broaden the focus of her public outreach beyond the theater, positioning herself to make an even more significant impact by offering community outreach and acts of service.
Service is at the core of Melham’s identity. Throughout her reign as Miss Indiana, she has championed causes close to her heart. She has volunteered her time to promote literacy, organize events for children, teach yoga classes and engage in mentorship opportunities. She sees the title as a platform to elevate the voices of those who may not always be heard, advocating for issues that matter to her and her community. Representing Muncie on a national stage is a way to shine a light on the city that has been her anchor, and share her story.
“I want people to see Miss Indiana not just as a title, but as someone who genuinely cares and is here to make a difference,” she says.
Self-Confidence and Resilience
With the Miss America pageant fast approaching, Melham is amidst an intense preparation period, balancing daily routines, training and mental focus. She spends hours refining her talents, staying active, and keeping her mind sharp through mindfulness practices and self-care. Competing on a national stage comes with its pressures, but the experience has been as much about personal growth as it has been about preparing to win.
“Preparing for Miss America is about more than looking a certain way or hitting certain benchmarks,” she shared. “It’s about showing up as my true self, being confident in who I am and staying true to my values.”
Competing for Miss America wasn’t something she thought possible. In a local pageant in September 2023, she didn’t place in the top five. She’d been ready to put her pageant days behind her. However, nudges from the Muncie community prompted her to try once more, and she won the Miss Southern Heartland crown just one week later. Winning that pageant qualified her for the Miss Indiana pageant.
“There are days when it’s hard, when self-doubt creeps in,” she said. “But I remind myself that every challenge I face is an opportunity to learn, grow and get better.”
Dreams Beyond the Crown
While winning the Miss America crown would be a tremendous honor, her aspirations go far beyond the pageant stage. She envisions a future where she can continue her work in community service, advocating for the causes that matter most to her and inspiring others to pursue their dreams. Her big dream is to pursue acting on the grandest stage of all – Broadway.
“The Miss America experience, and everyone I’ve met along the way, has been incredible, but it’s just one part of my journey,” she said. “I want to continue making an impact, whether that’s through my career, volunteer work or simply being a positive influence in the lives of others. But I don’t really know what’s next, and that’s OK.”
Embracing Uniqueness
If there’s one message Melham wants to leave with young people, it’s the importance of self-acceptance and staying true to oneself. Growing up, she struggled with the same insecurities and doubts many young people face. She has learned to embrace her uniqueness. Her advice to those who dream of following in her footsteps is simple yet powerful – be authentic, be kind and be resilient.
“It’s so easy to compare yourself to others, especially with social media,” she said. “But the only person you should be competing with is yourself. Everyone has a unique story that only they can tell. Don’t try to fit into someone else’s mold. Your individuality is what makes you special. Own it, and don’t be afraid. Always be authentically you.”
