Erica Gelhaus

Senior Vocal Performance major with a minor in Arts Administration

Take it to the crown: After three years of competing in the Miss Ohio Scholarship pageant to earn money to pay for her college education, Erica was crowned Miss Ohio 2009 on June 20. Now, she is sharing her life passions with people all across the state of Ohio as a speaker, entertainer and role model. She is also promoting the importance of her platform, "Turning the Page for Children's Literacy."

"I really wish to spread the importance of children's literacy across the state to all ages because I truly believe reading is the foundation for all learning, and it is so important to help a child build their reading skills to a proficient level while they are still young to enhance all their learning for the duration of their lives," Erica said.

And she is doing just that. Erica was given the opportunity to speak to the Ohio House of Representatives and State Senate about the importance of keeping library funds in the budget prior to the budget bill's passing in July 2009. Erica has spoken to elementary and middle school students about the importance of volunteering and literacy, and has also helped organize a fundraiser to raise money for the Reach Out and Read Program and 2nd and 7 Foundation. She continues to volunteer with the Reach Out and Read Program and serves on its State and Central Ohio Advisory Boards.

As Miss Ohio, Erica helped organize a blood drive at which she made her first blood donation. She performed with the Lima Symphony Orchestra, which "was a dream come true for me because of my vocal performance major. I aspire to be a professional opera singer," she said. She has also attended many fairs and festivals across the State of Ohio and attended both the 2009 Republican and Democrat fundraisers.

"I am learning so much as Miss Ohio through all the people I am able to meet each day. I am gaining so many new perspectives on life because of the stories they share with me," she said.

Take it with you: Erica's future goals include finishing her Otterbein degree and pursuing a master's degree and doctorate in vocal performance. "I would love to be able to perform professionally as an opera singer and eventually teach music at the collegiate level to pass the gift on to others," she said.

Tune in January 30, 2010 at 8 p.m. on TLC to watch Erica compete for the Miss America pageant crown.