Katherine Putnam
Miss Louisiana 2009 (3rd runner up @ Miss America 2010)
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss Shreveport pageant?
Dr. Ed Johnson (Shreveport's local E.D.) and I have laughed about the countless times he attempted to recruit me for the Miss Shreveport Pageant. As the title is one of the most sought-after and prestigious in Louisiana, I’m sure that he along with many others (especially my parents) thought I was completely crazy for turning him down every single time! But there was a reason I waited for four years to compete. I spent much of my childhood the Shreveport area, and from the time I was a young girl I knew that to possess the title of Miss Shreveport was a very special honor. I made the decision that before I even thought about competing, I had to be certain that I was prepared for the responsibilities of such a wonderful and coveted position. Thank goodness Dr. Ed did not give up on me! I said a prayer, took a deep breath, called him and said, “OK! Sign me up!” When I was crowned Miss Shreveport, my dreams came true and my journey to become Miss Louisiana continued on. I knew that whatever was ahead of me, I would pour my entire heart, body, mind and soul into preparing for Miss Louisiana.
Tell us about your platform, "The Miracle of Music".
“The Miracle of Music” is a program I developed to campaign for and implement music therapy and music appreciation within the academic arena. I have experienced the benefits of both at a young age, and throughout my life I have developed not only a true appreciation for the arts, but also a desire to impact children’s lives through music. Music therapy increases a child’s self-awareness, confidence, coping skills, and social behavior. Music appreciation enables students to experience culture, creativity, and self-expression in educational settings.
The Miracle of Music is based upon my life experiences and the lessons I have learned as a musician. The message is to have a positive attitude; have courage to believe in a dream; be willing to work hard and focus on goals; make good choices; and build a strong support team to help you reach your goals. I am the oldest of six children, therefore every moment I was given to speak into the life of a child was very special to me, because I felt as though I was pouring into the lives of my own younger brothers and sisters. I have been impacted by the lives of children I’ve encountered through the Children’s Miracle Network, who teach me how something as simple as singing a song can bring relief and hope to those who are hurting. I have witnessed firsthand how music has the power to heal, both physically and emotionally. The lessons music has taught me through my family’s ministry, as an artist, a minister, and as Miss Louisiana have spoken to my heart in a tremendous way and I want to share this gift with others.
When did you start playing the piano and how did you start playing?
One of my earliest memories is sneaking into our family’s living room to hide behind the couch and listen as my mother taught piano lessons. I must have been three or four years old. When her students would leave, I would immediately run to the piano to start plunking out my “masterpieces,” confident I sounded like Liberace! Thus began my very own piano lessons with my mom. As a child, music was the core of my upbringing. Whether we were singing together as a family in nursing homes, visiting members of our congregation in hospitals, or simply gathering around the piano singing our favorite songs, I learned from my parents’ example to never underestimate the power of one person to make a difference in the lives of others. As an artist, music has taught me the meaning of persistence, the value of hard work, discipline, and the importance of self-expression through performance. Finally, being a minister of music and a teacher has taught me the importance of servant leadership, the flexibility to adapt to any and all situations, the power of communication, and most of all has given me the desire to achieve excellence in every facet of life.
What was going through your head when you were announced as the 3rd runner up at Miss America?
It is extremely difficult to put a feeling like that into words! The entire experience still feels like a dream. When placed in such a fast paced environment, everything happens so quickly that one doesn’t have time to think! The rush of performing on the Miss America stage for an audience of millions was an experience I will never forget. There was so much chaos and excitement surrounding me. And then suddenly, everything stopped spinning and I felt such an incredible sense of peace. I was completely in the moment and all I could visualize in my mind were the years of preparation that had brought me to the Miss America stage. It was like watching my life flash before my eyes. I saw my family, I remembered the hours I had spent at the piano, and I pictured the faces of those who had supported me through the years. The memory I will always treasure the most is seeing the expressions on my parents' faces as I looked into the crowd. Feeling their love and support was all I needed, and I knew in my heart that whatever happened next, it was going to be okay because my life was in God's hands. I am blessed to have represented the state that I love and to have been supported by so many magnificent people.
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss Louisiana?
A plethora of memories to choose from! I’ve narrowed it down to my top faves:
1. During Miss America week the contestants and I participated in a CMN IHOP pancake breakfast, where I discovered that when it comes to pancake flipping, it’s best to just take the spatula out of my hand. In front of all the cameras, contestants, and press, I decided to be a genius and try something fancy. I flipped my pancake into the air, and it then it landed......in Miss Nevada’s CROWN! We were instantly friends for life.
2. The absolute highlight of my week was watching the New Orleans Saints beat the Vikings at the Pole Position Raceway event, and later taking pictures with Miss Indiana, my super bowl “rival.” The greatest surprise for us both was that we had the opportunity to be photographed together with the official game ball for Superbowl XLIV! Dat!?
3. I was invited to be a guest on a “Cruise for a Cause” on behalf of a very special organization called Angel Ministries out of Monroe, Louisiana. I met the love of my life the second day at sea.
4. On a serious note, this journey is so much more than what can be seen with your eyes. It was a very special year of ministry for me, a cross that’s truly one of a kind. This calling is about faith, strength of heart, and most of all about the opportunity to inspire hope into the lives of others. My heart’s desire from the day I was crowned was to carry the legacy of love from all those who have gone before me. The individuals I met through the Children’s Miracle Network forever changed my life. I witnessed first hand the services and emotional support that the CMN offers to patients and their families in time of need. My life was enriched by the outpouring of love I experienced from this incredible organization. I am extremely fortunate to have served as ambassador for such a special ministry.
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Louisiana ended?
I graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe with my bachelor’s degree in piano performance and have plans to obtain my masters degree in music. After serving as Music Director and Pianist for First United Methodist Church in Monroe, Louisiana for six years, I moved to the New Orleans area to go into education. I had the opportunity to continue work with my platform, "The Miracle of Music," as a piano and voice instructor for nearly forty private students at Northlake Academy of Music in Mandeville, Louisiana. This past June, I became Mrs. Matias Colombo when I married the love of my life! We have recently moved to Richmond, VA, and are so excited to begin our new life together.
Dr. Ed Johnson (Shreveport's local E.D.) and I have laughed about the countless times he attempted to recruit me for the Miss Shreveport Pageant. As the title is one of the most sought-after and prestigious in Louisiana, I’m sure that he along with many others (especially my parents) thought I was completely crazy for turning him down every single time! But there was a reason I waited for four years to compete. I spent much of my childhood the Shreveport area, and from the time I was a young girl I knew that to possess the title of Miss Shreveport was a very special honor. I made the decision that before I even thought about competing, I had to be certain that I was prepared for the responsibilities of such a wonderful and coveted position. Thank goodness Dr. Ed did not give up on me! I said a prayer, took a deep breath, called him and said, “OK! Sign me up!” When I was crowned Miss Shreveport, my dreams came true and my journey to become Miss Louisiana continued on. I knew that whatever was ahead of me, I would pour my entire heart, body, mind and soul into preparing for Miss Louisiana.
Tell us about your platform, "The Miracle of Music".
“The Miracle of Music” is a program I developed to campaign for and implement music therapy and music appreciation within the academic arena. I have experienced the benefits of both at a young age, and throughout my life I have developed not only a true appreciation for the arts, but also a desire to impact children’s lives through music. Music therapy increases a child’s self-awareness, confidence, coping skills, and social behavior. Music appreciation enables students to experience culture, creativity, and self-expression in educational settings.
The Miracle of Music is based upon my life experiences and the lessons I have learned as a musician. The message is to have a positive attitude; have courage to believe in a dream; be willing to work hard and focus on goals; make good choices; and build a strong support team to help you reach your goals. I am the oldest of six children, therefore every moment I was given to speak into the life of a child was very special to me, because I felt as though I was pouring into the lives of my own younger brothers and sisters. I have been impacted by the lives of children I’ve encountered through the Children’s Miracle Network, who teach me how something as simple as singing a song can bring relief and hope to those who are hurting. I have witnessed firsthand how music has the power to heal, both physically and emotionally. The lessons music has taught me through my family’s ministry, as an artist, a minister, and as Miss Louisiana have spoken to my heart in a tremendous way and I want to share this gift with others.
When did you start playing the piano and how did you start playing?
One of my earliest memories is sneaking into our family’s living room to hide behind the couch and listen as my mother taught piano lessons. I must have been three or four years old. When her students would leave, I would immediately run to the piano to start plunking out my “masterpieces,” confident I sounded like Liberace! Thus began my very own piano lessons with my mom. As a child, music was the core of my upbringing. Whether we were singing together as a family in nursing homes, visiting members of our congregation in hospitals, or simply gathering around the piano singing our favorite songs, I learned from my parents’ example to never underestimate the power of one person to make a difference in the lives of others. As an artist, music has taught me the meaning of persistence, the value of hard work, discipline, and the importance of self-expression through performance. Finally, being a minister of music and a teacher has taught me the importance of servant leadership, the flexibility to adapt to any and all situations, the power of communication, and most of all has given me the desire to achieve excellence in every facet of life.
What was going through your head when you were announced as the 3rd runner up at Miss America?
It is extremely difficult to put a feeling like that into words! The entire experience still feels like a dream. When placed in such a fast paced environment, everything happens so quickly that one doesn’t have time to think! The rush of performing on the Miss America stage for an audience of millions was an experience I will never forget. There was so much chaos and excitement surrounding me. And then suddenly, everything stopped spinning and I felt such an incredible sense of peace. I was completely in the moment and all I could visualize in my mind were the years of preparation that had brought me to the Miss America stage. It was like watching my life flash before my eyes. I saw my family, I remembered the hours I had spent at the piano, and I pictured the faces of those who had supported me through the years. The memory I will always treasure the most is seeing the expressions on my parents' faces as I looked into the crowd. Feeling their love and support was all I needed, and I knew in my heart that whatever happened next, it was going to be okay because my life was in God's hands. I am blessed to have represented the state that I love and to have been supported by so many magnificent people.
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss Louisiana?
A plethora of memories to choose from! I’ve narrowed it down to my top faves:
1. During Miss America week the contestants and I participated in a CMN IHOP pancake breakfast, where I discovered that when it comes to pancake flipping, it’s best to just take the spatula out of my hand. In front of all the cameras, contestants, and press, I decided to be a genius and try something fancy. I flipped my pancake into the air, and it then it landed......in Miss Nevada’s CROWN! We were instantly friends for life.
2. The absolute highlight of my week was watching the New Orleans Saints beat the Vikings at the Pole Position Raceway event, and later taking pictures with Miss Indiana, my super bowl “rival.” The greatest surprise for us both was that we had the opportunity to be photographed together with the official game ball for Superbowl XLIV! Dat!?
3. I was invited to be a guest on a “Cruise for a Cause” on behalf of a very special organization called Angel Ministries out of Monroe, Louisiana. I met the love of my life the second day at sea.
4. On a serious note, this journey is so much more than what can be seen with your eyes. It was a very special year of ministry for me, a cross that’s truly one of a kind. This calling is about faith, strength of heart, and most of all about the opportunity to inspire hope into the lives of others. My heart’s desire from the day I was crowned was to carry the legacy of love from all those who have gone before me. The individuals I met through the Children’s Miracle Network forever changed my life. I witnessed first hand the services and emotional support that the CMN offers to patients and their families in time of need. My life was enriched by the outpouring of love I experienced from this incredible organization. I am extremely fortunate to have served as ambassador for such a special ministry.
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Louisiana ended?
I graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe with my bachelor’s degree in piano performance and have plans to obtain my masters degree in music. After serving as Music Director and Pianist for First United Methodist Church in Monroe, Louisiana for six years, I moved to the New Orleans area to go into education. I had the opportunity to continue work with my platform, "The Miracle of Music," as a piano and voice instructor for nearly forty private students at Northlake Academy of Music in Mandeville, Louisiana. This past June, I became Mrs. Matias Colombo when I married the love of my life! We have recently moved to Richmond, VA, and are so excited to begin our new life together.