Miss America 2009 Katie Stam Welcomed In Puerto Rico

Art McMaster, President and CEO of the Miss America Organization, and Miss America 2009 Katie Stam were welcomed to Puerto Rico today by Joselo Sostre, Executive State Director of the Miss Puerto Rico Scholarship Program, along with his newly appointed staff at a press conference in San Juan.

They were greeted by media outlets that included magazines, newspapers and television outlets who covered The Miss America Press Conference.

Art surprised the media with his bilingual welcome, and was pleased to announce the January 30, 2010 Pageant date on TLC live from Planet Hollywood.

The press conference was also highlighted by having the very first Miss Puerto Rico participate, Miss Puerto Rico 1948, Irma Nydia Velazquez- marking her 60th anniversary!

Irma was so proud to welcome back the Miss America Program to Puerto Rico and spoke on how important it is for young women in Puerto Rico to have a pageant like Miss America, with core values that focuses on education.

She is so very proud of the title she earned nearly 60 years ago and was thrilled to be a part of this historic event for the Organization.

Prior to the press conference, Miss America 2009 Katie Stam and Art were invited to meet with Puerto Rico's Secretary of State, who presented them with a Proclamation.

Immediately following the press conference, the members of the Miss America Organization and Joselo's team were invited to tour the Governor's mansion.

This guided tour included meeting with the First lady of Puerto Rico, Luce Vela who was thrilled to have Miss America visit one of the world's most historic sites, Fortaleza!

Following the tour, Miss America was able to have three photo shoots, and wrapped up her day with additional TV and radio interviews before leaving Puerto Rico on Wednesday.

Katie will return to Puerto Rico for the July 31 Miss Puerto Rico Pageant and crown the 2009 winner who will compete for Miss America in January 2010!

On behalf of the Miss America Organization we wish our newest state organization the very best and thank them for their wonderful welcome! ¡Muchas gracias a nuestros amigos!