Miss Ohio USA

As representatives from Ohio line the stage at the Miss Ohio USA competition this weekend, Lindy Coleman will be representing the Columbus area. The 23-year-old, who lives downtown Columbus and is the regional coordinator for Ohio Laborers' Training and Apprenticeship Program, is partaking in the event at the Verne Riffe Center for the Arts in Portsmouth on Nov. 9 and 10. It consists of interviews prior to the pageant, and judging on swimsuits and evening gowns. Contestants must also answer a final question for the crowd. The winner will then move on to the Miss USA pageant in June 2013. We chatted with Coleman to find out more about her competition involvement and what she hopes to accomplish. –Heather Weekley, @heather_weekley

How many competitions have you been in previously?

I have only done one pageant, but I've helped with pageants here and there. I did a pageant in high school called River Days. It's where each high school in Scioto County votes on a person to compete. But this is my first state pageant.

How did you get involved with Miss Ohio USA?

I've always wanted to do Miss USA, but life happened. I was working full-time and going to college. Now I just work, and so it's the perfect time. I feel more comfortable with myself and where I am in life right now.

How do you feel about this weekend's pageant?

I am a little nervous, but mostly anxious. I am ready to get on stage and perform. I am very competitive so I just want to see how I do. It's been a while since I did this, because in high school I was 17. I want to do my best to win this thing. I look forward to representing Columbus and I really hope I can make them proud and bring home that crowd to them. I work there and I love the city, and I would be really proud if I could do that.