Evansville teacher crowned Mrs. Indiana, highlighting ‘Above Your Circumstance’ platform

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - An Evansville native, local teacher and small business owner now has another hat to wear - a sparkly one as Mrs. Indiana 2021.

Amy Royster was born and raised in Evansville, where she now teaches virtually through Connections Academy and owns a small business, Tri-State Precision Window Tenting, with her husband.

Royster does all that while caring for their six children.

“I just wanted a way to feel like me,” says Royster, “after giving so much to my family.”

The North High School graduate says she didn’t really compete in pageants growing up, but started in her 30s as a way to empower herself through fitness, mental health and community service.

“I just started growing as a person, exponentially, each year,” says Royster.

Royster started competing in Mrs. Indiana back in 2019, when she finished as the 2nd runner-up for two consecutive years.

“I know the whole city was holding their breath when I competed this third time,” says Royster, “and they were like, ‘Yes! Finally!’”

Royster took the title of Mrs. Indiana 2021 on June 5.

Royster says one of her biggest goals during her reign is to promote her platform “Above Your Circumstance,” which supports children of incarcerated parents.

”I am a child of an incarcerated father,” says Royster. “I have been since I was six. That experience was very difficult for me. I’ve definitely lived it as a journey. There have been a lot of ups and downs. I just truly wanted to show the world that we need more eyes on this. There needs to be more resources for these young people, and also that that does not define me, and I am much more than that.”

Royster says she will now be making public appearances around the state, joining community service projects and preparing for the national competition, which is scheduled for November in Las Vegas.

“I am just so grateful to have this experience,” says Royster, “because for me, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

She says wearing her crown and sash is just one side of the “Amy” her friends and family know and love.

“Most of the time, I am not wearing a crown,” says Royster. “I am getting down and doing hard work.”

Royster says the support from the Evansville community has helped her get where she is today. That includes Paparazzi, which is sponsoring her wardrobe for the national pageant.

Royster says if anyone wants to reach out or follow her journey, click here to check out the “Mrs. Indiana and Miss Indiana for America Pageants” Facebook page.

You can also email the program at MrsIndianaAmerica21@gmail.com.

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