It takes talent. It takes beauty. And it takes a mission.

On Thursday Nicole Rash, Miss Indiana, heads to Las Vegas to compete in the Miss America pageant. But we can get more specific. Nicole grew up right here in Plymouth.

"I want to be Miss America because I want to create more smiles in the world. I've just seen the impact that I've had as Miss Indiana already," Nicole says.

Wednesday she is busy packing the dozens of dresses, shoes and accessories. Her evening gown has a "Spanish flare." That's quite appropriate considering her platform--breaking down language barriers.

"It's not about immigration. It's not about catering to people who can't speak our language but it's about learning about yourself and learning about other cultures as well," Nicole says. "I am fluent in Spanish because I lived in South America for two years out of high school. I was really interested in learning the language and the culture and traveling and was a really exciting experience for me."

So what will this Indiana girl tell the other 51 competitors about her home state?

"I hope to show them that in Indiana we are really fun and personable and loving people and that's the way I feel about the people in Indiana and that's what I hope to show."