MUSCATINE, Iowa–For the past year, Muscatine resident Emersyn Thacker has given pageants a try, participating in the National American Miss Iowa Princess Program. Her interest in pageants goes back much further, as she has spent her entire childhood attending the Miss Iowa Youth Program’s pageants that take place in Muscatine as well as the annual Miss Iowa Pageant. Though Emersyn has only entered a few pageants so far, she has found she loves the opportunity to share her skills and personality on stage and has hoped to win a crown of her own. This summer, Emersyn received the title of National American Miss Iowa Princess and plans to attend the national pageant in November.
In the National American Miss Iowa Princess Pageant, contestants must compete in three different categories, introduction, formalwear, and interview. Each of these categories encourages youth to develop their confidence, charisma, and public speaking skills. The top placer in each of these three categories receives the title for the year. Along with these main stages of competition, Emersyn participated in several separately judged competitions as well, just for fun, including talent, top model, runway, dream model, casual wear, fun fitness, Miss Personality (where the contestants vote on which participant they think has the friendliest personality), best thank you note to a sponsor, best artwork, and most photogenic. Emersyn placed as first runner up for most photogenic and won each of her other competitions. She also received commendation for having the best resume.
An outgoing child, Emersyn loved getting to meet all of the other National American Miss Iowa Princess contestants and spending time with them. “I loved meeting new friends and the pajama party!” she said.
Emersyn has also started to get ready to go to the national pageant, which will take place this November over Thanksgiving weekend in Orlando, Florida. At the national competition, Emersyn will have the opportunity not only to compete for a national title, but to earn scholarship money and other prizes as well. All contestants will also get to explore a little while in Florida, taking a day trip to Universal Studios. “I feel so happy,” she beamed. “I’m so excited for Nationals and Disney World.”
Outside of doing pageants, Emersyn keeps busy both at school and in other activities. Emersyn especially looks forward to art classes at school. At home, Emersyn likes to work in the garden with her dad and play with her brother, Bennett. Emersyn dances competitively with the River City All Stars, which her mother helps her with. Always active, Emersyn also plays soccer in the fall as well. Emersyn shared: “I love doing competition dance and tumbling with my friends. I love school, and love art class!”
