The 2023 Miss Mount Pleasant Competition will be held on January 28 at the Heatilator Performing Arts Center in Mount Pleasant. With the deadline for paperwork on January 14, candidates between the ages of 19-26 who live, work, or go to school in Iowa can still apply. Competitions for Miss Mount Pleasant Outstanding Teen will be held on the same day for candidates ages 13-18.  

Miss Mount Pleasant is an organization with the mission to empower young women in Southeast Iowa. The program gives contestants the opportunity to expand their networks, learn valuable life and career skills, and earn scholarships. Competitions include a personal interview, social impact pitch, and talent performance. 

Executive Director of the Miss Mount Pleasant Scholarship Program, Emily Folker, hopes the organization can continue to grow future leaders and build confidence for all candidates. “We focus a lot on who the women are and not what they look like. We are accepting of all kinds of people. No matter what body type you have, what skin color you have, you are more than welcome in the program and we are here to help you succeed. 

Funded through donations and sponsors, scholarships are awarded to winners, runners-up, with additional scholarships given to the top interview candidate, and the people’s choice winner, voted on by the audience. Still raising funds, the ultimate goal of the organization is to have every contestant walk away with something. 

For a full list of eligibility requirements, or for more information on the event, visit missmountpleasantiowa.com.