March 28, 2024

Monroe teen named Miss Iowa Hawkeye State Teen 2013

According to pageant organizers, a Monroe teen will represent Iowa later this year in the 2013 Miss American Teen Pageant.

Jennafer Uitermarkt, 17, a junior at PCM High School, was named Miss Iowa Hawkeye State Teen 2013 during a competition held March 23-25 in Minneapolis, Minn., winning a $1,000 scholarship in the process. The daughter of Vern and Darlene Uitermarkt of Monroe, she also placed in the top five contestants in the academic and community service awards.

Contestants were interviewed by a panel of six judges. During the interview, generally viewed as the most challenging aspect of the competition, the judges may ask any question. Jennafer said this part of the competition was her favorite.

During the evening gown competition, contestants are scored twice: once with an escort and once without. During both their evening gown competition and their interview competition, contestants are required to have a memorized introduction. Judges are looking for confidence, poise, the ability to express one’s self and personality.

Jennafer will compete in the Miss American Teen Pageant during the week of Thanksgiving at Disney World in Florida.

During Jennafer’s 2013 reign, she will represent the nonprofit Iowa Donor Association as an ambassador. She hopes to draw attention to all ages the importance of becoming an organ donor. She has learned that many misconceptions of organ donation prevent people from becoming an organ donor.

Following high school graduation next spring, she plans to attend a four-year university and major in mortuary science.