2015 Miss Iowa USA, Miss Iowa Teen USA crowned

Taylor Even said her mom made her compete — a decision that clearly paid off as she was crowned the 2015 Miss Iowa USA Pageant winner Sunday in front of hundreds of audience members and thousands of web viewers.

The 21-year-old from Jesup was still in disbelief that she won the coveted crown and sash and couldn’t stop talking about that moment three years ago when her mom forced her into the competition.

“I’m really glad she did. I didn’t want to do it, and she was like, ‘No, you’re going to do it,’” Even said. “I was a shy, quiet person and now, look where I’m at. I’m Miss Iowa USA and its such an honor to be here and I’m glad she pushed me.”

For the next year, Even will make a number of public appearances and will represent Iowa in the Miss USA Pageant, which is will be televised on NBC.

The competition takes months of preparation and it all comes down to two days of judging in Newton. More than 70 women competed in both the Miss Iowa USA and Miss Teen Iowa USA pageants.

During Saturday’s preliminary round, contestants were judged in three categories —  private interview with the judges, swimwear and evening gown — to make it to the semi-finals and final judging on Sunday.

The pageant is produced by Future Productions, and the company’s executive director, Denise Wallace, said the competition was incredibly tough for this year’s competition.

“They’re wonderful. I mean all the ladies this year were amazing. This was overall one of the stiffest competitions we’ve ever had,” Wallace said.

This year’s winner agreed with Wallace’s assessment.

“All these beautiful women. Everybody is beautiful inside and out and we all had the confidence,” Even said of her competitors. “It’s truly an honor to be here. I’m truly blessed.”

Even is currently taking a year off from school, but was studying to become a respiratory therapist. While on her break, she’s been working two jobs and now that she’s Miss Iowa USA, she plans on preparing herself for the Miss USA competition.

“I feel truly honored and blessed. Believe in your dreams and they will come true,” Even said.

Miss Iowa Teen USA

Aryn Book, 18, was so excited that she was struggling to find the words to describe how it felt to be the 2015 Miss Iowa Teen USA.

“Oh my gosh it’s crazy — I can’t even believe it,” Book said. “I’ve done this for four years, and I guess my timing was right this year.”

While she may have been at a loss for words, the Adel native is ready to hit the road to represent her crown all across Iowa. She also said that being in this competition helped her decide what she wants to do for a career once she finishes college.

“I want to be a broadcaster for KCCI and like a weather station,” Book said. “I’ve been watching KCCI a lot lately, and in the news there’s ISIS and ebola … and I just think those people are so powerful to get up there in front of thousands of people and (report) that.

“I’m like you know, I can do that. I’m in front of an audience like this all the time, so I could do that too. I’ve been undecided for awhile, so finally figuring out what I want to do is a great feeling.”

Newton’s own contestant

Mariah Doland, 20, was the only area competitor in this statewide competition. Although she didn’t place in the top 15, the opportunity to compete in front of a hometown crowd created a priceless moment for her.

Doland had a number of supporters in the audience, however, she got choked up when she talked about young girls in Newton she could inspire by competing. She said they were the reason she signed up.

“All the little lives I can influence,” she said through tears.

She indicated some of the kids she wanted to motivate were out in the audience. Doland also expressed a deep gratitude for all the local companies that sponsored her, and for her friends and family that supported her.

“It was an honor honestly. It was great, I can’t wait for next year,” Doland said.

Contact Senior Staff Writer Ty Rushing at (641) 792-3121 ext. 6532 or at trushing@newtondailynews.com.