Miss Iowa winners crowned Sunday

On the same stage where, just one year ago, the reigning Miss Iowa USA and Miss Teen Iowa USA were crowned, Rebecca Hodge and Carissa Becker passed on the titles and tiaras to a new set of women chosen to represent the state of Iowa on Sunday.

After preliminary competition on Saturday night, Sunday’s portion of the pageant narrowed the remaining contestants down to groups of 15. Following swimsuit and evening gown competitions as well as an interview portion, the 2013 titles were announced amid celebratory tears and bouquets of red roses.

Taking the title of Miss Teen Iowa USA was Morgan Kofoid of Leon, while Richelle Orr of Hampton was crowned Miss Iowa USA. Kofoid is a junior at Central Decatur High School in Leon. Orr is a junior in Event Management at Iowa State University and was crowned Miss Teen Iowa USA in 2011.

After spending a year with the Miss USA programs, Becker and Hodge had a few words of wisdom for their successors, giving them a sneak-peek as to what the next year holds for them.

“When you get crowned you have no idea what’s in store for you and it makes you grow as a person — you have to step outside your comfort zone in so many different situations,” explained Hodge.

“I’m really going to miss it — it’s bittersweet! [Being Miss Iowa USA] has given me so many opportunities and made me grow as a woman,” she added.

Becker’s time as Miss Teen Iowa USA impacted her not only through the service opportunities she participated in, but also via the friendships she built during her reign.

“It’s been a great year and I’m so sad it’s going to be over, but [tonight’s winner] is going to have the time of her life,” she said. “When you think about it, it’s really neat — I have a friend in every state now!”

Orr and Kofoid were awarded a prize package including various scholarships, gift certificates and complimentary beauty services for their first-place finishes in the pageant.

Both ladies will go on to represent the state of Iowa in the national Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants, which will take place next summer.