Becoming a Candidate
in the Miss Mount Pleasant Program
The Miss Mount Pleasant Organization is part of the Miss Iowa and Miss America Organizations. As such, we follow rules and regulations set by them in our competitions. Our phases of competition are meant to reflect the individuality, personality, and intelligence of our candidates.
Competing in this organization can feel daunting and scary the first time you compete. If you have any questions about the standards listed on this page, please reach out to us at any time! We also encourage you to join the Miss Iowa Candidate Forum on Facebook where the Miss Iowa Board shares information and helpful tips for joining the program!
Miss Mount Pleasant Candidates
Eligibility
To compete, a Miss candidate must:
• Be no older than 28 on September 30th, 2026 and no younger than 18 on September 1st, 2026.
• Be a United States citizen
• Reside, work full-time in, or attend school full-time in the state of Iowa
• Be a high school graduate or equivalent
• Must not be, nor have ever been, married
• Must not be pregnant, and must not be the parent or adoptive parent of a child
• Be in reasonably good health to meet the job requirements, and be able to compete in each phase of competition unassisted
• Be able to meet the time commitment and job responsibilities as set forth by the local, state, and national competitions in which she competes
Phases of Competition
Personal Interview
• The private interview between the contestant and judges is a chance for the contestant to speak articulately on important issues, share why she should win the job as the titleholder, and display poise and confidence while under pressure.
On-Stage Question
• The on-stage question element of competition showcases the candidate’s ability to respond to a question under pressure in front of an audience. This question will be regarding the Delegate’s Community Service Initiative (CSI).
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Fitness and Wellness
• This phase of competition is where the contestant showcases her commitment to health and fitness initiatives. Judges will consider the contestant’s discipline and mindset toward a healthy lifestyle and not the appearance of her body.
​
Talent
• The candidate performs a talent of her choice with a time limit of 90 seconds. Talent is what has always made competing in the Miss America program special. Traditional talents like singing and dancing as well as non-traditional talents like monologues, martial arts, and speed-painting have all been seen on the Miss Iowa stage.
Evening Gown
• The Evening Wear phase is an opportunity for the contestant to show off her confidence, style, and elegance in her own choice of outfit. How the contestant carries herself is what is scored, not what she is wearing. Judges will consider the overall impression of the contestant’s ability to represent the Miss America Organization at a high-profile event.
Miss Mount Pleasant's
Teen Candidates
Eligibility
To compete, a Teen candidate must:
• Be no older than 18 on September 30th, 2026 and no younger than 14 on September 1st, 2026.
• Be a United States citizen
• Be a resident of Iowa or attending class full-time in Iowa
• Must not be, nor have ever been, married
• Must not be pregnant, and must not be the parent or adoptive parent of a child
• Be in reasonably good health to meet the job requirements, and be able to compete in each phase of competition unassisted
• Be able to meet the time commitment and job responsibilities as set forth by the local, state, and national competitions in which she competes
Phases of Competition
Personal Interview
• The private interview between the contestant and judges is a chance for the contestant to speak articulately on important issues, share why she should win the job as the titleholder, and display poise and confidence while under pressure.
On-Stage Question
• The on-stage question element of competition showcases the candidate’s ability to respond to a question under pressure in front of an audience. This question will be regarding the Delegate’s Community Service Initiative (CSI).
​
Fitness and Wellness
• This phase of competition is where the contestant showcases her commitment to health and fitness initiatives. Judges will consider the contestant’s discipline and mindset toward a healthy lifestyle and not the appearance of her body.
​
Talent
• The candidate performs a talent of her choice with a time limit of 90 seconds. Talent is what has always made competing in the Miss America program special. Traditional talents like singing and dancing as well as non-traditional talents like monologues, martial arts, and speed-painting have all been seen on the Miss Iowa stage.
Evening Gown
• The Evening Wear phase is an opportunity for the contestant to show off her confidence, style, and elegance in her own choice of outfit. How the contestant carries herself is what is scored, not what she is wearing. Judges will consider the overall impression of the contestant’s ability to represent the Miss America Organization at a high-profile event.
Have questions?
Contact us at any time and we'll be happy to help you out with whatever you need!
