Dakota Crosswhite Interview
Miss Iowa Teen USA 2007
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss Iowa Teen USA pageant?
I had known my directors for a very long time. I went to school with their son. They sent me pageant stuff every year, so one year I decided I would try it. I wanted to do modeling but I was too short for runway so it was close to a runway in my opinion at the time.
What was going through your head when you were announced as the new Miss Iowa Teen USA?
I was shocked! I thought for sure my 4th runner up or2nd runner up was going to get it. My 4th runner up Jenna Guiter Was 1st runner up the year before and my 2nd runner up Chelsea Gauger (who is Miss Iowa 2009) was also 2nd runner up the year before. So I just couldn’t believe it, I had a ton of mixed emotions.
You competed twice for the title of Miss Iowa Teen USA before taking the title. What motivated you to come back and compete year after year?
My 1st year I had noooooo idea what I was doing. I had never been in a pageant and I had never even seen a pageant before. I actually even tripped on stage and almost fell on my face my first year. But I made top 10 and I was so proud of myself not to mention I had met some really cool people that I just had to come back. So my 2nd year I came back just for the fun of it again and hoping to do a little better. I ended up 4th runner up and was so happy to at least be in top 10. So I decided to try one more time, not thinking I would win but just to continue to do better. I am my own competitor and I just like to do the best I can and I won. So I guess it doesn’t get much better then that!
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss Teen USA?
Spending time with Caite Upton. We became so close and made so many great memories. I see her about every 6 months! It is a lifelong friendship and she is the greatest girl you will ever meet! Also all the cool stuff we did, I loved meeting all the kids at best buddies. There were some really funny kids.
What was the dual platform you were promoting during your reign as Miss Iowa Teen USA?
Best Buddies and the Red Cross. I was a Peer educator for the Red Cross for many years.
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss Iowa Teen USA?
I don’t have just one most memorable moment as Miss Iowa Teen because I had so much fun that everything sticks out. But once again I would have to say my greatest memories came from being with my Miss Iowa Dani Reeves! I LOVE HER!
What emotions were you going through when you had to give away your title as Miss Iowa Teen USA?
I was excited for the next girl to get to experience all the fun and adventures I was able to experience.
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Iowa Teen USA ended?
I’ve done a little modeling and coached a few pageant girls as well as judged a few pageants, but mostly I am focusing on my studies at Coe. I have a double major so far in Business and Public relations but I might be making it a triple major by adding economics to it and having a minor in Art since econ is my minor right now.
I had known my directors for a very long time. I went to school with their son. They sent me pageant stuff every year, so one year I decided I would try it. I wanted to do modeling but I was too short for runway so it was close to a runway in my opinion at the time.
What was going through your head when you were announced as the new Miss Iowa Teen USA?
I was shocked! I thought for sure my 4th runner up or2nd runner up was going to get it. My 4th runner up Jenna Guiter Was 1st runner up the year before and my 2nd runner up Chelsea Gauger (who is Miss Iowa 2009) was also 2nd runner up the year before. So I just couldn’t believe it, I had a ton of mixed emotions.
You competed twice for the title of Miss Iowa Teen USA before taking the title. What motivated you to come back and compete year after year?
My 1st year I had noooooo idea what I was doing. I had never been in a pageant and I had never even seen a pageant before. I actually even tripped on stage and almost fell on my face my first year. But I made top 10 and I was so proud of myself not to mention I had met some really cool people that I just had to come back. So my 2nd year I came back just for the fun of it again and hoping to do a little better. I ended up 4th runner up and was so happy to at least be in top 10. So I decided to try one more time, not thinking I would win but just to continue to do better. I am my own competitor and I just like to do the best I can and I won. So I guess it doesn’t get much better then that!
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss Teen USA?
Spending time with Caite Upton. We became so close and made so many great memories. I see her about every 6 months! It is a lifelong friendship and she is the greatest girl you will ever meet! Also all the cool stuff we did, I loved meeting all the kids at best buddies. There were some really funny kids.
What was the dual platform you were promoting during your reign as Miss Iowa Teen USA?
Best Buddies and the Red Cross. I was a Peer educator for the Red Cross for many years.
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss Iowa Teen USA?
I don’t have just one most memorable moment as Miss Iowa Teen because I had so much fun that everything sticks out. But once again I would have to say my greatest memories came from being with my Miss Iowa Dani Reeves! I LOVE HER!
What emotions were you going through when you had to give away your title as Miss Iowa Teen USA?
I was excited for the next girl to get to experience all the fun and adventures I was able to experience.
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Iowa Teen USA ended?
I’ve done a little modeling and coached a few pageant girls as well as judged a few pageants, but mostly I am focusing on my studies at Coe. I have a double major so far in Business and Public relations but I might be making it a triple major by adding economics to it and having a minor in Art since econ is my minor right now.