2015 Miss Iowa, Larissa Henecke's Farewell

It’s hard to believe that 9 years ago I stepped on the stage as an awkward and shy 12 year old and today I stand here as your 2015 Miss Iowa. Years of hard work and dedication paid off and I realized that dreams really do come true.

During my year I had the opportunity to participate in my hometown’s Pumpkinfest, volunteer at the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Walk, collect oral hygiene products for those in need, volunteer at Mission of Hope homeless shelter, create Valentines for Vets, and start my own non profit organization, B’s Blankets of Hope, which donates blankets to those receiving cancer treatment at the University of Iowa hospitals.

One of the highlights of my year was spending the week in sunny California for NAM Nationals! I met girls from across the country, toured the famed streets of Hollywood, spent a magical day in the happiest place on Earth, ate a Thanksgiving dinner fit for a queen, and had the time of my life representing our beautiful state of Iowa on the National stage.

I would like to thank Breanne, Ryan, and the entire NAM staff past and present, for creating such an amazing program for girls; it has truly changed my life. To my sister queens, you are all beautiful inside and out and I know that our friendships are ones that will last for years to come. Thank you to my family, for always supporting me in all I do. Grandpa Tom, you’re the best escort a girl could ask for and Grandma Shirley, thank you for always calming my nerves and making me feel beautiful. Mom, you are my rock. None of this would have been possible without you. You are, hands down, the best pageant mom around, I love you so much! To the contestants, never take one moment for granted and remember you can do anything you set your mind to!

For the last time I am your 2015 Miss Iowa,

Larissa Henecke