By Sarah Boraas

Wartburg College alumna Megan Herickhoff ’11 has been crowned Miss Iowa United States.

“It’s an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment to win this title, and I am truly honored,” said Herickhoff, a second runner-up in the 2011 Miss International pageant and the 2008 Miss Teen Minnesota International.

Herickhoff, who recently took a position as an associate with American Income Life Insurance Co. in Edina, Minn., feels her Wartburg education has made all the difference.

“Wartburg has been nothing less than exceptional supporting me throughout this journey,” Herickhoff said. “The education I received has allowed me to grow as a person, brighten my future and develop into a well-rounded person. I am beyond grateful.”

The Miss Iowa United States pageant is based on interviews, on-stage questions and swimsuit and evening-gown competitions.

Herickhoff, from Belgrade, Minn., competed in the new pageant for women 20-29, Feb. 11, in Des Moines.

 “Winning a pageant is not quite what people have in mind, and it takes a lot of hard work, time and dedication to win,” Herickhoff said. “To prepare for Miss United States, I have to keep brushed up on my interview skills, stay up-to-date on current events, stay fit, continue pushing my platform and make many other preparations.”

Herickhoff, who is afflicted with the sleeping disorder narcolepsy, uses the platform “The Life and Times of a Real Sleeping Beauty — The Awareness of Narcolepsy” in her pageants. She plans on raising awareness on this disorder.

“Two-hundred-thousand people in America are projected to have narcolepsy. However, only 50,000 are diagnosed,” Herickhoff said. “As someone diagnosed, I understand the importance of this diagnosis and want to spread awareness to increase the number of people with treatment. Having a title or not, this is something very important to me, and I will continue to be a spokesperson and advocate for it as long as I live.”

The pageants have provided Herickhoff with many important life lessons.

“Through my participation in pageants I have learned how important friends and family are, and also the ability of public speaking, interviewing, being poised and confident,” Herickhoff said. “Having a title also gives you amazing opportunities to give back to the community.”

Herickhoff will represent Iowa in the Miss United States pageant in Washington D.C., July 3-8. It will be nationally televised and live-streamed on Heritage Television.