My year as Miss Muscatine has been a true testament that you
can do anything you set your mind to with a full heart and kindness. Strong
women are not built in a day rather our strength is full of trial and error,
learning and growth, and persistence and determination. With over 30
appearances and hundreds of service hours throughout my year, I have fortified
bonds and connections that can never be broken. 2017 taught me to test my
boundaries because nothing is impossible. From visiting four elementary schools
in Muscatine, numerous community events, running my first half-marathon, and
running the Chicago Marathon I have learned I am capable of more than I have
ever known.
I have numerous people to thank for this marvelous year because my
life has been truly blessed with amazing people. First, I need to thank my
sponsors who made this year possible. Jon with 8 One 8 Fitness, thank you for
kicking my booty every week and being my much-needed therapist. Michale and
Mississippi Pearl Photography, thank you for my beautiful headshots and gown
portraits! Heather, Stacy, and Stella, thank you for always making me feel like
princess when I came into Le Chic. I must say my gown this year was one for the
books! Kodi at Kodi, Inc. I have been blessed to have you in my life, not only
as a hair sponsor but as a part of my family. Jessica and Michelle, thank you
for being there during every possible situation and for the amazing preparation
leading up to Miss Iowa. I had never felt more prepared or more authentically
Maddison. To every other person and sponsor who has aided in my year, I am
truly blessed to have had your support.
Ashley and Kindra, thank you for putting your heart and soul into
this program. From daily check-ins, phone calls, and our shopping trip to
Chicago, this year could not have been more enjoyable. You encouraged me to
test my boundaries and be the best me possible. For that, I could not be more
thankful. Johnna, how has it been a year already??? I have had a blast sharing
this year with you and we will be sisters for life. Lydia, I am so proud of
you! I have loved watching you grow throughout this year. I cannot wait to see
what is next for you.
I need to give an enormous thank you to my family. They have been
overly supportive and loving throughout this past year. I was blessed to have
family from three different states and numerous locations in Iowa support me at
Miss Iowa this past June. No matter what I decide to undertake, my family
always seems to make the trek. Mom and Dad, thank you for everything you do. No
words exist to exemplify the gratitude and love I have for you. Thank you for
allowing my craziness and for always supporting my dreams.
This is not the end for me. I will continue to push and test my
limits whether that be in the Miss Iowa Program or with my goal of medical
school to become a pediatric nephrologist. Thank you to every single person who
has touched my life. You have helped define my goals and aspirations. For the
last time, I am your 2017 Miss Muscatine, Maddison Lange.
“You are always stronger than you believe. You have greater powers than you know.”
