The Road to Miss America – Miss Iowa Kelly Renee Koch
Photo Courtesy: Miss America Organization
The next contestant to be featured in our series, “The Road to Miss America,” is Miss Iowa, Kelly Renee Koch.
Age: 20
Hometown: Waukee, Iowa
Platform Issue: Pinky Swear Foundation
Talent: Ballet en Pointe
Education: Studying Child, Adult, and Family Services at Iowa State University
Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Masters in Child Life Specialty
Scholastic Honors: National Society of Collegiate Scholars; Iowa State University Dean’s List; Recipient of the New Member Scholarship for Iowa State’s Greek Community; Completed a semester of college while in high school.
An Interesting Face About Me: I’m a huge history buff and even wanted to be Condoleezza Rice, former Secretary of State, when I was young. My love for American history sparked further in 4th grade when my parents took me to Washington D.C. to tour the city. Although I didn’t get to personally meet Secretary Rice, she did send me a letter and an autographed photo!
My Defining Moment: In 5th grade I was selected to dance the lead role of Clara in the Nutcracker. This was the first moment I truly realized that hard work pays off, and I found my immense passion for dance.
Entering college, Kelly was an elementary education major. Her course work and career path changed the moment she first visited a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. While touring, she realized her life goal was to support children and their families as a Child Life Specialist. She changed her major, became a dedicated volunteer at a local pediatric hospital, and is now the National Ambassador for the Pinky Swear Foundation, which focuses on assisting children and their families emotionally and financially during the traumatic ordeal of facing pediatric cancer.
