The United USA National Pageant system welcomed guests, supporters and titleholders to a special crowning ceremony and Queens Tea celebration in Keokuk this past weekend on Sunday, March 8. The event celebrated the crowning of Ella Wilson as Miss Preteen Illinois United USA and Nichole Kraus of Keokuk as Mrs. Elite Iowa United USA 2026.

The event was emceed by Trena Myers, formerly of Keokuk, who currently holds the national title of Ms. Elite United USA. Myers, who now resides in the metro Atlanta, Georgia, area shared her advocacy platform focused on rare disease awareness.

“My journey with rare disease has shaped my purpose,” Myers shared during the event. “Through my nonprofit work and my initiative with Sunny the Rare Bear, we are working to bring visibility, compassion, and support to families living with rare conditions. Every time we tell our story, we help #MakeRareVisible.”

Myers also spoke about the importance of community and mentorship within the pageant system.

“Crowning moments like this represent more than a title — they represent women and young leaders stepping into their purpose, using their voices, and creating impact in their communities,” she said.

Kraus also provided reflections about the event, and said, “When I was crowned Mrs Elite Iowa United USA, I felt overwhelming gratitude. There was a time in my life when I didn’t understand my own body and felt broken because of it. Today, that experience fuels my passion for breaking the stigma around women’s wellness and creating safe, empowering spaces where women can learn, laugh, and confidently own who they are.

The United USA National Pageant system, led by national directors Buddy and Naomi Jones, focuses on empowering women and girls across ten divisions ranging from Tiny Miss through Ms., Mrs. and Elite categories. The system emphasizes leadership, community service and personal development, providing contestants with opportunities to build confidence, advocacy platforms and professional skills.

There are currently additional state titles available in Iowa across the remaining nine divisions, and individuals interested in representing Iowa on the national stage are encouraged to connect with the United USA organization for more information.

Also attending the event were two additional national titleholders:

Mrs. United USA Jessica Hopper-Landrum of Indiana, who traveled with her husband, and Miss Preteen United USA Pressley, who traveled from St. Louis, Missouri, with her parents. National directors Buddy and Naomi Jones were also present for the celebration and crowning ceremony.

Myers traveled from her home in metro Atlanta. In addition to her national title responsibilities, she is the founder of Cre8tive Agency, a marketing and branding firm that helps entrepreneurs, speakers and pageant titleholders develop their platforms and visibility.

“My professional work focuses on helping individuals clarify their purpose and share their message in powerful ways,” Myers said. “It was an honor to help organize and emcee this special event alongside the United USA National Pageant system, Nichole Kraus, and the incredible community supporters who made the day possible.”

Following the crowning ceremony, guests attended a Queens Tea held in honor of International Women’s Day, celebrating women’s leadership and the historic crowning of Kraus as the first Mrs. Elite Iowa United USA 2026.

“The tea party was a beautiful celebration of sisterhood, purpose, and community,” Myers said. “International Women’s Day reminds us that when women gather to support one another, extraordinary things can happen.”

“Hosting the International Women’s Day Tea Party right after my crowning was incredibly meaningful,” Kraus said. “It was a beautiful way to celebrate not only the honor of the title, but also the power of women coming together to uplift and support one another. My mission is to help women understand their bodies, reclaim their confidence, and realize they were never broken — just deserving of knowledge and support.”

The event was made possible through the generosity of several local sponsors and supporters, including The Hawkeye Restaurant, Stan’s Bakery, Sweet Sally’s, Hy-Vee, Hair Designers, Sneezy Beaver, plus The Grand Theatre and Lake Cooper Foundation for providing the day’s beautiful venues. Also included are Montebello Gardens for providing the VIP flowers, Lang Enterprises, Kraus & Son Heating and Air, Brotherton Home Inspection, Cre8tive Agency, and Doug Ewing with Doug Ewing Photography who captured moments from the event.

The United USA National Pageant system continues to grow nationwide, offering opportunities for women and young girls to represent their states while advocating for meaningful causes in their communities.