Ripon College sophomore competing for Miss Wisconsin

When accomplished women from around the state compete for the title of Miss Wisconsin in June, Ripon College sophomore Malainey Myrin ’16 will be among them as Miss Fond du Lac 2014.

Myrin, of Elkhorn, Wis., had previously competed in Miss American Coed pageants, Miss United States International and National American Miss Pageants. She also has placed in Miss Wisconsin Sweetheart, the National American Miss Wisconsin Teen Pageant and won the Miss Wisconsin U.S. International 2013 title.

She started doing pageants as a little girl when her parents entered her in the Miss Wisconsin American Sweetheart Pageant. “The age group for that is 7-9, so I guess I was pretty little,” she says. “I learned a lot about public speaking, interviewing and confidence that most 7-9 year olds don’t get until they are much older.”

Myrin did not win any of the competitions when she was little, which taught her an important lesson about hard work and good sportsmanship. She says, “My passion for pageants is because you never stop learning about yourself, and you are surrounded by amazing people.”

Doing pageants now for Myrin is all about making memories and lasting friendships. “You meet talented, charismatic and kind women from all around the state,” she says. “You get support to pursue your dreams with scholarship money, and a support system of generous people who donate their time to help you.”

Myrin explains that she chose to enter the Miss America pageant because it is the largest scholarship provider to young women in the world. Myrin already has won several prizes; scholarship money which she is using to reach her goals; and sponsorships with area businesses such as Anytime Fitness and Lillian’s of Fond du Lac.

In addition, Myrin says, “You win your crown and sash, and usually entry fees to national pageants.”

Besides these rewards, pageants also are about campaigning and raising awareness, Myrin says. “On top of having the national platform, as contestants we each pick a personal platform that is close to our hearts. My platform is the Power of Pink, Raising Breast Cancer Awareness. My great-grandmother has passed, my aunt has survived and my grandmother is currently battling breast cancer. Since one in eight women will be diagnosed with this disease in their lifetime, I want to do as much as I can to lower that statistic. I am spreading awareness to women about what they can do to protect themselves and how we can be proactive.”

Mryin also helps fundraise for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals to save children’s lives, with a portion of the money supporting the Miss America Scholarship Fund. To donate, visit http://missamericaforkids.org/Donate/malaineymyrin.

 

The Miss Wisconsin Pageant will be held June 15-21st in Oshkosh. To support Myrin at this competition, you can purchase your tickets at www.misswisconsin.com/miss-wi-pageants/2014-miss/2014-info.html.

After Myrin’s graduation from Ripon College, she plans to join the Peace Corps for two years and eventually apply to dental school.

-Tsering Yangchen ’14
Madison, Wis.

Posted June 11, 2014 in Student.

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