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Working with kids, networking at top of new Miss Tempe's wish listFeb 09, 2013 (East Valley Tribune (Mesa - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Andrea Malinski was crowned Miss Tempe recently, a position that she hopes to use to expand her community service and networking opportunities. "The community service and networking opportunities are so valuable," said the 23-year-old Arizona State University graduate student, who is working toward her masters in non-profit studies. "I'm really looking forward to working with the Children's Miracle Network." Malinski completed her undergraduate degree in Azusa Pacific University, where she studied elementary education. "I love kids, but I realized that I don't necessarily want to work in the school environment," Malinski said. Instead, she hopes to work with kids through her involvement with non-profits, she said. Currently, she volunteers at notMYkid, a Scottsdale-based non-profit that helps at-risk youth and families. Malinski will compete against about 20 other local title winners in the Miss Arizona competition at the end of June. Malinski has competed in pageants since she was 12-years-old. "It was at the recommendation of a friend," she said. "My friend had done one before, but wanted a friend to compete with. I had such a great time." The competition and training required for pageants taught Malinski how to break out of her shell, better public speaking skills and poise, she said. "I knew my ultimate goal was to compete in the Miss America organization," she said. The Miss America Scholarship Fund is the largest scholarship provider for women, according to the group's website. They awarded more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance through state and local competitions. The title of Miss Tempe accompanies a $250 scholarship, Malinski said. Contact writer: (480) 898-5645 or [email protected] ___ (c)2013 East Valley Tribune (Mesa, Ariz.) Visit East Valley Tribune (Mesa, Ariz.) at www.eastvalleytribune.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |