Orchards woman is named Miss Washington USA

2010 Miss Orchards USA Angelina Kayyalaynen is no stranger to competing at the national pageant level. In 2008, she represented Washington at the National American Miss Pageant and finished in the top 10.

Kayyalaynen was crowned Miss Washington USA earlier this month, so her previous experience should serve her well next spring when she competes for the Miss USA title. If she wins, Kayyalaynen will go on to compete for the international Miss Universe title.

One thing she’s excited about is the prospect of meeting Donald Trump, since the Miss Universe Organization is a joint partnership between the mogul and NBC.

“There are not a lot of people who get that chance,” Kayyalaynen said. “He’s one of the most successful businessmen in the United States.“

Kayyalaynen had been wanting to compete in Miss Universe Organization pageants for several years, but the Ukraine native had to wait until she was a U.S. citizen.

Kayyalaynen moved to Vancouver from Ukraine eight years ago. She is a 2007 Heritage High School graduate, a Clark College alumna and a junior at Washington State University Vancouver, where she is studying psychology.

Kayyalaynen turns 21 later this month, so winning the Miss Washington USA title couldn’t have come at a better time.

“This is my early birthday present to myself,” she said.