Jenna Palek is a sophomore fashion merchandising major who has just been announced as the Mid-American Conference finalist for Miss COED 2018.

The Miss COED Competition is an annual search for the definition of the modern-day All-American female college student. The competition features spirited college women across the United States who are involved in charity work, Greek life and various other college organizations.

The 2018 grand prize offers the first place winner an all inclusive spring break trip to Cancun with three friends. Second and third place contestants will also win a trip to Cancun, Mexico, and are granted a plus-one.

In addition to the extravagant beach vacation, last year’s winner won a scholarship to be used towards text books, a subscription to a variety of wellness companies, and free merchandise from clothing brands.

The contest pulls finalists from each Division I athletic conference across the nation, totaling 347 universities. Palek was voted in the semi-finals to represent the MAC conference and Kent State University in the national contest.

“Winning Miss Coed 2018 is really important to me because it will allow me to represent Kent State and the fashion school, as well as lead me to new connections within the fashion industry,” Palek said.

Palek is hoping to use the prize to give herself much needed vacation from work and school as she works multiple jobs year round.

“I think it is really important for college students to recognize that we need to take time for ourselves to stay sane and motivated,” Palek said.

She was recently promoted to Campus Director for University Tees and served as the assistant to director of formal recruitment from 2016-2017 for her sorority, Alpha Phi. “I am passionate about setting goals, and not stopping until I reach and achieve them,” Palek said.

She aspires to one day work for Sherri Hill, an American fashion designer, and attend New York Fashion Week.

Palek seems hopeful about winning the competition with the help of her fellow Kent State students who she believes will also benefit from the competition.

“When people hear Kent State, they think ‘Kent Read, Kent Write’, construction and excessive parking tickets. I want everyone to know that Kent State and our student body is so much more than the negative aspects that can often times trump the great aspects,” Palek said. 

Voting opens on Feb. 14 and closes on Feb. 28. The winners will be announced in early March. You can vote for Jenna here. Voters can submit an entry once a day from each device.

“For this last round, I’m calling on all of my Kent State students to support me and help bring in the final win!” Palek said. “I need all the help I can get and I am eternally grateful for all of the support I have already received!”

Hana Hodali is the Greek life reporter. Contact her at [email protected].