Miss Minnesota USA 2012 has begun her visit to Laos

For those of you who've been following the matter, Miss Minnesota USA 2012, Nitaya Panemalaythong successfully touched down in Laos this weekend and is currently on her humanitarian mission at the invitation of the US Embassy to Laos. She has to date raised over $5,000 and over 118% of her goal to assist non-government organizations over there. Initial footage and reports indicate she is being very warmly received. She thanks everyone who has been involved in her journey!

As her official bio notes: "Nitaya Panemalaythong was born in a refugee camp in Thailand and came to the USA as an infant in 1986. The family moved from Minneapolis, to other locations in Minnesota, to North Carolina, and back to Minnesota in 2004.

 In high school, Nitaya was a member of National Beta Club, a group that recognizes academic achievement, leadership, character, and service. She was also selected to her school’s honors acapella ensemble and graduated as a North Carolina Scholar. Currently, Nitaya works full-time and attends Normandale Community College. Her goal is to attend the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management and to obtain a degree in finance."