Kate Banaszak, 24, is a resident of Middletown, Delaware. She is a graduate of William Penn High School in New Castle, and a student at Delaware Technical & Community College. She is currently working as a veterinary technician at Concord Pike Veterinary Hospital in Chadds Ford, PA.
Her passion for animal care was always present, even as a young child. At the age of eleven, Kate's family adopted two Great Danes. Kate became involved in professional dog breeding, handling, and showing. She spent much of her time reading about animal health, and began volunteering at her local SPCA to further her learning.
Kate's volunteer work continued into her twenties, while donating her time to numerous animal care facilities, including Faithful Friends, Inc., a humane animal shelter in Wilmington. Kate's volunteer work has also extended beyond animal welfare. She has spent time working with The American Heart Association, Meals on Wheels, and most recently, graduated training to become a Rape Crisis Advocate for Contact Lifeline. Here, she assisted victims of all ages after a sexual assault. She also served as a mediator between law enforcement, doctors, and victim's families.
Winning the title of Miss Delaware USA is a dream come true for Kate, and her biggest fan, her father, Mark. Two years ago, Kate was by her father's side in the hospital, after he was hit while riding his motorcycle. While in critical condition, Kate told Mark, "You need to wake up. After this is all over we're going back to Miss Delaware USA, and you're going to see me win." Kate won the title on her fourth attempt, with Mark watching in the audience.
When she isn't wearing her crown and sash, Kate can be found driving her Ford Mustang on the rural roads of her hometown while listening to her favorite band, "Queen." She also calls herself a "beach bum," and spends hours on her boogie board during the summer. Kate is an avid local music fan, and enjoys supporting local bands as well as community musical theatre groups. Last but not least, she ends each day with hugs for her two pets, Carmine, her gorgeous tabby cat, and Mirabella, her beloved Pomeranian.
Kate traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada, to represent Delaware at the 2009 MISS USA pageant which aired LIVE on NBC on April 19, 2009! |
