Shyla Victor Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Shyla Victor is passionate about sustainable tourism, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Kona Coffee. I was so excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 

So, let's see what happens when Shyla Victor visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Kona Coffee crown? 

After the competition, I was showered with more love by my friends and family at home. But my number one request was to eat! We had a huge dinner and I slept like a baby.

What part of the Miss Hawaii competition were you most nervous about? 

I was most nervous about the level of competition. After competing in my local competition, I was able to get the nerves out but I knew there would be more experienced women at that caliber. 

What has been the biggest surprise about your time as Miss Kona Coffee? 

I did not expect the amount of love and support I would receive from my family, friends, and community. Competing in a pageant was not my normal and new to us all. When I announced my running, there was no doubt from anyone. Everyone supported me and continues to support me in all my endeavors as Miss Kona Coffee 2023. 

How did you select your CSI “Educating Regenerative Tourism”? 

In the beginning, I knew I wanted to do something about Hawaiʻi to draw more attention here but couldn't pick a topic. I was choosing between perpetuating the Hawaiian language, Hawaiian culture, then landed on eco/sustainable tourism. After speaking with a few individuals in the industry, they introduced the new term of Regenerative Tourism and I absolutely fell in love with it. 

What is your favorite part about performing your talent on stage? 

My talent is dancing hula and it means so much to me. I was born into a hula family so it was only natural that I danced hula as well. I have been dancing hula for as long as I can remember and it truly allows me to connect to my Hawaiian culture. Dancing hula tells a story about our ancestors that dancers are able to bring back to life.

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why? 

I would love to be Ariel for a week. Being an Island kid, you are always surrounded by water so it becomes your safe place. I could swim across seas to travel the world and walk on land with the humans. 

How would you complete the sentence “I get great satisfaction when ___”? 

...when I complete a task I set my mind to. Whether it's competing for a scholarship competition, creating service projects, or even as simple as folding my laundry and putting the clothes a way. A win is a win no matter how big or small. 

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience? 

I would love to watch a live MLB World Series game. I played softball from middle school and really enjoyed the game. By the end of my softball career in high school, I was the starting pitcher and 2^nd baseman.

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A World Series game is definitely an incredible experience.

As always, I want to thank Shyla for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Shyla during the short time left in her her journey. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on, and you'll be sure not to miss anything. 

Thanks again Shyla, and good luck in the future!

Kaili Yuen Visits Section 36!

Hiki Photography

Section 36 had another visitor! Kaili Yuen is passionate about fitness, an elementary school teacher, and the current Miss Aloha Hawai'i. I was so thrilled that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 

So, let's see what happens when Kaili Yuen visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Aloha Hawai’i crown?

I celebrated winning the Miss Aloha Hawaiʻi 2023 crown by meeting up with one of my pageant sisters immediately after the competition. I actually went to deliver one of her awards to her, as she forgot to take it home from the Aloha Theatre, which was the location of our competition. We discussed everything that happened during that night and the week of the competition. I also received a phone call from my pageant sister, Miss Kona Coffee 2023, Shyla Victor and we talked about our upcoming week filled with events! I love the sisterhood of the Miss Kona Coffee Organization and how the organization brings women together.

What has been the most pleasant surprise about your time as Miss Aloha Hawai’i ?

The most pleasant surprise about my time as Miss Aloha Hawaiʻi has been the support from my community and the countless opportunities that have come to me. Throughout my journey to be Miss Aloha Hawaiʻi and also leading up to the Miss Hawaiʻi Competition, I have had lots of support from my family, friends, sponsors, and members of my Hawaiʻi Island Community. I am so grateful for each and every person that has supported my journey. In addition, I have had many opportunities to serve the community, to work with organizations, to promote my community service initiative, and to model for local brands, which is something that is very new to me! 

What is your favorite memory from the recent Miss Hawaii competition?

Hiki Photography

My favorite memory from the Miss Hawaiʻi Competition was spending time with my pageant sisters at rehearsals throughout the week leading up to the competition. I was excited going into rehearsals because our first half of rehearsals was held at 24-7 Danceforce. Since a young age, it has always been a dream for me to dance at their studio, as they are known for producing some of the best dancers in Hawaiʻi. I also loved having the opportunity to practice and perform with my pageant sisters at the historic Hawaiʻi Theatre. I had never been inside the theatre before, but I got chills after walking in for our first rehearsal and seeing how big, beautiful and historic the theatre was!

How did you select your community service initiative, “Make Your Move Hawaiʻi” ?

Fitness, sports, and dance has always been a significant part of my life, therefore, I knew I wanted my community service initiative to be focused on movement. Since creating my initiative, it has evolved from focusing on only physical fitness, into focusing on living a healthy lifestyle overall. I have noticed three main things in my life that are important for living a healthy lifestyle that I want to share with others, including prioritizing physical fitness, eating healthy foods, and volunteering. In Hawaiʻi, approximately one third of our hospital patients are obese, and one way we can reduce those numbers is by encouraging people to get involved in fitness activities and help them try new programs that they enjoy. Physical fitness can look different for everyone and that's a good thing! For example, I enjoy playing pickleball at Hōlua Racquet and Paddle, going to the gym and doing Buddhi at Science Lab Hawaiʻi and Pacific Island Fitness, dancing hula with Kamakani O Ka Moku ʻĀina Performing Arts Academy, dancing ballet at Kona Dance and Performing Arts, and trying different types of activities to stay moving. I believe that when you find an activity you enjoy, you won't dread working out and sometimes you wonʻt even notice that you're working out. I have had the opportunity to promote many local fitness, sports, dance, movement, health, and wellness programs in my hometown.

You graduated from the University of Hawai’i with a degree in communications. Where do you see that field taking you?

Hiki Photography

Although I graduated with my B.A. Degree in Communications, I currently work as a K-1 Teacher at an elementary school in Kona. On Hawaiʻi Island it is difficult to find high-paying job opportunities that are not remote. During the COVID-19 pandemic I learned that I do better mentally and physically if I work at an in-person job, compared to working remotely; therefore, I decided that it would be best for me to make an impact on our younger generation, who is the future of my island. 

Although I currently donʻt use my degree for my job, I have found several volunteer opportunities to manage social media pages and design websites for local brands and organizations. I want to use the knowledge that I learned in school, to better local companies that I support and am passionate about.

As a frequent traveler, what’s your favorite place you’ve visited?

As a frequent traveler, my favorite place that I have visited is Vietnam. My best friend from high school is from Vietnam and I have gone to visit her twice. I love Vietnam because they have beautiful mountains, beautiful beaches, and the best food! I had never realized how many different types of Vietnamese foods there were until I went there. My friends and I would eat all day, every day! I also love the French influence that is on Vietnamense culture and that it is in Southeast Asia, which is one of my favorite places to visit.

What is your personal fitness routine?

My personal fitness routine changes frequently throughout the year, depending on what I am doing or training for. Throughout the entire year I dance hula once a week, so that is always a part of my fitness routine. If I am preparing for a pageant I spend at least 3-4 days per week in the gym doing an hour workout followed by at least 30 minutes of cardio (usually running). I start physical training about 12 weeks prior to a pageant. The first six weeks are usually focused on gaining muscle and the next six weeks are focused on shredding excess weight to help get the look that I desire for the pageant. My personal trainer Leann Green from Science Lab Hawaiʻi helps keep me accountable with my workouts and nutrition plan. 

This summer I trained for a pickleball tournament, so I was playing pickleball three days per week, while I usually play once or twice a week during the rest of the year. My partner and I did well in the tournament and won the 3.0 division in the Fil-Am Hawaiʻi Charity Event Pickleball Tournament. In addition, if I have time during the week I'll sign up for a workout class. I love doing Buddhi, which is a mixture of dance, stretching, yoga, zumba, and a HIIT workout. I have also tried different workout classes in the community at the park or at different gyms. Depending on the season, I will sign up for a dance class as well, usually ballet, contemporary, or dance conditioning.

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

Hiki Photography

If I could be a Disney character for a week I would choose Mulan. She has always been a character I relate closely to because she is unlike anyone in her family. I think it is so cool that she can talk to Mushu, who is her dragon. She also comes from China, which is where my father's family originates from and I think it would be incredible to go back in time to ancient China to see how my ancestors lived. When I was in fourth grade my class did Mulan Jr. for our school play and I had my first solo role as the cheongsam lady, which was very fitting since my grandma bought me many cheongsams to wear for special occasions. The role was a huge deal for me because I was a shy kid and although I only had one line, I memorized the entire play and always knew I wanted to be Mulan. (Fun fact: the girl who played Mulan in the play was Miss Aloha Hawai'i 2022, Katiana Amafala-Marquard)

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

One activity that I would like to see at a baseball game is watching an Olympic gymnast throw the first pitch. I think that would be such a special moment to watch since gymnastics is my favorite sport, and since most gymnasts have no baseball experience! I also would love to participate in a baseball game. When I visited Japan I had the opportunity to learn some baseball and practice baseball with a Japanese high school team, which was so fun!

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That sounds like a fun experience!

As always, I want to thank Kaili for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Kaili during the rest of her journey. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account and website. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on, and you'll be sure not to miss anything. 

Thanks again Kaili!

Kyndra Nakamoto Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Kyndra Nakamoto is passionate about living aloha, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Kona Coffee. I was so excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Kyndra Nakamoto visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Kona Coffee crown?

I celebrated winning the title of Miss Kona Coffee by buying a small pizza from Dominoes and then going to sleep. I knew I had some busy days ahead of me so my biggest celebration was the sleep I got that night.

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss Kona Coffee competition that will help you when you compete for Miss Hawaii?

One thing I learned about myself through Miss Kona Coffee that will help me compete for Miss Hawaiʻi is I can do anything I set my mind to, even if it is outside my comfort zone. I never thought I would compete in an organization like this, let alone become a title holder, so itʻs all very new and exciting for me.

Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Kona Coffee?

The main goal I would like to accomplish during my time as Miss Kona Coffee is to talk to as many students, and groups of kids that I can, spreading my message of aloha and helping todayʻs youth understand the meaning behind this lifestyle. Aloha is a big part of my life and I want to share that with the younger generation.

How did you select your social impact initiative?

I knew that I wanted my social impact to revolve around aloha, since it is something I live by everyday, and something I want to share with others in my community. I then created my social impact initiative Make Aloha Easy because the name itself promotes people to try and live aloha, and is also an acronym for my middle name “Mae”. My middle name is very special to me, and I felt that having a platform title that held importance to me would be a creative and intimate way to connect with my community.

As a talented dancer, what do you enjoy most performing on stage?

I enjoy everything about dancing on stage, but I would say that part I love the most is connecting with people in the audience. As a dancer itʻs easy to look at a wall and pretend like no one is watching you, but a performance becomes so much more special when you look at the people in the crowd, and connect with them through facial expressions and body movement. This helps me to further relay the stories I tell through hula.

How would you finish the sentence, “I get great satisfaction when ___”?

I get great satisfaction when I finish a hula without messing up. I am someone who really pushes myself when it comes to hula, and I want to do my best in every aspect. If I finish a dance with 0 mistakes, I feel very satisfied.

If you could be a Disney Character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

If I could be a Disney character for a week I would choose to be Lilo because she gets to fly in little rocket ships, and hang out with aliens which would be such a fun experience. She is also a hula dancer, so I can be her while still practicing my passion.

If you had an extra ticket to a LA Dodgers baseball game, who would you take with you? Why?

If I had an extra ticket to an LA Dodgers game, I would take my cousin AJ, because he is the person who introduced baseball to me, and I grew up watching all of his games. I know that I would have fun with him because we both understand baseball and enjoy watching the game.

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

I canʻt remember the last time I went to a professional baseball game, but one feature I would like to experience is being on a jumbotron. I am a lively and energetic so I know I would dance around and live up the moment.

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That would be so much fun!

As usual, I want to thank Kyndra for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

As Kyndra continues her time as Miss Kona Coffee, I encourage you to check out her title's Instagram account, as well as her personal one! They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! 

I also want to wish Kyndra luck when she competes for Miss Hawaii! It would be fantastic to have the first Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

Thanks again Kyndra, and good luck!

Katheryn Frederick Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Katheryn Frederick is passionate about youth advocacy, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Aloha Hawai'i. I was thrilled that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. I am also so flattered that she is our first visitor from the state of Hawaii!

So, let's see what happens when Katheryn Frederick visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Aloha Hawai’i crown? 

There was SO much adrenaline coursing through my body for days on end before the competition. I remember I couldn’t eat or sleep I was so nervous, but also excited! So the night I was crowned I got into the car, my family and I driving home, and I fell asleep! 

Long story short, I’d say I celebrated with a lot of rest, and a few days later my mom and I did an amazing photoshoot with my crown! The following week was so busy, and I made a lot of mistakes...but that just goes to show that nothing new is easy! It takes work, learning from those mistakes, and doing our best to do the job. I’m so blessed to have this opportunity of service!

 

What has been the most pleasant surprise about your time as Miss Aloha Hawai’i? 

The SISTERHOOD! The Miss Kona Coffee Scholarship

competition was my first pageant, and I ended up becoming a part of a very empowered group of sisters! I think a very common misconception of “pageantry” is that it’s filled with stuck up snobby girls, but this is untrue! We are all on a mission with a purpose! We’re all located around different parts of the US, and I’ve made so many friends, even penpals, throughout quarantine! 

 

What part of the upcoming Miss Hawaii competition are you most nervous about?

The Miss Hawaii Competition takes place on May 15th and I’m THRILLED! Not only have I had a whole extra year to perfect my Social Impact Initiative, but I’ve had time to grow as an individual. This time for growth and transformation will definitely show when I walk out on stage. As for the part I’m most nervous about...that would probably be the moments before the crown is passed off to its next titleholder. I can feel the tension just thinking about it! I’ve put so much of myself into this journey, and no matter what the outcome is, I’m just so proud of who I’ve become!

 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Be Sensational - Youth Advocacy”?

This past June I connected with the Black Lives Matter Movement as a bi-racial young woman. It was tough for me to see my community feel so strongly about events that just SHOULD NOT be taking place. I found my voice and began speaking out as best as I could. 

The night before I participated in a march to remember George Floyd, my father told me that I was proof of society’s evolution. I was both black, and white...two sides of history. My VOICE...is what makes me sensational. 

I say this to express the WHY behind my Social Impact Initiative. The voices of our youth are revolutionary. They are what will shape and eventually CHANGE our future. Showing them that they can be CONFIDENT in their own voices, will only strengthen the possible impact they could have.

 

As a talented dancer, what do you enjoy most about performing on stage?

Dancing is one of my favorite ways to tell a story. My favorite part about dancing on stage is spinning into my own world, even if just for a few second, there’s this moment when the audience disappears and it’s just me and the music. There’s always a certain feeling of peace within me when dancing, and I think that’s because I connect with it as a language and not just a passion. 

 

What is your personal fitness routine?

I’m currently a fitness coach through Beachbody! I work out at home with Beachbody On Demand, which is essentially a Netflix but with JUST workout programs. They range from yoga to weight lifting, to cardio. They even have workouts for kids! 

 

Personally, I like sticking to a 3 or 6-week program, committing to it, and working out at least five times a week! I take rest days, to stretch and take care of my body, but I’ve always been an athlete. Being able to workout AT home has saved me this past year. 

 

If you could be a Disney Character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

Tiana! Ohmygosh, a little secret dream I’ve always had is to audition for Tiana at Disney! Her story is so amazing, and I think encouraging our younger girls to work hard for what they dream of is powerful! Plus, she is the first Disney Princess that represents the black community, which is a big moment in history. Having representation in our media and politics is a form of empowerment we NEED. It is hard for most to bring dreams to reality when they cannot see what it could look like.  

 

If you had an extra ticket to see your hometown Mariners, who would you bring with you? Why?

I’d bring my little sister Charlotte! I currently live on the Big Island, but Seattle will always feel like a distant home, It holds memories from when I was small!

I remember going to my first Mariners game with my parents, eating nachos and letting my feet swing out in front of me since I wasn’t big enough to touch the ground. I even got to meet Mariner Moose and he signed my shirt!

 

I’d love to take her back now that she’s ten so she can have that same experience!

 

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

Well, I think I speak for everyone when I say, I wish finding a parking spot was easier! I remember it taking forever just to park!

No, but seriously, when I got to go to my first Mariners game I sat very close to the field, so I think it’d be cool to sit up top! See the crowd AND the game all at once! 

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I could definitely get behind easier parking! 

As always, I want to thank Katheryn for visiting with us, and for sending along the wonderful pictures to go with the interview.

As Katheryn continues her time as Miss Aloha Hawai'i, I encourage you to check out her personal and official Instagram accounts. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on!

I also definitely want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss Hawaii title. It would be wonderful to have the first Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

 

Thanks again Katheryn, and good luck!