Hosanna (center) and some of the other pageant contestants pose during a beach shoot.
Q: If you could give advice to someone who entered a beauty pageant and walked away without the crown, what would it be?
A: “Don’t let the pageant take over your life.” It’s
a PAGEANT. It is not the cure for cancer or the answer to world
hunger. Have fun with it. Recognize that most pageant presidents know
who they want to win. That is why the Miss Universe Organization
arranges in advance to handpick six of the 15 finalists. Pageants are a
business and the organizers have to answer to their advertisers and
sponsors. Don’t let it rock you if you don’t win. After MTUSA crowned
the gal they wanted to win, I looked around at the amazing women
who
didn’t and was blown away by their intellect, charisma, and grace. If
they were the “losers,” then I figured I was in excellent company. I
really do believe that when a door closes, a window opens.
Q: How do you plan to take this experience with you in the future?
A: I have been blessed by the many opportunities I
have been granted. I’ve been privileged to live in Idaho and
Washington, DC, where I worked under some of the world’s most powerful
people. I have worked with refugees from all over the world, visited
places like New York, Las Vegas, and the Bahamas, and currently serve on
the National Board for Girl Scouts USA.
I guess the most important thing I learned from Miss Teen USA was that
you can never lose by being kind and genuine. Being voted the kindest
girl by my peers and staff is an honor I will cherish forever.
This was published by Groupof.US as a fan page for Hosanna, a tribute to her outstanding example she sets for so many - please follow her on these too!
Thank you to Alexia for "In My Heart" Copyright 2010 SummerWind Fiji & Tango Digital Productions
18 year old Hosanna Kabakoro, from Idaho and the Fiji Islands, was just
named a Global Youth Leader by Three Dot Dash and will represent Fiji at
the International Peace Summit later this year.
Hosanna is a
U.S. Congressional Award Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist, Girl Scout
Gold Award recipient, Prudential Spirit of Community Award recipient and
National Discover Scholar. She is the recipient of the prestigious 2009
Jefferson Award, and recognized by Mrs. Laura Bush as one of America's
top 50 high school volunteers. In November of 2009, Idaho Governor
"Butch" Otter and his wife Lori, recognized her as one of the state's
Brightest Stars.
As founder of 2-Way Street Hosanna is
privileged to empower and enable refugee and at-risk immigrant youth to
acclimate to life in the United States through participation in public
service, education and mentorship programs. She has invested close to
4000 volunteer service hours in community service programs ranging from
food banks, veteran support groups, elder-care, political action groups,
Girl and Boy Scouts and 4-H.
Hosanna studied at College of
Southern Idaho and is preparing to begin Law School at University of the
South Pacific, where she is preparing for a career as a legal news
correspondent. In preparation for her career, Hosanna interned for a
U.S. Senator, served as a United States Senate Page in Washington D.C.,
and worked as a correspondent for Southern Idaho's largest daily
newspaper, The Times-News. She also interned at Talk Radio KLIX as well
as in the News Department at the CBS affiliate, KMVT. "I guess I'm a
political geek! I love anything to do with politics because often, the
political climate reflects the collective heart and mind of our nation.
American politics are the 'pulse-point' of Democracy," she says.
Most
recently, Hosanna was named one of 10 National YOUNG WOMEN of
DISTINCTION, by Girl Scouts of America, and appointed a National Girl
Scout Consultant. She works with and advises the National Board of
Directors and staff of Girl Scouts International. "These intelligent,
driven, and passionate young leaders will play a significant role in
shaping the ongoing work of GSUSA," said Kathy Cloninger, CEO of Girl
Scouts of the USA. "They are lending their voices to a Movement that
wants, needs, and values their contributions."
Hosanna was
selected as a 2010 REAL GIRL by Justine Magazine, and is featured in the
April/May 2010 issue, where she also appears on the cover.
In
2009, Hosanna was named Miss Idaho Teen USA, Miss Photogenic and also
Miss Congeniality. She went on to represent Idaho at Miss Teen USA in
the Bahamas where her co-contestants voted her Miss Congeniality.
In
addition to her academic and public service endeavors, Hosanna loves
snowboarding, skiing, surfing, kayaking and training for Ironman in
Kona. "I spent my childhood in the Fiji Islands, so I love anything that
can be done outdoors."
Hosanna is very active in her church,
where she sings in the choir, teaches Sunday School and helps lead an
after-school program for children. "My faith in Jesus Christ allows me
the freedom to become everything I was created to become, while
providing me a firm set of guidelines to keep me on course."
