Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 11, Number 5, 1 Mei 1994 — Proud to be Hawaiian [ARTICLE]

Proud to be Hawaiian

First and foremost, I would like to say that I am extremely proud to be a Hawaiian. I am also very proud to have been able to represent our state as a Hawaiian in the National Pre-Teen Petite

Pageant in Orlando, Florida. I started my opening speech in Hawaiian, then translated into English. They were very impressed that an 8-year-old girl was able to do this. Everywhere that I went, I let people know that I am a Hawaiian that was representing my state. I was able to make a lot of new friends, (and) we are corresponding with eaeh other. I was fortunate to bring back the most trophies in the whole pageant. I competed against a lot of girls that compete all year round. Considering that, I did extremely well for someone who had only three pageants under her belt. I sincerely hope that I have made you proud. A big mahalo nui loa to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs for having sponsored me. Your generosity has given me a mueh more positive attitude about myself. Without OHA, Hawaiians like myself would not be able to do well in life. Mahalo for all of your support. Shaz-Zerrae A.U. Ramos Mililani, Hawai'i