PUHI — Cindy Jackson, a graduate of Kaua‘i High School, was named Miss Garden Isle 2005 before a good-sized audience at the Kaua‘i Community College Performing Arts Center. Performing a vocal rendition of the theme from the James Bond movie
PUHI — Cindy Jackson, a graduate of Kaua‘i High School, was named Miss Garden Isle 2005 before a good-sized audience at the Kaua‘i Community College Performing Arts Center.
Performing a vocal rendition of the theme from the James Bond movie “Moonraker,” Jackson also captured the talent phase of the Miss Garden Isle & Miss Kauai 2005 Scholarship Pageant that saw eight young women vie for a share of the scholarship money that accompanies the titles.
Jackson, the daughter of Jeanne Jackson, aspires to obtain a degree in musical theater, and has a platform advocating the needs of alcohol and substance-abuse victims.
In her stage interview, Jackson said there needs to be facilities available because the window for cure is limited — when substance-abuse victims decide they want to be cured, that decision needs to be reinforced as quickly as possible.
Lilinoi Grace, the daughter of Darryl K. and Leona Grace of Kealakekua, Hawai‘i, on the Big Island, was presented the Miss Kauai 2005 banner, the former Big Island Interscholastic Federation sports standout aspiring to become an astronaut.
This goal is the basis of her platform, “Dare to Dream.”
Grace also intends to further her education by seeking a master’s degree in either math education, or aeronautical science, with the ultimate goal of becoming either a mission specialist or educator, or an astronaut, for the National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA).
En route to being crowned the 2005 Miss Kauai, Grace captured the congeniality award which is voted upon by the contestants themselves, as well as topping the swimsuit phase of the pageant.
Meleanela Cachero-Wimbish was named the first runner-up, with Kaua‘i High School senior Maggi Celebrado filling in the second runner-up slot.
Cachero-Wimbish, the daughter of Phillip Wimbish and Gloria Cachero, is a graduate of Kealakehe High School on the Big Island, and aspires for a degree in psychology and Hawaiian studies.
Her platform is to educate students between the ages of 11 and 18 years old on the dangerous effects of underage drinking.
Celebrado, one of the youngest contestants in the field, performed a contemporary piano piece under the tutelage of Joyce Anglemyer and coach Therese Jasper.
An ambitious goal of establishing a local television show was revealed during her stage interview, as part of her platform surrounding obesity in youth.
Celebrado, who works at the Deli & Bread Connection in Kukui Grove Center with her parents, Don and Phyllis Celebrado, explained that a television show graphically demonstrating the effective weight loss and healthy life-style would be effective in combating obesity in young people by working in easy recipes and other weight-control measures, using young people as the subject matter.
Celebrado aspires to pursue a career in the health field.
Ivory McClintock was one of the contestants popular with the audience, as she got rousing support during her appearances as well as during the talent phase, where she played the flamenco guitar, an instrument she has been working with since she was 10 years old.
McClintock, who currently works with Noah Hamilton, aspires to become a photographer.
Other contestants included Chelise Kaohelaulii, who is working towards obtaining a master’s degree in nursing as well as a master’s degree in Hawaiian language.
Alana Brun, the daughter of Adam and Joycelyn Brun, wants to improve drug education in schools, and is aspiring to obtain a bachelor’s degree in business management.
Jennifer Stiles, the daughter of Faith Melandish, is aspiring to pursue a career in the criminal-justice field.
During the evening, Miss Garden Isle 2004 Mi Nei Oliver wowed the audience with a Tahitian dance medley that culminated with her solo performance against a field of dancers dressed in red.
Miss Kauai 2004 also performed a special hula presentation for her farewell performance, and the audience welcomed home, Olena Rubin, Miss Hawai‘i 2004, who belted out a special song for her “home island,” the touching number preceding another touching presentation done by the eight contestants, signing to “I Believe,” this year’s pageant theme, with Missy Saiki doing the signing choreography.
J Robertson served as the evening’s host, with television crews from both “The JK Show” and “Wala‘au” on hand to record the event for airing in the near future.
Rose Dahle was the pageant coordinator, with Darrin Emerick, Lady Ipo Kahaunaele Ferreira, Dave Coffey, Peggy Brinkopf, and Shane Kamakaokalani Herrod serving as judges. Both Miss Garden Isle and Miss Kauai will be representing Kaua‘i at the Miss Hawaii pageant later this year.
Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@pulitzer.net.
Miss Garden Isle & Miss Kauai 2005 Scholarship Pageant
Kaua‘i Community College Performing Arts Center
Miss Garden Isle 2005:Cindy Jackson
Miss Kaua‘i 2005:Lilinoi Grace
First runner-up:Meleanela
Cachero-Wimbish
Second runner-up:Maggi Celebrado
Special Awards
Spirit Award:Maggi Celebrado
Congeniality Award:Lilinoi Grace
Swimsuit Award:Lilinoi Grace
Talent Award:Cindy Jackson
