LIHU‘E — Taylor Mielke-Suizu, daughter of Bradley Suizu and Deyana Mielke, was installed as the Miss Kaua‘i Veteran 2021 Wednesday in a brief ceremony before the Kaua‘i Veterans Council board t the Kaua‘i Veterans Center.
LIHU‘E — Taylor Mielke-Suizu, daughter of Bradley Suizu and Deyana Mielke, was installed as the Miss Kaua‘i Veteran 2021 Wednesday in a brief ceremony before the Kaua‘i Veterans Council board t the Kaua‘i Veterans Center.
Mielke-Suizu, a senior at Island School, will reign through the end of the year, being of assistance and present at the major events paying tribute to veterans. This include the annual Memorial Day service, which is currently being considered after the 2020 event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mary Kay Hertog, commander of the Kaua‘i Veterans Council, said while the service at the Kaua‘i Veterans Cemetery is still being discussed, the council will be hosting a golf tournament Memorial Day weekend and Mielke-Suizu can spend some time with the council board and its members.
Other major veteran events include the Veterans Day Parade that was canceled in 2020, and the Veterans Day service that was also canceled due to the pandemic.
Hertog said Mielke-Suizu was selected from a field of eight applicants by a six-member panel that was impressed by her essay that expressed her gratitude and compassion for veterans.
Charlene Dorsey, chair of the Miss Kaua‘i Veteran Selection Committee, presided over the formality that included the sash of office being presented by Mielke-Suizu’s friend, Wanbli Primeaux, a fellow senior at Island School.
In addition to her badges of office, Mielke-Suizu was also presented a $500 scholarship by the Kaua‘i Veterans Council.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
