KAINALIU — Carly Yoshida was crowned Miss Kona Coffee 2020 Saturday night at the Scholarship Competition at the Aloha Theatre.
Seven young women vied for the coveted title in an evening full of song, dance and nostalgic performances in front of a full house of supporters.
Joyce Rosabia, Katie Frederick, Maianna Taylor, Talexi Ross, Sarah Barry, Kaili Yuen and Carly Yoshida spent the last four months preparing for the competition under the new executive director, former Miss Kona Coffee and Miss Hawaii Jeanne Kapela.
“It’s a different feeling being on stage showcasing the best of yourself,” said Kapela. “Now I’m bringing out the best in them, grooming young women to be future leaders.”
The 49th annual competition also celebrated a three generational dynasty of the Basque family’s involvement in the perennial pageant with a performance including 2019 Miss Kona Coffee Ruby Basque-Jordan, her mother Priscilla and grandmother Grace.
Contestants competed in the Miss America qualifying competition in categories including talent and evening wear.
Yoshida will represent Kona Coffee for the next year in a variety of venues. As winner of the competition, she will receive a hosted trip to Japan courtesy of UCC Ueshima Coffee Company, a Kona Coffee Cultural Festival $5,000 scholarship, accommodation and wardrobe assistance to compete in the Miss Hawaii Scholarship Pageant, and a sterling silver engraved Hawaiian bracelet courtesy of Lehua Jewelers, among other prizes.
“I am so honored,” Yoshida said. “I’ve been working for this for years,” she added, noting her 2016 award for Miss Outstanding Teen. This is the first year Yoshida has competed in the competition.
She decided to compete because of “the opportunities this organization allows young women to better ourselves and be the best version for ourselves.”
A graduate of Hawaii Community College Palamanui, Yoshida plans to use her scholarship money to further her education in psychology and early education.
Miss Aloha Hawaii 2020 Katie Frederick is a home-schooled senior who wants to share her message with other girls and teens: “Authentic and important to grow through your growth.”
“I’m overwhelmed and honored to represent this island,” she said. “I’m looking forward to an experience not like anything else,” she said.
Frederick is looking forward to the title opening doors to new opportunities.
The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival continues through Nov. 10.