The generations before her and the generations that will follow her. Kathryn Teruya could visualize her place in that circle of life as she was crowned Miss Hawaii 2017 on Saturday night at the Hawaii Theatre. Competing as Miss Kaka‘ako Teruya, she defeated 14 other contestants to become the 73rd woman to hold the title of Miss Hawaii.
She will now represent her state at the Miss America 2018 to be held in Atlantic City, New Jersy, on September10, 2017. The event will be broadcast by the American Broadcasting Company (ABC). Miss America 2017 and Miss Arkansas 2016, Savvy Shields, will officially crown her successor.
“I mentioned that on stage and I really mean it,” Teruya said backstage, moments after receiving her crown from Miss Hawaii 2016 Allison Carol Nanea Chu.
In addition to winning the overall title and the opportunity to represent Hawaii at the 97th Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City in September, Teruya also won the talent category award with her spirited high-kicking performance of “I Want To Be A Rockette.” She also received the Miss America/First Hawaiian Bank Community Service Award.
Teruya’s winning dance number was one of several noteworthy performances in the talent segment.