The Honolulu Advertiser

Aloha,
My name is Shanon and Im a 19-year-old female from Maui. First and foremost I would like to send my deepest congratulations and best wishes to you. I must say that your aloha spirit truly shined through you during the whole pagent.

You are such an inspiration to me and I believe the whole world. It's people like you who give people hope and courage to go and pursue their dreams. I am so glad that you are Miss America and know that you will do an outstanding job because you are a beautiful person on the inside and out.
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Sincerely,
Shanon Maddela-Moller

I am elated at the selection of Miss Hawai'i as the new Miss America. I feel she is representative of all people and what we are all striving to be....COLORBLIND! May God truly bless her, and may she forever give the honor and glory to the Lord.

From a Hawaiian who has lived in California for the last 37 years! Malama Pono,

Lu Ann Jenkins

Congratulations to the newly crowned Miss America from everyone from Hawai'i. I know I speak for many people from Hawai'i because your win means so much to the people of Hawai'i. You give so much hope to those who do not believe in themselves. You teach the teachings of hard work and perserverance and never giving up of yourself and the trait of being humble and giving of yourself to others are well deserving of the perfect role model for Miss America. Your down to earth, Hawai'i-based upbringing teaches everyone to always remember our roots and your smile teaches to always enjoy life to the fullest. We know you will continue to make the people of Hawai'i proud during your reign.

After moving from Honolulu to Oklahoma two years ago, my daughter
missed hula, because they just don't do that here. Thanks to your performance and aloha on Saturday, she is back to dancing around the house...because "Miss America does!!!" Thanks for keeping the "Spirit of the Islands" Alive!

Louan Brown Torres
daughter..Cathy Jo Torres(took lessons from Halau Hula Olana)

Best wishes from Wahiawa

Congratulations on representing Hawai'i and the United States.

Best of luck,
dela Cruz family
Wahiawa

Greetings from South Africa

As a family from South Africa, who are to move to Hawai'i in December, your achievements have been celebrated here too. All the best for the year that lies ahead. Once again, congratulations.

Kevin Mitchell and family

Will miss Angela

All the very best, Angela. We will miss you at St. Augustine's. Have a wonderful time. The love and prayers will be with you and your family.

Aloha love and prayers,
Alice and Bob Cobb

Best wishes from Tennessee

A very belated CONGRATULATIONS on winning your title. I missed the pageant on TV as my boys and I are sports junkies. I actually did not find out about it until I read it in the paper the next morning. There was no mention of it on the 10 p.m. news that evening.

I am especially estatic over the fact that you are of Filipino heritage. It meant that much more to me as my roots are from the Philippines. My grandparents came to Hawaii at a tender age and my parents and their siblings were born and raised in Hawai'i. I am of Filipino heritage and currently reside in Millington, Tenn. as my husband (from Arkansas) retired from the Navy and he decided to settle here. I still do have many relatives still residing in Hawai'i, including my mother (who is 73 years old and still works as a nurse's aide at St. Francis Hospital on Liliha), two brothers, many aunts, uncles and generations of cousins.

I was born and raised in Hawai'i and graduated from Campbell High School. I had humble beginnings as I was born at the old Ewa Plantation Hospital and lived on the plantation until I turned 19 years old. I have three children, a daughter who will be 21 in February, a son who will be 18 in January and another son who is 16, who shows most of the Filipino.

Since we are this far from Hawai'i, I have tried to teach my children the way of the islands. We lived there for 4 years while my husband was stationed at Barbers Point. We were last there in 1997. My children, especially my youngest, devour local foods. My youngest loves Filipino foods and if my father was still alive today, he would have been so proud. They love sushi, sashimi, adobo, fried noodles, shaved ice, teriyaki, shrimp tempura, squid, kal bi, mon doo, etc.

If you ever come to Tennessee during your reign, especially Western Tennessee, please allow my family and I the honor of meeting you. Since you
are a teacher, there are some excellent schools in Shelby County, both
private and public.

Again, CONGRATULATIONS.

Frances L. (Estaniqui) Duckworth