Page 7 - MidWeek - January 25, 2023

JANUARY 25, 2023 MIDWEEK 7
KAHALA MALL PRESENTS
This Friday, Saturday + Sunday!
JAN. 27-29
Plus, shop small with + of the best local pop-ups joining us this weekend only!
VISIT KAHALAMALLCENTER.COM FOR DETAILS
DA Beacon For The Chinese Community
ear Darah, as it’s a part of their identi- Michele Choy, bet- ty. I’m so happy when I hear ter known as “Mama their feedback that they are
Miki,” has been volunteering much prouder to be Chi-
as the Narcissus Pageant & Festival coordinator for 42 years. Not only does Michele arrange the cultural classes for the contestants and produce the entire pageant program, but she also serves as a men- tor for the young women that enter the competition. When I participated in the 71st Narcissus Pageant, Michele encouraged me and the other contestants to take in every moment of the experience. She emphasized that no mat- ter what the outcome would be on pageant night, we’d all walk away as winners more in touch with our cultural roots. Michele’s advice made my pageant experience that much more fulfilling, as I developed a stronger connection with my family and Chinese heritage.
Michele made tremendous strides as president of the Chi- nese Chamber of Commerce. One event Michele co-chaired was the campaign to recognize the Chinese Americans from Hawai‘i who served in World War II. Along with the Con- gressional Gold Medal Com- mittee, she helped to plan the luncheon gala and ceremony honoring the Hawai‘i Chi- nese American veterans who served in all branches of the military during WWII to be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, Congress’ high- est expression of national ap- preciation for distinguished achievement and contribution to the United States. Michele’s
Michele Choy
nese because of their pag- eant experience, which not only focuses on their beauty and talent but on their cul- ture. Of course, this would not happen were it not for the dedicated instructors and experts in their fields who continue to share their knowledge of the Chinese culture to pass down to fu- ture generations. Although I’ ve chaired many events throughout my involvement with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the Congres- sional Gold Medal ceremo- ny served as one of the most memorable and meaningful events I’ve had the honor to be associated with because it really meant a lot to the veterans and their families to finally be recognized by the United States for their service to our country. We as Chinese Americans ben- efited from their service.”
Is there someone you’d like to thank? Mail letters to MidWeek c/o Mahalo Nui at 500 Ala Moana Blvd. Ste. 7-500, Honolulu HI 96813, or email mahalonuiwithdar- ah@gmail.com. Include your name, where on the island you reside, phone number and, if possible, the phone number of the person you’ re thanking so she can contact him or her. Darah Dung hosts “The Pet Hui” and “Island Driver,” both on Spectrum OC16.
efforts helped Chinese Amer- ican veterans finally get the recognition they deserved and gave Chinese Americans, like me, a voice.
Michele’s contributions have a long-lasting positive impact. Her hard work and dedication shine brightly in the Chinese community.
Jamie Lee Narcissus Queen 2020
Dear Jamie,
Kung hee fat choy! Happy Year of the Rabbit and what a wonderful time to cele- brate a woman so influential to the Chinese community in Hawai‘i, who has dedicated more than three decades to volunteerism and culture awareness. She has touched the lives of so many and con- tinues to give back through her involvement and per- petuation of Chinese history and its traditions.
Choy says, “It has been an honor and pleasure to inspire these young women to get connected with their Chinese culture and heri- tage, which I feel is so im- portant so that it’s not lost