It has been an honor to serve as the 2010-2011 Miss Seafair. This life-changing experience has introduced me to the many beautiful aspects of our city and the extraordinary individuals it is comprised of. I am profoundly grateful for every person whogave their time and energy to ensure I improved and developed this year. Your positive influence will have an everlasting impact on my life.
JoAnne, you are irreplaceable. Your commitment to Seafair paired with your passion for life; make you the perfect Program Chair and guardian of Miss Seafair. This was a significant year for me in ways beyond the program and I sincerely appreciated your emotional support. Feeling closer to you with every event, you deservingly earned the loving title of “Mom”. The stories, laughs, pictures and hugs wehave shared, I will truly value for a lifetime.
Sometimes they refer to themselves as the “tripod” or “the three amigos” and I occasionally used the term “bodyguards” adoringly. These three gentlemen were the ultimate caretakers and friends who made my year complete. Joe, Bruce and Paul, thank you for your spontaneity, jokes and friendship! This year was especially chaotic having the role as the Japanese Queen of Seattle in addition to Miss Seafair. The tripod went above and beyond their Seafair duties by attending Japanese Community events and volunteering at fundraisers, all while modeling their charismatic Seafair style. When I was crowned a year ago, I was astounded by the immediate support group I inherited with the Seafair Family.
This Scholarship Program isnothing without the passionate staff and volunteers. Wendi, Dan, Ruthie, Becci,Bruce and Casey, Jill, Vicki and Dee, you were key representatives of Seafair I interacted with; and like a baby bird trusting the first face it sees, I will always find comfort in your company. The time andenergy you generously give inspires me to continue my involvement with Seafair for years to come.
Thank you to the SeattleJapanese Scholarship Program! The Board, Committee, Terry, Mari, Susan, Rachel,Alicia and Sarah, everyone contributed to my year as Miss Seafair and I could not have done it without each of you. It was an honor to represent our community in the Seafair Scholarship Program for Women and to share Japanese culture with all the participants.
I love my family. This experience was a whirlwind of excitement and anxiety and I dragged my family alongside every step of the way. My younger sister patiently listened to me practice speeches. My brother selflessly helped with my food delivery route for my community service. My older sister choreographed my salsa routine for the creative expression component. There was never shortage of support with my family.
Both of my parents are immigrants and when I was crowned, my father beamed with pride explaining he felt our family was finally welcomed and part of Seattle with his daughter being Miss Seafair. I never imagined the gravity of this title, but I embraced its significance to my family and community.
As the President and CEO of Seafair, Beth Knox will tell everyone that once you have participated in Seafair, you will always be a part of the Seafair family. This year has granted me a multitude of opportunities, friends and unforgettable memories with my new Seafair family. The kindness of our sponsors and volunteers motivates me to pay it forward. The Seafair Scholarship Program for Women is about STRENGTHENING the one to EMPOWER the many and I feel more prepared than ever to do justthat.
Thank you for providing me the opportunity to serve as the 61st Miss Seafair. It has been a privilege to work alongside passionate volunteers and meeting incredible individuals. I will embrace these experiences for a lifetime and promise to continue serving my community.