Local Pageant Pro Vies For USA National Miss Preteen Title

Naia Torres

While many students relax and lounge around during the summer, Ewa Beach resident Naia Torres has a busy break to prepare for.

The reigning USA National Miss Hawaii Preteen 2015 and Miss Pre-Teen Hawaii 2014 will compete for the national title of USA National Miss Preteen (and college scholarship money) at the USA National Miss scholarship pageant.

The competition, which takes place July 27-Aug. 1 in Orlando, Fla., features evening gown, interview and runway fashion show categories.

Torres began her journey into the world of pageantry at the age of 5, after spotting a pretty pageant flier in the mail.

“My favorite part (of competing) would be talent,” said the Kamehameha Middle School seventh-grader, who is on the school honor roll. “My talent last year was Polynesian. When pageants don’t have talent, my favorite part is sportswear.”

She explained that the interview portion of pageants is the hardest for her.

“Speaking can be difficult at times, especially because of all the judges,” she explained. “They’re waiting for your answer, and you just want to do the best you can.”

While she enjoys the pageant life, she understands that school is most important.

“I always put homework first,” she said. “It is difficult to finish all this, and I don’t get as much sleep as I used to, but I always make it a priority to finish my homework.”

In her spare time, Torres serves on her school’s student council, performs with Kamehameha Dance Company and plays with Lokahi Volleyball Club.

She has danced for Dance Junction Hawaii and Waipahu’s Na Maka O Pu‘uwai Aloha halau, and is a member of Island Tumblers in Waipahu, where she is learning gymnastics.

Torres also makes it a point to volunteer her spare time with organizations such as American Cancer Society, Life Foundation, Make-A-Wish Hawaii, Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii, Special Olympics Hawaii and Lanakila Meals on Wheels, to name a few.

In preparation for the USA National Miss scholarship pageant, Torres is working on her walk.

“I’ve also been trying to get my jazz dancing down,” she said. “I’m very excited for the upcoming competition, and I can’t wait to go. I’ve been preparing.”

For more information on the competition, go online to usanationalmiss.com.