LIHU‘E — Waimea High School senior Mya Quarles was named 2023 Miss Kauai Veteran on Wednesday.
Quarles, who moved back to Kaua‘i two years ago following being a “military brat,” was installed and acknowledged by the Kaua‘i Veterans Council during a regular meeting of the Kaua‘i Veterans Council at Kaua‘i Veterans Center.
Flanked by her parents, Ethan and Mona Quarles, and grandparents, Norvin and Jessie Olivas, Mya accepted the honor of representing veterans and the Kaua‘i Veterans Council from Charlene Dorsey. She was also rewarded with a scholarship, which she will use to pursue a psychiatry degree.
Mya, receiving commendation and praise on her academic achievements from Retired General Mary Kay Hertog, the commander of the Kaua‘i Veterans Council, said her life is greatly influenced by the military after visiting the hallowed grounds of the Punchbowl National Cemetery of the Pacific.
Mya’s installation as Miss Kaua‘i Veterans comes in time for the next military salute on Nov. 4.
“On 4 November, we will have the first Veterans Celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the lawn of the Historic County Building,” Hertog announced. “The day will start with a short ceremony to honor our veterans with the day dedicated to the late Russell Maeda, our former treasurer, and just a great man. Everyone is invited to join us.”
Following the ceremony, there will be bands, keiki activities, a performance by Mary Lardizabal and the Kapa‘a Middle School ‘ukulele band. There will also be a presentation by Kumu Hula Leina‘ala Pavao Jardin and Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina‘ala. Bands scheduled to perform include Cruz Control and Kapena.
“We will have a couple of food trucks there, and are trying to get vendors there as well,” Hertog said.
Following the event, the Veterans Museum, located in the Kaua‘i Veterans Center on Veterans Memorial Highway will officially open with a small ceremony inside the museum on Nov. 10, starting at 4 p.m.
On Nov. 11, starting at 11 a.m., everyone is invited to the annual Veterans Day ceremony at Kaua‘i Veterans Cemetery in Hanapepe.
