Taeler Akana '12 joins 70th Cherry Blossom Festival Contestants
March 15th, 2022
Taeler Akana joins 70th Cherry Blossom Festival contestants
(Photo courtesy of Expressions and Glenn Yoza Photography)
Alum Taeler Akana '12 is one of the contestants in this year's 70th Cherry Blossom Festival! The group was announced in January, and since then have made public appearances at both the Royal Hawaiian Center and Windward Mall. With the Festival Ball right around the corner on Saturday, March 19, the 70th Cherry Blossom Queen and Court will soon be announced.
After graduating from La Pietra, Akana went on to get her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Saint Mary's College of California. Today, she is a Community Based Case Manager at Kalihi-Palama Health Center. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening and watching movies.
This year, the theme for the festival is "chowa," or harmony and balance. Originally started in 1953, the Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the longest, continually running ethnic festivals in Hawaii. Its goal is to perpetuate Japanese culture and enrich the lives of young women of Japanese ancestry.
Queen contestants are given the opportunity to learn about their Japanese heritage, improve their poise and public speaking and develop leadership skills through numerous cultural and training classes.
Photo by Expressions and Glenn Yoza Photography
TAELER KEALOHILANI AKANA '12
The Festival Ball is set to take place at the Sheraton Waikiki on Saturday, March 19 at 5 p.m. The evening begins with the Western phase where Queen contestants will appear in modern evening gowns to deliver a prepared speech. Next, during the Eastern phase, contestants will answer an impromptu question in a traditional furisode silk kimono.
The ball will end with the highly anticipated crowning of the 70th Cherry Blossom Festival Queen and Court. Good luck, Taeler!
