For Cheri Lavoie, being selected as Miss Billfish feels like a journey that has come full circle. ADVERTISING For Cheri Lavoie, being selected as Miss Billfish feels like a journey that has come full circle. Her daily post during the
For Cheri Lavoie, being selected as Miss Billfish feels like a journey that has come full circle.
Her daily post during the majority of her duties as Miss Billfish is at Kailua Pier, just around the corner from where she took swimming lessons as a keiki and where her family spread the ashes of her grandfather just over a year ago.
For her, Kailua-Kona is home and filled with memories. Now in her role as Miss Billfish, she gets to share that with anglers from across the globe.
Lavoie is a Kealakehe High School graduate and went on to study at UC Berkeley. This year she competed in the Miss Hawaii pageant as Miss Hualalai. She is the daughter of Phil and Naomi Lavoie and big sister to Yuki Lavoie.
After a long day of posing for photos with the international group of anglers, Lavoie took some time to reflect on the Miss Billfish experience:
Q: What was your reaction when you heard you were selected as Miss Billfish?
I was very excited to be a part of such a historical local event. But I was also anxious to see what the week would bring. I had some high hopes, and so far they have all been met.
Q: What has been the best part so far?
It has definitely been meeting all the teams from around the world and making new friends. Getting to enjoy our Kona town with people from around the world is pretty special.
Q: What is the hardest part of your job?
Staying mentally relaxed before getting to the pier. But once I get there it’s all fun and it goes by so fast. There are some nerves while getting ready though.
Q: Why is this an important event for Kona?
I think this is an important event because it keeps people close to a tradition that has been here 56 years. Plus, we get to share our culture, show off our town and spread the aloha.
Q: What have you learned through this experience?
I’ve learned to enjoy things and savor every moment. I think it’s easy to do that, especially when we live in a beautiful place like Kona.
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