Miss Maui Teen USA 2021

Congratulations to Maui High School saber, Jaycie Iha, on being crowned 2021 Miss Maui Teen USA! Jaycie will be moving on to state competition in December, where she will compete for the title of Miss Hawaii Teen USA 2021.

What inspired you to compete for Miss Teen Maui?

If you were to ask me even five months ago to be in a pageant, my answer would be no. I did not know pageantry, but I used the time to focus on myself and find my passions and what I want to do for Maui and the community over quarantine and the summer. Just so happens, the Miss Maui USA pageant was coming up toward the end of the summer, and I knew that would lead me in the right direction. Although I was hesitant to say an official yes to being a contestant, I took a leap of faith and made the first step in becoming the butterfly I am. Being a first-generation college graduate would be a dream come true for myself and especially my parents. This pageant was an advantageous way to get closer to that dream while expressing myself through the competition and speaking on behalf of things I am passionate about while representing the island of Maui.

How was your experience becoming Miss Teen Maui? Did it go how you wanted to? Why or why not?

From the very first rehearsal during my journey of Miss Maui Teen USA, it has been nothing but a beautiful experience. The sisterhood I created with my pageant girls is like no other, and there was never a moment I didn’t feel loved and supported. We all believed that empowered women empower women, and each of my sisters never failed to show that through their actions. I’ve received an overwhelming amount of support from my pageant sisters and family, friends, school, mentors, and even strangers. Pageantry may be a competition, but one filled with love, support, and empowerment. The Miss Maui Teen USA 2021 pageant did go the way I wanted! I did not only earn the title and walk out with a crown on my head and sash sitting on my shoulder but feeling good about myself and well aware of the fact that I can do anything I set my mind to. I am so grateful and excited for this opportunity and promise to represent Maui with my best self.

What are your thoughts and plans regarding the upcoming year as Miss Teen Maui?

I am using this title as a microphone to express my gratitude for my mentors. This includes my mentors for Muay Thai, Jiu Jitsu, STEM, Cheer, etc. I want to use the traits that they instilled in me to bring the same qualities out of other students and people and help bring many people’s dreams to fruition. My platform is STEM, so I am advocating to see more women take up male-dominated jobs in the STEM field, and empower them not to be afraid to. I hope to inspire, uplift, give back to the community, and share my love of STEM along my journey.

Last question, as Miss Teen Maui 2021, do you have anything you would like to say to the teenage community?

To the teenage community, you are the generation that is going to change the world. Continue to use your voice, continue to speak your mind, and continue to inspire. We are the generation that doesn’t back down and knows what we have to offer. When you feel stuck, try something new and put yourself out there. Never be afraid to break through your chrysalis and become the butterfly you are capable of growing into.

If I hadn’t allowed myself to be uncomfortable, I wouldn’t be your Miss Maui Teen USA today. Stay authentic, be brave, and continue to change the world.

“Jaycie was already a winner in my eyes before she took the title of Miss Teen Maui USA, because of her willingness to step out of the box to try something new, her dedication to pageant and all the hard work that went into it. Proud is an understatement of how I feel. Maybe Jaycie will create a new word that will reflect how I feel during her reign…” says Jaycie’s mother, Joann Iha.

The Maui High School ohana is proud of Jaycie Iha and wishes her the best of luck! We can’t wait to see what she has in store for us. Jaycie will do great things as Miss Maui Teen USA 2021.