The Two Lives of Renee
At home on the North Shore, Renee Nobriga is a down-to-earth young woman who rarely wears makeup. But she has another, more glamorous side as a fashion model and Miss Hawaii USA.
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Del.icio.usMy younger sister Michelle is really into makeup and so is Jenny, so I have all my bases covered. Jenny also is my stylist extraordinaire. I can’t say enough about how fortunate I am, and my boyfriend did all the graphic design for my recent fundraiser.”
In addition to her duties as Miss Hawaii USA, Nobriga volunteers her time at the Hawaii Foodbank and attends fundraising and charity events. But being a role model to young girls is what she finds most fulfilling of all.
“I’ve been to numerous events where there are little girls who see the crown and they just drop their jaws. It’s such a cool feeling,” Nobriga exclaims.
The crown for her is like a microphone, she says, and she’s able to use it to her advantage, reminding younger generations of the importance of being drug-free and that anything is possible.
“I hope these girls know that it’s very possible to obtain this dream, because I was in their shoes as a kid as well. You don’t have to come from pageant backgrounds, you don’t have to have a very rich family, you don’t have to come from status to be Miss Hawaii - and I think I’ve proven that.
“Being Miss Hawaii is so much fun! I would say the hardest part is maintaining a smile every second of every day, even if I’m not feeling it,” she confides. “But at the same time, it makes me question why I’m not happy and reminds me to be appreciative of everything I have.”
Nobriga’s eyes are set on the crown for now. But having already attained her associate’s degree, she plans in the near future to continue her education and earn a bachelor’s degree in communications and/or business.
“I’m hoping to one day be on the news or have my own talk show - I want to eventually be on TV somehow,” she says. “I also want to have my own boutique, so a degree in business would help there.”
Who knows what the future holds? We just may be looking at our next Miss USA and potentially next Miss Universe. Yet, one thing’s for certain, this local girl has a drive and perseverance that is immeasurable. She’s ready for the ride, she’s ready to soar.
“My life is like a roller coaster. I’m taken on twirls and loops, but I love it. I love my life right now, I’m very happy,” Nobriga says.
“I’m loving this whole experience, whether it be good, whether it be bad - at least I know I made Miss Hawaii, and I’m going up to the Miss USA pageant very proud and representing Hawaii to the best of my abilities. I’m going to get through everything knowing I have a solid core.”
Remembering A Princess Who Left Too Soon
Hawaii’s beauty pageant community is in mourning following the loss of reigning Miss Hawaii Teen United States and Miss Hawaii Teen Princess Sheryl Wolfe, who died last week at Queen’s Medical Center. Wolfe, 18, had collapsed April 13, suffering a stroke while in class at Mililani High School.
“I didn’t know Sheryl, but I feel like one of my pageant sisters just passed away. Even though we’re not related, it hit close to home,” says Miss Hawaii USA Renee Nobriga.
“She was so young, and it just goes to show this could happen to anybody. No one could have predicted it, and it just happened. I just feel utmost sadness, and wish her family the best.”
Wolfe would have competed in the Miss Teen Hawaii World pageant May 9 at the Hawaii Convention Center. Instead, her friend Florence Villanueva will take her place in the pageant. If she wins, Villanueva will give the crown to Wolfe’s family.
“She knew what she wanted, set a goal and worked toward it,” says Alicia Jones, pageant director for Miss Teen Hawaii World, “As a pageant director, I have always tried my hardest to stay neutral and not show favoritism - but it was hard to ignore the fact that Sheryl was the one to beat in this competition. She was tall, poised, beautiful, humble and most of all had that infectious personality that was so contagious. When she smiled it was hard not to stare. Her beauty radiated inside and out.”
Donations can be made in Sheryl Wolfe’s name to one of her favorite charities, Compassion International, 12290 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80921.
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