Hosanna Kabakoro Miss Idaho Teen USA

17 year old Hosanna Kabakoro of Twin Falls is a U.S. Congressional Award Gold Medalist, Girl Scout Gold Award recipient, and National Discover Scholar. She is the recipient of the prestigious 2009 Jefferson Award, and was recognized by Mrs. Laura Bush as one of America's top 50 high school volunteers. In November of 2009, Idaho Governor "Butch" Otter and his wife Lori, recognized her as one of the state's Brightest Stars.

As founder of 2-Way Street Hosanna is privileged to empower and enable refugee and at-risk immigrant youth to acclimate to life in the United States through participation in public service, education and mentorship programs. She has invested close to 4000 volunteer service hours in community service programs ranging from food banks, veteran support groups, elder-care, political action groups, Girl and Boy Scouts and 4-H.

A 4.0, home-educated high school senior, Hosanna also takes dual credit courses at College of Southern Idaho, where she is preparing for a career as a political correspondent.

In preparation for her career, Hosanna interned for a U.S. Senator, served as a United States Senate Page in Washington D.C. and now works as a correspondent for Southern Idaho's largest daily newspaper, The Times-News. "I guess I'm a political geek! I love anything to do with politics because often, the political climate reflects the collective heart and mind of our nation. American politics are the 'pulse-point' of Democracy," she says.

In addition to her academic and public service endeavors, Hosanna loves snowboarding, skiing, surfing, kayaking and training for Ironman in Kona. "I spent my childhood in the Fiji Islands, so I love anything that can be done outdoors."

Hosanna is very active in her church, where she sings in the choir, teaches Sunday School and helps lead an after-school program for children. "My faith in Jesus Christ allows me the freedom to become everything I was created to become, while providing me a firm set of guidelines to keep me on course."

Hosanna's parents are Pastor Lavisai Kabakoro and his wife of nearly 21 years, Summer Kabakoro. "My parents are superheroes!" She has a younger sister, Selah, whom she says is one of her biggest supporters and sources of encouragement. "My sister Selah, is truly my best friend. I can always depend on her for honest input!"

Hosanna looks forward to serving the people of Idaho as Miss Idaho Teen USA and promoting the Miss Teen USA organization. "It's not about boobs and bimbos," says Hosanna. "It's about empowered, confident young women, making a difference in our communities through service, with style, grace and determination. It's about challenging other young people to get involved, aim higher and go further than any other generation has gone!"

Most recently, Hosanna was named one of the 10 National YOUNG WOMEN of DISTINCTION by the Girl Scouts of America! Girl Scouts of the USA has a 97-year tradition of building leadership skills in girls. Research shows that Girl Scout alumnae represent 70 percent of women serving in Congress and 66 percent of women of professional achievement. Illustrious alumnae include Sandra Day O'Connor, the first female to sit on the Supreme Court of the United States; Eileen Collins, the first woman space shuttle commander; Dr. Drew Gilpin Faust, the first female president of Harvard University; and Katie Couric, the first woman to anchor a network evening newscast.