glo Girl : Kendanaing “KK” Kokonaing

glo GIRL

KENDANAING “KK” KOKONAING

AGE: 18

By Jennie Renner | Photo by Mollie Shutt

In middle school, KendaNaing Kokonaing, who goes by “KK,” said she was shy. Her vocal teacher suggested that she participate in a Miss America Teen competition to build her confidence. In 2017, she competed in her first pageant. Now a senior at Carroll High School, KK was recently crowned Miss Allen County, Teen U.S.A. In April, she will compete for the Miss Indiana Teen U.S.A. title.

But competing in pageants is not all that keeps KK busy. She is active in her church and is an intern on the worship team. She is also president of the student board of the Respect Team, an organization that encourages young people to respect themselves and others. And if that isn’t enough, KK and Respect Team Executive Director Amy Hanna just published a book called Hop and Seek. KK illustrated the book and will be visiting local elementary schools this spring to read it to students and impart some of the lessons she’s learned, like embracing her individuality. It was through the Respect Team TeenSpeak program that she began to find her voice around being a first generation BurmeseAmerican. “I had a hard time knowing myself,” she said. “I had to learn to embrace everything, including my Burmese culture. Finding people who actually value that and want to learn about me really made a difference in my life.” KK is quick to acknowledge that she did not get where she is today without a lot of help. She counts several women as role models along her path and she said faith is a big part of her life. “When I look back… it was definitely God placing the right people in my life,” said KK. “Every time there was something that I wanted, my mom would always tell me, ‘pray about it.’” So KK would pray. And she said when she achieves something, it isn’t about the success, it is about bringing her closer to God. She sees all her accomplishments as steps to building her character. KK said she was talking to her supervisor Olga recently. “She’s another leading woman in my life,” said KK. “She’s always told me, ‘I don’t know where home is. Home is my family.’” KK said she could relate because she never felt like she belonged anywhere, but she values her family. And she believes in and advocates for love. “I attribute that to my mom,” she said thoughtfully. “Prayer, love, and God.” It seems like a winning combination that has served KK well. a •Moving Forward Rehabilitation •Auguste’s Cottage Memory Care •Long-term Care •Respite Care •Hospice Care •Outpatient Therapy

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