Page 10 - North Haven Magazine Issue 17 Winter 2021

MEET

OUTSTANDING TEEN STANDING TEEN
OUT
OUTSTANDING TEENOUTSTANDING TEEN

Gia Iwanec
Gia Iwanec
Gia Iwanec
Gia Iwanec

by Marisa Hexter
Gia Iwanec is a one-of-a-kind teen. Her self-initiative to help the community both before
and after the pandemic hit shows how much she cares about the town she lives in. She
has made headlines with “Storytime with Gia”, leading her to be showcased on local news
stations like WTNH. She is also known as Miss North Haven’s Outstanding Teen, and we
can see why!
Gia’s involvement with the Miss Connecti- a part of a student’s day with her program.
cut Scholarship Organization began at the “I believe that ‘Storytime with Gia’ provides
age of five as a Miss CT Princess when her some normalcy to the kids. I have been
parents entered her “in hopes to gain a level able to continue my school tour by virtual-
of confidence”. She says, “I truly owe it all ly appearing inside classrooms as a special
to my parents because at such a young age guest reader.” Her program involves much
they gave me the opportunity to find a pas- more than reading a story. “It’s a program Communications Major.” With her passions
sion that has fueled me to be a leader, role where I have connected with kids and fam- for educating, promoting, and speaking, she
model, advocate, and change-maker in our ilies and am able to be an outlet for them. I has her sights set on becoming an advocate
great state...Being a part of this organization ask them to set some goals and intentions for a product or organization. “I am excited
has pushed me to always put the best repre- for themselves and when we connect in the to see what the future holds for me. I consid-
sentation of myself out there and to always future, it is rewarding to hear what they have er myself an opportunist.”
lead by example.” accomplished.”
In her downtime, Gia likes to spend time
Gia, a high school senior, was looking with her puppy, Kubota. “He is my world...I
forward to the many traditions and events don’t know what I would do without him, he
provided for students to create lasting mem- is my best friend!” She also likes to bake and
ories for their final year of school. Remote workout.
learning posed challenges as well. Also a
competitive dancer, she is unable to go to
the studio and now practices virtually. The
hardest part was not being able to volunteer
in person. But she always remains connect-
ed through creative ways. “Although it is
challenging at times, I am thankful for tech-
nology and virtual options. I am grateful that
Gia's parents Nick & Johna Iwanec I was still able to be a connective teen and
still make my impact.”
Before the pandemic, Gia was touring
schools across the state in a program called Along the way, Gia has had many men-
“Getting into Action” which touched upon tors to guide her. “Growing up in the Miss CT
the importance of maintaining a happy mind Princess program I was surrounded by such
and healthy body. “One of my greatest ac- kind, strong, beautiful, and empowered
complishments was in the Town of North young women who have made a lasting im- Gia with First Selectman Michael Freda
Haven, receiving a proclamation by the pact on me.” She names Tiana Dyson as be-
board of selectman naming May 9th as “Get ing one of her mentors saying, “She demon- When asked what her favorite part of North
into Action” day. It is an honor to have a day strated who Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Haven is, Gia said opportunity. “I live, work,
dedicated to health and wellness.” Teen is, she is a relatable individual... a role dance, and go to school here. My family and
model, a kind friend and most importantly an friends are here.” Her favorite memory is
When many of us found ourselves at home inspiration.” when First Selectman Michael Freda invit-
after the pandemic hit, Gia saw this as an ed her to light the town Christmas tree and
opportunity to still help the community in when she was a welcoming Princess in Jill's
any way she could. “During COVID, the abil- Winter Wonderland event. "I am a proud res-
ity to be in person and out in the community ident and I am so thankful for all the love and
came to a halt so I had to get creative.” That support I receive from my hometown com-
is how “Storytime with Gia” began. Through munity."
FaceTime and Zoom, Gia reads a story to
kids and classrooms, and it has evolved This year will be Gia’s fourth and final time
into a program that was brought into mul- competing for the job of Miss Connecticut’s
tiple classrooms and school districts across Outstanding Teen. “I aspire to be Miss Con-
the state. In October of 2020, the popu- necticut’s Outstanding Teen so I can show
larity of her program grew so much that young girls that their dreams can come
she developed “Home for the Holidays.” A true.” We wish her the best of luck!
twelve-week series that aired every Sunday
throughout the holidays in the final months Gia Iwanec is a passionate and devoted
of the year. “It was so special for me to be Gia welcomes all to Winter Wonderland member of the North Haven community,
able to revisit some of my favorite childhood committing her time to connect with chil-
holiday stories all while ringing in the holi- The future holds a great deal for Gia. “I am dren and their families through “Storytime
day season with viewers.” thrilled to share that I will be continuing my with Gia” during the pandemic, and “Get
education at Quinnipiac University as I have into Action” beforehand. Gia is definitely
Even though she may not be able to visit been admitted to the Bachelor of Science deserving of the title of Miss North Haven’s
classrooms physically, Gia is still able to be in the School of Business as a Marketing/ Outstanding Teen.

North Haven Magazine - Winter Issue 2021
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