For immediate release:  May 22, 2009
Contact:    Christine Brammer
(808) 397-2651 ext. 252 

The 2009 Ocean Contest was held during Humpback Whale Awareness Month in February, a program of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Youngsters in kindergarten through eighth grade were invited to express their insights, observations and understanding of their natural environment through the creation of original artworks, poems and short stories. Over 570 entries were submitted and evaluated by judges who work in the marine conservation arena.  All entrants became members of the Ocean Guardian Kids Club and received an exclusive Humpback Whale Kids Packet. Winning students won prizes provided by Oceanic, the Hanauma Bay Gift Shop, the Waikiki Aquarium and the sanctuary.

The winners by category are:

Art - Kindergarten

1st:  Benicia Palmer-Lasky, Lanikai Elementary School, O`ahu

2nd: Ingus Stegis, Kamiloiki Elementary School, O`ahu

3rd: Devyne Noel Brooks, Kamaile Academy, O`ahu

Art - Grade 1

1st:  Tori Takai, Na'au, O`ahu

2nd: Lehua Roland, Lanikai Elementary School, O`ahu

3rd: Luke Miyamoto, Na'au, O`ahu 

Art - Grade 2 to Grade 3

1st:  Nate Barton, Grade 3, Lanikai Elementary School, O`ahu

2nd: Angelina Lele. Grade 2, Moanalua Elementary School, O`ahu

3rd: Jornedex Alidon, Grade 3, Waialua Elementary School, O`ahu 

Art - Grade 4 to Grade 5

1st:  William Wong Jr., Grade 5, Innovations Public Charter School, Big Island

2nd: Raellis Young, Grade 4, Hokulani Elementary School, O`ahu

3rd: Richard Aiwohi-Kim, Grade 5, Palolo Elementary School, O`ahu 

Art - Grade 6 to Grade 8

1st:  Tokino Sprinter, Grade 7, Kapolei Middle School, O`ahu

2nd: Shelby Ladra, Grade 7, Na'au, O`ahu

3rd: Tabitha Grace-Stroud, Grade 6, Kealakehe Intermediate School, Big Island 

Poetry - Kindergarten to Grade 4:

1st:  Dylan Lipps, Grade 2, Sunset Beach Elementary School, O`ahu

2nd: Oliver Hanley, Grade 2, Sunset Beach Elementary School, O`ahu

3rd: Karly Noetzel, Grade 3, Hawai`i Preparatory Academy, Big Island 

Poetry - Grade 5 to Grade 8

1st:  Reyna May Shumway, Grade 6, Laie Elementary School, O`ahu

2nd: Gabrielle Salsman, Grade 5, Mokapu Elementary School, O`ahu

3rd: Lance Chee, Grade 8, Na`au, O`ahu 

Short story - Kindergarten to Grade 8

1st:  Maile Fediuk, Grade 2, Holualoa Elementary School, Big Island

2nd: Kathryn Kuhar, Grade 5, Holomua Elementary School, O`ahu

3rd: Kiari Orian, Grade 6, Laie Elementary School, O`ahu 

Winning entries can be viewed online.

NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources. Visit http://www.noaa.gov. 

On the Web:

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary: http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov

top