Maui Student Finalist in Toyota Hawaiʻi Dream Car Art Contest

FINALIST: Oriana Buika, age 14, H.P. Baldwin High School receives $150 check from Toyota Hawaii’ David Whitney. Courtesy photo.

By Wendy Osher

A student from HP Baldwin High School on Maui is among the regional finalists selected in Toyota Hawaiʻi’s 2013 Dream Car Art Contest, company officials announced.

Oriana Buika, age 14, received a $150 check for her top-three entry into the 13- to 15-year-old age division.

She is among a list of nine local finalists from Hawaiʻi who will now have their entries considered in the company’s World Contest.

Results for the World Contest will reportedly be announced in August, with winners receiving an all-expense-paid trip to Japan for the ceremony.

Company officials say they received an estimated 600 entries, and more than 4,200 votes via its Facebook page for the Hawaiʻi contest.

According to a press release issued by the company, the contest was established as a fun way for kids to create and understand the importance of having a dream, and encourage their interest in cars by engaging their creative imaginations.