70 Students Show their View of Hawaiʻi’s Unique Oceans

K-Grade 1 Category, Grand Prize Winner, Heather Soberano. Courtesy photo Maui Ocean Center.

By Maui Now Staff

The Maui Ocean Center announced grand prize winners and finalists in a coloring contest that is held annually in honor of World Oceans Day.

More than 70 kids from across Maui County participated in the contest in which they were asked to depict their view of Hawaiʻi’s Unique Oceans.

“We strive to exercise the imaginations of Maui County’s young minds and get them inspired about that amazing, blue environment that surrounds and sustains us,” said company officials in a newsletter released today.

According to the company announcement, winners in various categories including the following:

Category: Grades K-1

Grand Prize Winner, Heather Soberano

Finalists: John Rick Bumanglag, Christine Hanapi, Kainalu Seales, Kaleoaloha Smith-Kalipi-English, Skye Kaawa-Caparida, Chelsey Konno, Johnson Anien, Keoki Togia, Jazmine Alviedo, Mara Jamgochian.

Category: Grades 2-3

Grand Prize Winner, Gabriella Pinheiro

Finalists: Makanani Bednorz-Shamblin, Victoria Rose Castro, Maurice Comeaux-Burrows, Izzabella Redo, Helena Howell, Ioane Borge, Pristine Perry, Ozzie Kroop, Fa’amalosi Moeai, Robynn Yoshida

Category: Grades 4-5

Grand Prize Winner, Jaelyn Bala

Finalists: Frank Ongoloka, Leina’ala Strom-Nakasone, Bradley Domingo, Johnathan Watari, Princess Jena Santiago, Kayla Samantha K. Kala, Raelynn Yoshida, Marichelle Ramos, Skyler Dagdag, Samisoni Teaupa.

Category: Grades 4-5. Grand Prize Winner
Jaelyn Bala. Photo courtesy Maui Ocean Center.

Category: Grades 2-3. Grand Prize Winner
Gabriella Pinheiro. Photo courtesy Maui Ocean Center.