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Lahaina News to hold awards ceremony for writing contest

By Staff | May 12, 2011

LAHAINA — More than 50 West Side students entered the second annual Lahaina News Writing Contest inspired by the life of community leader Edwin Lindsey Jr. (1939-2009).

The Lahaina native son lived a life guided by the values he learned from his kupuna, and he shared these attributes with all he encountered by example.

Annually, the competition focuses on one of these Hawaiian values.

The 2011 theme is malama.

Lindsey’s son, Edwin “Ekolu” Lindsey III, considers malama a key value.

“Like our fragile native ecosystems, where every living thing is dependent on the other for life, our values are tightly related to the same ecosystem, that of a balanced life with aloha and malama,” the president of Maui Cultural Lands explained.

“By exploring the contest’s theme in their entries,” Editor Mark Vieth said, “West Maui students learn about the values that were so important to Lindsey.”

Students from Sacred Hearts, Lahaina Intermediate School, Lahainaluna High School and Maui Preparatory Academy, grades 8 through 12 in two different categories, entered the cultural literary challenge.

“We are pleased by the number of contest entries we received this year, particularly from Sacred Hearts School. As an educator, I think Ed Lindsey would be proud reading the students views on malama,” Vieth commented.

Lahaina Cannery Mall is hosting an exhibit of all entries on May 15-18.

“This contest embodies so many of our center’s core values, educating Maui’s youth, caring for community and honoring our host culture,” said Lynn Okamoto, general manager of Lahaina Cannery Mall.

“We’re honored to contribute to such a worthwhile program.”

An awards ceremony at center stage at the mall will close the three-day display at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18.

First, second and third place prizes will be given in both divisions, including grades six through eight and nine through 12. Honorable mention awards are also included in the recognition lineup.

The overall top entry will receive the Edwin Lindsey Jr. Award from the Lindsey ‘Ohana, and Lahaina News is pleased to honor the Most Creative entrant.

“The community has been generous in supporting the competition with prizes,” Vieth observed.

Donations were received from Maui Jim Sunglasses, Mark Ellman, Jerry Kunitomo, OluKai, Vieth, Robin Ritchie, Life Coach Kim Willis, Kapalua Dive Company and Rockett Ranch Enterprises.

“Thanks to the students for entering and to the community for supporting the contest,” Vieth concluded.