Sophia Jorgensen (second from left) is congratulated by (from left) Ekolu, Puanani and Jonathan Lindsey.

LAHAINA — The Lahaina News received nearly 50 entries for its second annual writing contest for West Maui students.

Inspired by the life of community leader and educator Edwin Lindsey Jr., students contributed artwork, essays and poetry on the theme of malama.

“The students wrote heartfelt essays on malama and drew some amazing artwork,” said Lahaina News Editor Mark Vieth.

“Thanks to Lahaina Cannery Mall for allowing us to exhibit the students’ work there last week.”

Lindsey’s family — wife Puanani Lindsey and sons Edwin “Ekolu” Lindsey III and Jonathan — and Lisa Agdeppa presented the 2011 contest’s awards in a ceremony at Lahaina Cannery Mall last week Wednesday evening.

Students who participated in the contest were recognized in a ceremony at Lahaina Cannery Mall on May 18.

This year’s top honors, the Ed Lindsey Award, went to Sophia Jorgensen, a seventh-grader at Sacred Hearts School. She won a pair of Maui Jim Sunglasses.

Jorgensen’s essay, “The Genuine Implication of Malama,” will run in next week’s Lahaina News.

The Most Creative Award went to Sacred Hearts eighth-grader Teak McAfee. She won a $130, one-hour Life Coaching Session with Kim Willis, Certified Life Coach.

In the grade 9-12 division, first place went to Xavier Damo, a tenth-grader at Maui Preparatory Academy. His award is a kayak trip for four from Kapalua Dive Company.

Ho’ola’iikeao Cabanilla, a ninth-grader at Lahainaluna High School, placed second and took home a $50 gift certificate from Barnes & Noble.

Aisha Rabanal topped the eighth grade division and won a $50 gift certificate from Lahaina Pizza Company. Rhyn Lendio came in second and won a $50 gift certificate from Barnes and Noble, followed by Zac Graybosch, who took home a $15 gift certificate from Barnes and Noble. All three students attend Sacred Hearts School.

In the seventh grade division, Jamie Advincula of Sacred Hearts School came in first and won a $50 gift certificate from Lahaina Pizza Company. Classmate Chantal Charbonnier won a $50 gift certificate from Barnes & Noble for coming in second.

Sacred Hearts students also swept the sixth grade division. Elizabeth Anne James came in first and won a $75 gift certificate from Walmart. Maygan Renee Patch placed second and won a $50 gift certificate from Kim Willis, followed by Emma Ljudmilla Scott, who won a $15 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble.

Two eighth grade students at Lahaina Intermediate School, Veronica Bermudez and Arlyes Noguez Rodriguez, were recognized with Honorable Mention awards. They received OluKai posters signed by the winners of the May 14 Elite Standup Paddle Division race on Maui, Andrea Moller and Kai Bartlett.

For his special knowledge and talent in perpetuating Hawaiian culture, a $15 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble was presented to Ka’elo Lindsey.

Contest coordinator Louise Rockett thanked Lynn Okamoto, Russ Rudolph and Koleka Alcomindras of Lahaina Cannery Mall; Deidre and Nicole Rockett and Starla Cosme for creating the mall displays; the Lindsey ‘Ohana; Lahaina News; and everyone who donated prizes this year.