LAHAINA – The deadline for the Lahaina Strong Keiki Kafe writing contest is on April 30.

Volunteer director of the newly formed community collaboration is Jen Mather. She launched the Lahaina Keiki Kafe Facebook page (http://fb.me/wearelahaina) early this month.

The goal is to educate, engage and entertain our West Side youth during these uncertain times.

The challenge is to answer in 100 words or less: What makes Lahaina Strong?

The contest is open to our young people, grades K-12, in different categories noted on the Facebook page.

Mather updated the Lahaina News on the status of submissions.

“I am so proud of the students who have submitted their entries so far. Maui is in such great hands with these agile and creative minds as our future leaders. The thoughtful words truly convey just how special and strong Lahaina is and always will be,” Mather said.

“Writing anything under 100 words is a hard task. Getting your idea down on paper, reviewing, editing, researching – it all comes down to the final 100 words that will make the greatest impact. Remember, the submission deadline is April 30, so don’t rush to get the first draft in; send in your best version!”

The winners will be published in Lahaina News, and awards from Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate will be given along with online gift certificates ranging up to $100.

“This is the chocolate we will give to each winner in each category: mauichocolate.com/collections/easter-collection-2020/products/molokini-chocolate-gift-tower-maui-kuia-estate-chocolate,” announced Krishna Narayan, vice president and general manager.

“There are some generous and anonymous sponsors that are truly the backbone of this project, and I want to thank them for their donations, time and effort. They’d never let me name them, but I hope they know how important they are to our community, and they’re aware of how they are part of the reason why Lahaina is strong,” Mather concluded.