Ariyoshi, DOE announce essay contest envisioning Hawaii’s future

• 14 years ago

MEDIA RELEASE

George R. Ariyoshi, Governor of Hawaii from 1973-1986, has announced a high school essay contest for public high school and public charter school students, which provides an opportunity to write essays addressing the following prompt: ‘What do you think needs to happen in the next 50 years for Hawaii to be the best place to work and live?’

The contest, conducted in partnership with the state Department of Education, is titled “The Young Messengers of Hawaii (Na Elele Opio Ko Hawaii Nei) High School Essay Contest.”

“In response to the complexities we face, I do not presume to have the answers,” the former governor wrote in his book. “The future belongs to the young; they will live it.”

Prizes are offered for the winning essays. Each participating student will also receive a complimentary copy of the governor’s book, “Hawaii: The Past Fifty Years, The Next Fifty Years,” provided by the governor.

All students currently enrolled in the social studies courses of Modern History of Hawaii or Participation in a Democracy are invited to participate.

Each school will be asked to select the top thirty essays to receive “Honorable Mention” and one essay per school will be designated the “School-level Winner.”

All winners will be given a gift bag courtesy of aio. In addition, all school-level winners will have their essays published on a new website, www.HawaiiNext50.com and also in a book that will be distributed to all public high schools in Hawaii.

“This book will take ideas from young people and give them the opportunity to express their feelings,” Ariyoshi said.

Each School-level Winner will be recognized at the State Capitol in January 2011 and will receive a $50 General Growth Properties (GGP) gift card redeemable for merchandise at all GGP shopping malls throughout the state, including Ala Moana Shopping Center, Ward Centers, Windward Mall, Kings’ Shops at Waikoloa, Prince Kuhio Plaza, Queens’ Marketplace, Queen Kaahumanu Center and Whalers Village.

The first place “Overall Statewide Winner” will receive $500, the second place “Overall Statewide Winner” will receive $300, and the third place “overall Statewide Winner” will receive $100.

The teachers of the “School-level Winners” will also receive a $50 GGP gift card.

Each entry is limited to 500 words and may be written in English or Hawaiian with English translation.

Derek Kurisu, executive vice president of KTA Super Stores, who is assisting with the project, said that since the internet is really important to students today a decision was made to also publish the winning essays on the world wide web at the above web address.

Daniel S. Hamada, Department of Education Assistant Superintendent, expressed the department’s gratitude to Ariyoshi, aio, and the business partners and contributors who have made the project possible.

For more information, contact Rosanna Fukuda, Educational Specialist for Social Studies, at 808 203-5538 or by email at rosanna_fukuda@notes.k12.hi.us

A video of the press conference announcing the contest will be posted Wednesday, Sept. 15 at www.HawaiiNext50.com

Program



The “Young Messengers of Hawaii” (Na Elele Opio Ko Hawaii Nei) High School Essay Contest invites public high school students and public charter school students in the social studies courses of Modern History of Hawaii and/or Participation in a Democracy to submit original opinion essays where they ponder Hawaii’s future and what it will take to make their island home the very best place to work and live.

All teachers will have access to a Speakers Bureau that consists of members of professional organizations, local businesses, post-secondary academic institutions, local and state government, and other such groups. Speakers may be requested to speak on a variety of topics.

Purpose



This contest will give students an opportunity to think deeply about Hawaii’s place in the world today, have a say in its global future, and serve as a model for others to emulate.

Prompt



“What do you think needs to happen in the next fifty years for Hawaii to be the best place to work and live?”

Rules



* Eligibility is limited to public high school and public charter high school students currently taking the Social Studies courses of Modern History of Hawaii and/or Participation in a Democracy.

* Schools must choose (up to) 30 essays that will receive “Honorable Mention.”

* Schools must choose one essay that will be deemed “School-level Winner.”

* The “Honorable Mention” essays and the “School-level Winner’s” essay must be uploaded by Dec. 3 on the www.HawaiiNext50.com

* The “Student Publication/Video Release Form” must be completed, signed, and faxed to the Office of Curriculum, Instruction and Student Support (OCISS), Curriculum and Instruction Branch (CIB), at 735-8227 by Dec. 3.

* Entries must be written in English or in Hawaiian with English translation.

* Each entry should be an essay limited to 500 words maximum.

* Each entry should include standardized citations and a bibliography. (These are not included in the 500 word count.)

* Each entry should be typed using a 12 point font, double-spaced, on 8 1/2 x 11 inch white paper with one-inch margins.

* The student’s name or school should not be written anywhere on the actual essay. Personal information(i.e., name, school, class, etc.) will be asked for when uploading the document.

Timeline

* Schools must return the Book Request form by Sept. 17.

* Students will receive a copy of “Hawaii: The Past Fifty Years, The Next Fifty Years” by Oct. 1.

* Schools electronically submit (up to) the top thirty “Honorable Mention” essays and one “School-level Winner Essay” by Dec. 3.

* 1 st , 2 nd , and 3 rd place “Overall Statewide Winners” will be announced by Jan. 1.

* School-level winners will be recognized at the State Capitol in January 2011.

Selection Criteria



Judges will be looking for essays that meet all the rules and guidelines and are accompanied by a complete and official cover sheet.

The following criteria will be applied:

* Introduction: An excellent essay provides a well-developed introduction, engages the reader and creates interest. It contains detailed background information and a clear explanation of the problem. Thesis clearly states a significant and compelling position.

* Main Points: An excellent essay contains well developed main points directly related to the thesis. Supporting examples are concrete and detailed. Refutation acknowledges opposing view logically and clearly. Conclusion effectively wraps up and goes beyond restating the thesis. Commentary is logical and well thought out.

* Organization: An excellent essay contains a logical progression of ideas with a clear structure that enhances the thesis. Transitions are mature and graceful.

* Mechanics and Style: An excellent essay contains writing that is smooth, skillful, and coherent. Sentences are strong and expressive with varied structure. Diction is consistent and words well chosen. Punctuation, spelling, capitalization are correct. There are no errors.

* Sources: An excellent essay contains sources that are smoothly and logically integrated into the text, and clearly explain the ideas. The format is accurate. Sources are relevant and reliable.

Recognition/Reward Activities



* Up to thirty (30) entries per school will receive “Honorable Mention,” their essays will be posted on the website www.HawaiiNext50.com and be given to state legislators. These students will also be given a gift bag from aio.

* Each “School-level Winner” will have his/her essay published on the website and in a book, be honored at the State Capitol in January 2011, receive a $50 GGP gift card (a gift card good at all GGP shopping malls throughout the state, including Ala Moana Shopping Center, Ward Centers, Windward Mall, Kings’ Shops at Waikoloa, Prince Kuhio Plaza, Queens’ Marketplace, Queen Kaahumanu Center and Whalers Village), and compete for one of three overall statewide monetary prizes. The 1 st place “Overall Statewide Winner”will receive $500, the 2 nd place “Overall Statewide Winner” will receive $300, and the 3 rd place “OverallStatewide Winner” will receive $100.

* The teacher of each “School-level Winner” will also receive a $50 GGP gift card.