LIHU‘E — A Kaua‘i High School sophomore, David Braman, teamed with Kaua‘i High School junior, Amalia Abigania, to form a video team that captured top honors in the 2024 High School Pele Awards, whose results were announced during a gathering in Honolulu on Saturday.
The Pele Awards, an American Advertising Federation District competition, has a 45-year history of honoring Hawai‘i’s Best in Advertising and Design.
Leah Aiwohi, the Kaua‘i High School instructor, said this is the sixth year the school has been participating in the competition that, this year, drew more than 600 entries from high school students in grades nine through 12 throughout the state.
Paul Lin, representing the Pele Awards, said of the 675 entries the Pele Awards received for consideration, there were 229 winners selected by representatives of 16 Hawai‘i-based advertising and design professionals.
Winners were presented with either a 2025 High School Pele gold, silver or bronze plaque.
“This ‘Best in Show’ also comes with a cash award, and scholarship,” said Lin during a special lunchtime assembly he attended because the students were not able to attend the Honolulu gala.
“David and Amalia will share a $1,000 cash scholarships from the Pele Awards presenting sponsors, NMG Netword and Eleven 17 Creative. There is also a $10,000 scholarship from the Chaminade University for each of the Best in Show recipients.”
Joining Lin and Aiwohi in making the special announcement and presentation, Kaua‘i Area Complex Superintendent Daniel Hamada, Kaua‘i High School Principal Marlene Leary, the winning team’s parents, as well as close video student worker Loghan Hanna, who also was named a High School Pele Award winner.
“Treat Yourself Like Someone You Love” is the name of the video entry that was submitted as a Public Service Television Advertising category.
“It is with immense pleasure that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on winning the Best In Show at the 2024 Pele Awards,” said Abigail Hurgo, the assistant vice president of Enrollment Management at the Chaminade University in a letter accompanying the scholarship.
“Your exceptional talent and creativity have truly shone through, captivating the hearts and minds of the judges and audience alike. ‘Treat Yourself Like Someone You Love’ not only showcased your skills, but also conveyed a compelling message, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of watching it.
“Your creativity, passion, and hard work have undoubtedly paid off, and this victory is a testament to your remarkable abilities as a filmmaker.”
In addition to the award-winning video, Braman and Hanna have been involved with numerous school and community events behind the video camera, including the Kaua‘i Junior Lifeguard program, the Kaua‘i Marathon, Hawai‘i Hotel and Lodging Association presented events and more.
Hanna and Rachel Childester were recipients of the Allan Payne 2024 Judge’s Award for their submission under Miscellaneous Projects.
