The Kaua‘i Association For Family & Community Education recently announced the Kaua‘i winners of their 2006 annual National Character Counts essay and artwork contest.
This year’s theme-building character word was “Fairness.” It inspired the creativity and artistry of participants who submitted entries on each island.
First place winners from each island will compete for state awards and then go on to national competition.
This year, three winners were selected on Kaua‘i out of 97 combined Eleele, Koloa and Kapa‘a Elementary School fourth grade entries.
First place winner was Kualii Leilani Kamala. She is a fourth-grader at Eleele Elementary School and her teacher is Carol Ikeda. She won a $100 savings bond and the chance to compete for a state award.
Krystin-Marie Garcia came in second, winning a $75 savings bond for her efforts. She is also a fourth-grader at Eleele Elementary School in Carol Ikeda’s class.
Third place winner was Jandi Balajadia, a fourth-grader at Kapaa Elementary School She won a $50 savings bond. Her teacher is Cherish Yama-Gokan.
The Kauai Association for FCE has been active for 55 years, and comprises nine clubs whose members’ focus is community service: Club Musubi, Hanapepe, Hui Anuenue, Hui Holomua, Kalaheo, Kapa‘a, Kukuiolono, Lihue and Waimea.
The Kaua’i group members are affiliated with the National Association for Family & Community Education, with a mission to strengthen individuals, families and communities through continuing education, the development of leaders, and community action.
As members of the state association, Kaua’i group members focus on family issues and life-long learning experiences, and pride themselves in keeping members informed about local, national and international concerns, they said.
NAFCE and FCE members nationwide present an annual contest for all fourth-grade students in public, private and home schools on one of the Pillars of Character. The contest promotes FCE’s literacy programs, CHARACTER COUNTS!, and community involvement. The contest encourages students to strive for excellence and creativity in reading and writing skills, drawing skills, understanding and the practice of Fairness, one of the Six Pillars of Character.
