Creative Writers In 2010 HEA Book

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India Pyzel of Sunset Beach Elementary took first place for her essay, ‘Let’s Go Surf.’

Central Oahu’s young thinkers and writers scored well in the annual Hawaii Education Association’s Creative Writing Festival, winning the top prizes in three categories and earning nine featured spots in the HEA’s 2010 Write On, HEA! volume.

India Pyzel, a Sunset Beach Elementary sixth-grader, won $50 for taking first place in the essay contest for grades 5-6. Her title? Let’s Go Surf! Jules Dagsaan, a Leilehua High sophomore, received $50 and the top award for free verse poetry grades 9-12 for The Mountain. And three Mililani High juniors swept the problem-solving category for grades 9-12. Melissa Hamada took first and won $125, Aira Kariah Iglesias took second and $100, and Andrew Kanei took third and pocketed $75.

The competition is held annually to promote literary achievement among Hawaii’s public school students. The book can be ordered for $8 plus postage by calling 949-6657.

Leilehua High School’s Jules Dagsaan took first place in free-verse poetry. Photos from Hawaii Education Association.

Additional area winners are:

* Justin Jakahi, grade 2 Mililani Mauka, second place ($25) for Lego, free-verse poetry grades 1-3

* Lashondra Maddox, Leilehua sophomore, third place ($40) for High School, free verse poetry grades 9-12

* Honorable Mentions ($10 each): Jasmin Piena, grade 6 Sunset Beach for her essay Frightful, Fearful Furlough Fridays; and Louie Yang, grade 2 Mililani Mauka, for Cats, free verse poetry grades 1-3.