The Waimea Arts Council celebrates National Youth Art Month with the 35th Nā`Ōpio Youth Art Show and Competition during the month of March at the Firehouse Gallery in Waimea. Students from grades 6 through 12 in the North and South Kohala and Hāmākua Districts were invited to participate. Kona artist, Kathleen Jaeger, also a retired art teacher and art therapist judged the show. A reception was held Sunday, March 10th at the Firehouse Gallery to support and celebrate the young at art. It was a festive event with many students, family, friends, art teachers and art supporters in attendance.
The winners are as follows: Grade 6 1st Matty Inaba, HPA Middle School, 2nd Arabella Ascuncion, HPA Middle School, 3rd Sophia Jordan, HPA Middle School. Grade 7 1st Kahlil Adams, HPA Middle School, 2nd Mendie Chau HPA Middle School, 3rd Zachery Lieberman, HPA Middle School. Grade 8 1st Chase Zucher, HPA Middle School,2nd Derrick Quaimus, Honoka`a Intermediate, 3rd Kahea Gaglione, Parker Middle School. Grade 9 1st Godfrey (Ekolu) Kainoa III, HPA, 2nd Noelani Mitchell, Parker School, 3rd Mallory West, Parker School. Grade 10 1st Shiloh Perez, Kohola High School, 2nd Merieke Renz, HPA, 3rd Sara Kimura, HPA. Grade 11 1st Keilani Melton, HPA, 2nd Gracelyn Jardine, Parker School, 3rd Hannah Walker, Honoka`a High School. 12th Grade 1st Falyn Sebastian, Honoka`a High School, 2nd Angscopt Chasoensri, Honoka`a High School, 3rd Shalimar Rose Dagnio, Honoka`a High School.