Wahi pana essay contest for Earth Day
High school students across Hawaii are encouraged to write about a wahi pana, (a pulsing place) special to them, in preparation for the 50th anniversary of International Earth Day on April 22, 2020.
Students who enter the contest are asked to interview someone over 50 years old with whom they share a wahi pana; a cherished landscape. Together, the student and elder are creating a written record for future generations.
Students are asked to write a 1,500-word (maximum of 3 pages) essay focusing on one of four ecosystem-categories: Marine/coastal, Stream/marsh, Dry/leeward forests, or Wet/windward forests. The four first-place winners from each island will accompany conservationists for a day into remote areas or get behind the scenes tours where conservation work is being done, as well as a family trip and lunch.
Online applications and essays are due no later than February 14, 2020.
Info: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wahi-pana-essay-contest.
Wreaths Across America laid Saturday
On Dec.14, the Civil Air Patrol Cadets of the Kona Composite Squadron and local sponsors participated in their ninth year of Wreaths Across America at the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery. Wreaths were placed nationwide on the headstones of our nation’s fallen heroes, from Arlington National Cemetery to the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery.
Info: https://www.GoCivilAirPatrol.com, m.johnsonCAP@gmail.com.