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Elks Lodge picks essay contest victors

Winners have been announced in the annual essay contest sponsored by Elks Lodge 616. This year's subject: "What is an American?"

» Grades five and six: first prize, Jennifer Bunch; second, Daniel Kimoto, both of Hawaii Baptist Academy; third, tie, Jasmine Healy and Justin Choi, both of Kaimuki Christian School.

» Grades seven and eight: first, Katy Ackman; second, Jason Sasai; third Brittney Arakaki, all of Mid-Pacific Institute.

The 11th annual Ola Pono awards, sponsored primarily by the Coalition for a Drug-Free Hawaii, honored the following for promoting safe, healthy and drug-free lifestyles. They were presented with a $1,000 donation to a charitable organization or school of choice:

» Chef Sam Choy; Tauanuu Lolotai, Hawaii Athletic League of Scholars; John Honjo, Aiea Elementary School sixth-grade teacher; Joseph Glenn, Farrington High School teacher; Denyse Lynn Temple, owner/publisher, Puna News; Suzanne Nozaki, Pahoa High and Intermediate School teacher; Marilyn Crane, Fern Elementary School counselor; REAL: Hawaii Youth Movement Exposing the Tobacco Industry; Edward Walker Jr. of the U.S. Army; Kaimuki High Peer Education Program; Ala Wai Elementary School; and Honolulu police Sgt. John Kauwenaole of the Kalihi substation.

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