Gus Webling 6th-grade
photographers in focus

Star-Bulletin staff

An art-class project for 23 Gus Webling Elementary School sixth-graders - some using a camera for the first time - won top honors at the recent Fuji Film "Hawaii Through the Eyes of Our Keiki" photo contest.

"They didn't just take home film and shoot 24 pictures," Webling art teacher Jasmine Nakayama said. "They really put some thought into what they shot."

Webling's theme, "From the sky to the mountain, to the land to the sea, a garland of flowers surrounds Hawaii's treasures," is set in a montage featuring three elements - an ahupua'a (land division), outside border and large flower lei around Hawaii treasures.

A rubber slipper, a baby holding a flower and local food items are among the "treasure" photos.

"The students selected all the shots," says Nakayama, who put the montage together with the help of another teacher, Sheila Sumida.

Joy Saito, Webling's technology teacher, gave the students "one quickie lesson" on how to look for and take better photos before Nakayama turned them loose on the project.

Webling, 99-370 Paihiu St. in Aiea, received $1,500 worth of computer equipment for winning the photo contest.

The winning project will be on display at the Hawaii Children's Discovery Center at the corner of Ohe and Olomehani streets in Kakaako through April 30.

Participating students were: Aaron Arakawa, Jazmine Aranaydo, Chris Atiburcio, Brittany Burris, Katie Callahan, April Canestrini, Chris Davis, Molly Fern, Crystal Glamuzina, Kathy Higa, Jacie Keliiaa, Alex and Keala Mason-Cyra, Lauren Pasion, Kacie-Ann Perreira, Nathan Quiniola, Marc Roman, Joshua Sakamoto, Jackie Tugaoen, Lance Takenaka, Lauren Tasaki, Kristen Watabu and Mylen Yamamoto.