The 2009 'Olelo Youth Xchange video winners were announced Friday at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa at Ko Olina. From 565 entries, 25 schools on Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and Kauai won awards in 16 categories for 40 student-produced videos. For their efforts, those schools received Sony digital video cameras. In addition, the Hawaii State Department of Education awarded “;Youth Xchange Spirit Award”; trophies to schools that exhibited the strongest student and faculty participation. These schools included Aikahi Elementary, Waianae Intermediate and James Campbell High School.

“;It's inspiring to see so many young people throughout Hawaii using technology to creatively speak out about issues that affect their lives and our community,”; 'Olelo President and CEO Kealii Lopez said in a statement. 'Olelo FOCUS Channel 49 will air the winning videos through May 22. Visit www.olelo.org/yxc for times and dates.

Winners were selected by category at the elementary, middle and high school levels.

Animation

» Waipahu Elementary: “;Tiger and Turtle and How They Became Friends”;

» Waianae Intermediate: “;Food Wars Extreme”;

» Maui High: “;Saving Coral”;

Global Warming

» Queen Kaahumanu Elementary: “;Tick Tock Time Is Running Out to Stop Global Warming”;

» Waipahu Intermediate: “;Global Warming Melts”;

» Maui High: “;Plug-in Electric Cars”;

HI-5 Recycling

» Waipahu Elementary: “;The High-5 Super Team, the Next Generation”;

» Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle: “;Mr. Recycle”;

» Kaiser High: “;Trash on a Plate”;

Kupuna & Me

» Makaha Elementary: “;Kupuna and Me”;

» Kula Kaiapuni o Anuenue: “;Aloha Au i Ku'u Tutu”;

Mini Documentary

» St. John Vianney: “;Family of Promise”;

» Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School: “;Taro Farming: A Link to the Past”;

» James Campbell High: “;My Community”;

Music Video

» Manana Elementary: “;Be Yourself”;

» James Campbell High: “;One Love”;

News

» Kipapa Elementary: “;Save the Earth, One Bag at a Time”;

» Waianae Intermediate: “;E Malama i ka 'Aina”;

» Maui High: “;Lack of Sleep”;

Peacemaker

» St. Andrew's Priory: “;Are You a Peacemaker?”;

» Sacred Hearts: “;Domestic Violence”;

» Kaiser High: “;The Six Quick Fixes”; (Judges' Choice Award)

PSA

» Lunalilo Elementary: “;Cyber Predators Prey”;

» Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School: “;Throwing Your Life Away”;

» Maui High: “;Item Number Death”;

Short

» Lunalilo Elementary: “;Why Don't You Smoke This?”;

» Aliamanu Middle School: “;Adventures in Etiquette”;

» Moanalua High: “;Finding the Light”;

Start Living Healthy

» Paauilo Elementary & Intermediate: “;Let's Move!”;

» Washington Middle School: “;Don't Sit, Stay Fit”;

» Kailua High: “;Move Your Body”;

Science, Technology

» Maui High: “;Imagine the Possibilities”;

Stop Flu at School

» Ahuimanu Elementary: “;Get Your Flu Shot!”;

» Waianae Intermediate: “;Stop the Flu”;

» Roosevelt High: “;The Green Blob Hand”;

Traffic Safety

» Webling Elementary: “;Walk Smart, Walk Safe”;

» Waianae Intermediate: “;Use a Helmet”;

» Kapolei High: “;An Empty Chair”;

Junior Expert

» Kipapa Elementary: “;Be Energy Smart”;

Expert

» Moanalua High: “;Shattered Dreams: Be Smart Don't Start”;