‘Trees’ on display at Kukui Grove

LIHUE — The top three winners are already on their way to the national judging in Indiana, said Jenni Scott, conservation specialist with the East and West Kauai Soil and Water Conservation District.

Kauai is the only island in the state that participates in Conservation Poster Contest, Scott said. The winners of three divisions are sent to the national competition.

Sponsored by the National Association of Conservation Districts, the Kauai contest has three age groups — K-1, 2-3, and 4-6.

This year, there were more than 200 participants from nine schools working on the theme of “We All Need Trees,” Scott said.

“Eleele Elementary School has been one of the most active schools in this contest from the first time we did the contest,” she said. “This year, they had seven classes participating.”

Results of the “We Need Trees” contest, including copies of the winning entries, are on display at the Kukui Grove Center Wednesday. Scott said the posters will be returned to the schools starting in January along with the student prizes.

“This is very exciting for the kids,” said Genoa Starrs, a conservation specialist with the EWSWCD. “The kids bring their parents and friends and talk about their posters, or their friends’ posters. The kids are so preceptive about the theme — they think of ways that we don’t even think of.”

Results

K-1 age group: Sean Lottermoser (Island School, Grade 1), Lilah Moribe-Rabot (Olelo Christian Academy, Grade 1), Kimo Rodriguez (Kauai Christian Academy, Grade 1).

2-3 age group: Ari Acosta (Eleele Elementary School, Grade 3), Tyler Valencia (Eleele Elementary School, Grade 3), Alaina Kaohelauli‘i (Eleele Elementary School, Grade 3).

4-6 age group: Pi‘ilani Grosse (Olelo Christian Academy, Grade 6), Markus Mohler (Kauai Christian Academy, Grade 4), Cyra Feliz (Kauai Christian Academy, Grade 4).