Kamehameha seniors big winners in song contest

Advertiser Staff

It was a clean sweep for the senior class at the 79th Kamehameha Schools Song Contest last night.

The annual event was held at a packed Blaisdell Center Arena and was shown live on television and on the Internet.

More than 1,800 students in Grades 9 through 12 competed for the honor of being recognized as Kamehameha's outstanding class of ensemble singers.

The theme of this year's contest was "Na Himeni O Ka 'Ekalesia Ü Hawaiian Church Hymns."

The senior boys took top honors for their performance of "Pomaika'i Wale (Blessed Assurance)." The boys were directed by Feki Po'uha.

The senior girls won for their rendition of "Pa Nahe Maila Ko Iesu Kahea (Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling). " The girls were under the direction of Crystal Mateo.

The senior boys and girls took the combined class competition with "Iesu No Ke Kahuhipa (Jesus, Like a Shepherd, Lead Us)." Kawehi Tom directed the combined class.

The senior girls also won the '–lelo Makuahine (Hawaiian Language) Award and the Helen Desha Beamer Award for best overall performance.

The Louis McGregor Award for outstanding student director went to Mateo.