Essays and posters raise awareness of child abuse

By Zenaida Serrano Espanol
Advertiser Staff Writer

Jonathan Anderson, grade 3, St. Joseph Elementary School

Jordan Michael, kindergarten, Manana Elementary School

Erin Gamil, grade 6, Salt Lake Elementary School

Caitlin Sapanza-Vares, pre-school, St. Philomena's Early Learning Center

Christopher Akatsuka, grade 2, Pauoa Elementary School

More than 3,000 children of all grade levels from 39 public and private schools sent in entries for the recent contest. The goal was to build awareness among students about prevention of child abuse and neglect.

Students in preschool through grade 6 created posters that completed the phrase, "My family's future is bright because ... " and students in grades 7 through 12 wrote essays that answered the question, "What tools do you need to build a strong family?"

"We were really overwhelmed with how thoughtful the essays were," said Jennifer Murphy, program specialist with Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii and chairwoman of the contest. "I thought all of the poster entries were really good also."

The winners were honored at a ceremony April 13 at Ala Moana Center's Centerstage, where they each received a framed certificate of recognition, a $100 savings bond from First Hawaiian Bank, a $25 gift certificate from the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., a gift certificate for pony rides from Giddyup Ranch, and gift certificates for Ala Moana Center from Windward Auto Sales Group Inc. and AIG insurance.

Winning essays

Here are excerpts from winning entries in the essay contest. Students answered the question, "What tools do you need to build a strong family?

A family is the key to life. Life cannot be full without one. It's the door to overwhelming joy and happiness, if you have the right key. But keys to a successful family don't come from thin air. It takes love, time and communication.

Love, understanding, patience and flexibility are all prerequisites to obtain a comfortable atmosphere within a family. But what constitutes a strong family? There are three important I's: individuality, involvement and interaction, which are significant tools needed to achieve a strengthened and firm family.

A strong family requires many tools to make sure the family can survive rough roads and breakdowns. Any family can be strong, but it is only as strong as the family's weakest member. To keep a family in good condition, each member must begin with a great amount of care and unconditional love.