Young writers enter the Star Poets 2002 contest

By Zenaida Serrano Espanol
Advertiser Staff Writer

What does an elephant, mochi, dancing moths, a rainstorm and apple cores have in common?

These were just some of a hodgepodge of subjects that schoolkids felt were cool enough to write about for the Star Poets 2002 poetry contest.

More than 1,400 students in grades three to 12 from public and private schools statewide submitted their precious verses for the competition. The contest was sponsored by Windward Community College and Starbucks.

Fifty-five young poets were honored. First-, second- and third-place honors, plus honorable mention awards, were given for each grade level.

"Every year it seems like they get better and better," said Libby Young, project coordinator and associate professor at Windward Community College. Teachers find that "this is a great way for students to tap into their creative side, and also it gives them a voice."

The first-, second- and third-place winners read their poems during an awards ceremony last month at Kahala Mall. Their schools received cash awards, and all 55 students also received cash prizes. Their poems can be seen at www.wcc.hawaii.edu, or in a free publication, Star Poets Journal 2002, which is available at all Starbucks locations.

Interested in competing in next year's contest? The deadline will be Jan. 15, 2003. Have your parents call 396-7571 or 235-7396 for details.

... and the winners are ...

Third Grade

First: Franklin Tran, St. Theresa's School; Second: Jacob Eslick, St. Theresa's; Third: Dane Oshiro, Kahului School.

Fourth Grade

First: Nicole Sato, Punahou School; Second : Matthew Walker, Punahou; Third: Ryan Tsuzaki, Punahou.

Fifth Grade

First: Amelia Linsky, Kane'ohe Elementary; Second: Leah Detor, Punahou; Third: Jarrett Masunaga, Punahou.

Sixth Grade

First: Makalele Gorsich, Kilohana Elementary; Second: Emily Fukunaga, Punahou; Third: Natashia Ho, Ma'ema'e Elementary.

Seventh Grade

First: Kelli Des Jarlais, Punahou; Second: Akie Mochizuki, Kawananakoa Middle; Third: Lalita Bock, Montessori School of Maui.

Eighth Grade

First: Ashley Beckstead, Aliamanu Intermediate; Second and Third: Jessie Lathrop, Punahou.

Ninth Grade

First: Courtney Sato, Punahou; Second: Lacy Luehrs, Kahuku High; Third: Tania Slavens, Iolani School.

10th Grade

First: Sumi Adams, Mid-Pacific Institute; Second: Amelia Abbett, Kalaheo High; Third: Iris Teruya, Kaiser High.

11th Grade

First: Kristin Mukai, Moanalua High; Second: Jason Fowler, Kalaheo; Third: Seriaco Kaholi, Kailua High.

12th Grade

First: Valerie Sakimura, University Lab School; Second: Wainani Dombrowski, Moanalua; Third: Joni Sasaki, University Lab School.

'Vaulting to Win'

Layers of perspiration
Trembling hands grip the pole.
My eyes shut,
Visualizing the wings of space,
Lifting me up
To perform the perfect vault.
Deep breath, quiet prayer,
And I'm off!

The quickening pace
As I approach my take-off point,
" ... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... shift ... settle ... jump!"
I chant to myself as I gallop down the runway.
BOOM!

I'm up.
I'm down.
The butterflies are set free.
I have done it!

'Dangerous Machine'

It crawls, slowly, slowly.
It doesn't talk,
turning its scaly head
from side to side.
A long, sticky tongue
lashes in and out.
Hunting for prey.
Defending its precious nest.
Climbing rocky trails.
The komodo dragon,
a fierce, dangerous machine.