Waipi'o Center yesterday awarded about $300 to winners of its 11th annual Father's Day essay contest for writing about "Why my dad is so special."

Brandon Mones, 6, wrote about his father supporting his family: "Even if he is working in another country, he calls us almost everyday to check how we are all doing."

Mones was the first-place winner for children under 8. Second place went to Melissa Takahashi, and third went to Sae Higa.

For kids 8 to 12, Haylee Shirley placed first; Hannah Mercado was second; Clarisse Ogawa was third.

For kids 13 to 18, Andrew Phomsouvanh placed first; Nicholas Balmilero was second; no award was announced for third.

The center awarded $50 for first place, $30 for second and $20 for third.