The winners of the Eddie Aikau Foundation student essay contest were recognized at an awards ceremony Sunday — on the 30th anniversary of Aikau's disappearance while attempting an ocean rescue.

The contest, organized by the Eddie Aikau Foundation and state Department of Education, was open to seventh-, eighth- and ninth-graders in public schools.

The ceremony, at The Elks Club, presented the winners of the best essays based on the following: "Eddie Aikau dedicated his life to making the beaches and his community a better and safer place to live. How can his example motivate you to improve the quality of life in your community?"

Aikau, Waimea Bay's first official lifeguard and a pioneer big-wave rider, embarked upon a Hokule'a voyage from Hawai'i to Tahiti in 1978.

The voyage was never completed after the Hokule'a swamped in heavy seas in the Kaiwi Channel. Aikau was last seen paddling away to seek help for his crewmates.

Here is a list of the essay winners and their titles:

Kalaheo High School: Angela Kent, "One Big Family"; Selina Crivello, "A Surfer Until the End"; Sara Beth Yurow, "Keeping the Spirit of Eddie Aikau Alive"; Angelica Crimmins, "S.O.S."; Natalie Sheffield, "Eddie Aikau's Influences."

Waimea Canyon Middle School: Kayla Sagucio, "My Inspiration."

Kailua Intermediate School: Nicholas VanDerKamp, "Get Up and Go"; Maria Leineweber, "Eddie Would Give"; Kristyn Iwane, "It Is Worth It"; Moana Klein, "Eddie Aikau: A Man With A Heart For The Community, A Man I Aspire To Be Like"; Lauren Barina, "Everyone Should Go"; Sara McAllaster, "I Would Like To Go, Too"; Eliane Mathieu, "Inspiring Me To Make A Difference."

Moanalua Middle School: Rachel Tanoue, "Eddie Aikau Essay."

Niu Valley Middle School: Shay Chun, "Following In His Footsteps."