Grades 5-8 Category

Judges: James K. Pihana (native Hawaiian cultural practitioner) and
Shawn Laatsch (planetarium manager at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai‘i)


1st place: Hiwalani La‘a (Hilo Intermediate School, grade 8)




Judge's Comments:

This design with a message to higher learning to the universal study of the stars is very important to the future generation. (James K. Pihana)

The message of this coin is excellent! It encourages students to continue learning and reach for the stars. The design is clear and very coin like. Exceptional work! (Shawn Laatsch)



2nd place: Jennalyne Bala (Waimea Middle School, grade 8)




Judge's Comments:

The bold, but simple design captures the vision on the work of the observatories on Mauna Kea. (James K. Pihana)

Beautiful border, nice clean lines, and stylized design. Very nice work – very artistic! Accurate representations of observatories incorporated into stylistic elements. Wonderful work! (Shawn Laatsch)



3rd place: Amy DeSa (Hilo Intermediate School, grade 7)




Judge's Comments:

This design depicts the Mauka (mountain), Makai (ocean), and Kalani (the heavens) – how the people of Hawai‘i and the world are good: stewards to ocean, land, and the skies above us. (James K. Pihana)

This design shows wonderful thought regarding “malama” to the land and sea. It connects Maunakea to life in Hawai‘i. The fish add a nice element to the design! Great work! (Shawn Laatsch)

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