Award Recipients

February 2010

Stories:
Senator Kim on the Hot Seat
Task Force on Reinventing Government
Interim of 2009 - Site Visits
Facts about Hawaii's Current Collective Bargaining Negotiations
Commentary
2009 Award Recipients
Sen. Hydrogen Investigation Final Report
Response to DBEDT Investigation
Photos: Active and Involved

Congratulations!
The 2009 Donna Mercado Kim Aloha Spirit Awardees

Every year, Senator Kim recognizes three middle school students from Dole, Aiea and Moanalua Middle School with an Aloha Spirit Award. Each middle school selects one student who exemplifies the principles of the Aloha Spirit. Names of the award winners are engraved on the Aloha Spirit perpetual plaque that is displayed in the schools offices and the Aloha Spirit awardees are given individual plaques along with a savings bond.

Alex Robledo
Aloha Spirit Award winner, Moanalua Middle School

Alex is the son of Arturo and Xiaoyan Robledo. An extremely conscientious student, Alex earned a 3.8 GPA and wants to become an attorney. Although taking up the violin only a year ago, his diligence paid off and he currently plays first chair for the school orchestra. Alex is also an active member of the Moanalua Middle School Video Club. As a member of the team that won first place for Best Documentary in the 2008 ‘Olelo Youth Exchange Video Contest, Alex played a vital role in editing the winning video. His teachers praise Alex as being bright, talented, exceptionally capable and a team player who always gives his best effort.

Ashley Coffelt
Aloha Spirit Award winner, Dole Middle School

Ashley distinguished herself by showing exemplary leadership, serving in the capacities of President and Vice President at Dole Middle School. She is the daughter of David and Aurora Coffelt. While carrying a 4.0 GPA, her tireless community service includes mentoring, participating in Pathways to College and other community contributions. Her extracurricular activities include cross country, singing, reading, involvement in the Victory Club, the Educational Talent Search Program and College for Every Student Program. Ashley has been described by her teachers as being focused, capable and confident while displaying patience, kindness and humility. She aspires to attend college to pursue her dreams.

Mapuana Taula
Aloha Spirit Award winner, Aiea Intermediate

Mapuana is the daughter of Marvin and Iwalani Taula. She is consistently on the Honor Roll and carries a cumulative GPA of 3.5. With a friend, Mapuana not only won the Aiea Intermediate school talent show with a dance routine she choreographed, they also placed 2nd in the Brown Bags to Stardom talent contest. Mapuana is an outstanding student athlete, displaying her prowess on the school's basketball team and soccer and softball community leagues. Her teachers rave about her positive, optimistic attitude and upbeat school spirit.