Nearly 50 students from four Molokai schools participated in this year’s Brown Bags to Stardom talent show last Saturday night, an island-wide talent competition. This was the second year that the competition was open to elementary and middle school students, and the first year that Molokai had all three divisions represented.

Popular high school band Pa`akai, winner of the high school music division, brought down the house with the popular song “Ehu Girl.”Miley Cyrus songs were a popular choice for many elementary school students, but the acts varied from songs with guitars, ukuleles, hula dancers, duets and group performances. And while voices became more mature as the night went on, enthusiasm was high all around.

The show was also punctuated with performances from the judges, who were local musicians and past Brown Bag participants. One judge, Lindsey Crivello, is a former Brown Bag performer, and handed out some advice to the younger generation.

“Perform with your heart, perform with your soul, because that’s the magical part,” he said.

The winners for Kaunakakai sang Joy to the World: Kysha Kawano, Alexandria Simon, Kylee Bush, and Kanani Ah Van.The winners are: Kuikamokuokalani Han of Kualapu`u School; Kysha Kawano, Alexandria Simon, Kylee Bush, Kanani Ah Van of Kaunakakai Elementary; Kananihawai`I Puailihau, Makana Domingo, Nahoni Davis, Keleikaumaka Kaiama-Lenwai, Apelila Ritte-Camara, Ambrosialynn Casil-Dudoit; and Kaycie Kahalewai & Dallas Seguritan of Molokai Middle School; and Kamali`I Wahine O Molokai: Ceriann Espiritu, Mahealani Reyes, Na`ilikea Ahuna-Kaai, Kerianne Mokuau, Aulani Hiro; and Pa`akai: Keaka Kamakana, Shaye Santiago, Tootie Rawlins, Jonathan Lin Kee Espaniola, Edwin Mendija, Kawaiola Kalipi, Kumu Spencer Misaki of Molokai High School. The six winners will represent Molokai at the state competition in Oahu sometime in February.

Future Stars of Molokai
The middle school dance division winners: Kananihawai`i Puailihau, Makana Domingo, Nahoni Davis, Kaleikaumaka Daiama-Lenwai, Apelia Ritte-Camara, and Ambrosialynn Casil-Dudoit.Elementary
- Ariah Hirashima & Tabitha Fernandez (Kualapu`u School)
- Kuikamokuokalani Han (Kualapu`u School)
- Esther Torres-Umi (Kualapu`u School)
- Shandalyn Kaholoa`a (Kualapu`u School)
- Crystal Nakihei (Kualapu`u School)
- Kysha Kawano, Alexandria Simon, Kylee Bush, Kanani Ah Van (Kaunakakai Elementary)
- Christina Nakihei (Kualapu`u School)
- Noelani Helm & Evarista Horner (Kualapu`u School)
- Courtney Winfrey (Kualapu`u School)
Middle School
- May Rose Valdez
- Kananihawai`I Puailihau, Makana Domingo, Nahoni Davis, Keleikaumaka Kaiama-Lenwai, Apelila Ritte-Camara, Ambrosialynn Casil-Dudoit
The winner for Kualapu`u School, Kuikamokuokalani Han, played 'He Hawaii Au.'- Monaliza Espejo
- Ikaika Corpuz, Lahela Corpuz, Olelo Hamakua, Keoana Solotorio
- Kaycie Kahalewai & Dallas Seguritan
- Ku`ulei Keohuloa
High School
- Elua: Kachet Keaka Kaima & Haloa Hamakua
- Kamali`I Wahine O Molokai: Ceriann Espiritu, Mahealani Reyes, Na`ilikea Ahuna-Kaai, Kerianne Mokuau, Aulani Hiro
- Nika Mendija
- Pa`akai: Keaka Kamakana, Shaye Santiago, Tootie Rawlins, Jonathan Lin Kee Espaniola, Edwin Mendija, Kawaiola Kalipi, Kumu Spencer Misaki
- Michal Torres-Umi

The middle school music division winners: Kaycie Kahalewai and Dallas Seguritan sing (and play) 'One Night Stand.'

The high school dance winners, Kamali`i Wahine O Molokai: Ceriann Espiritu, Mahealani Reyes, Na`ilikea Ahuna-Kaai, Kerianne Mokuau, and Aulani Hiro.