Molokai High Artists Earn District Honors

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard News Release

High school students through Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District competed in an arts competition sponsored by the district’s congresswoman, Tulsi Gabbard. All three Molokai High School students who were among 16 finalists received honors in the contest, Gabbard announced last week. MHS’ Kierstyn Esteron earned third place, while she and fellow MHS students Rizpah Torres-Umi and Eliana Kalilikane-Garces won the “People’s Choice” contest on Gabbard’s Facebook page.

Eighty contest entries were received from high school students throughout the district. Each spring, a nationwide high school arts competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The contest is an opportunity to recognize and encourage creativity across Hawai‘i and the country. The first-place piece, a pencil drawing by, Rhea Erice of Leilehua High School, will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol alongside winners from all other congressional districts. The first-, second-, and third-place winners received a cash prize donated by Matson Inc., First Hawaiian Bank Foundation, Central Pacific Bank.

Gabbard’s Facebook page will soon represent all three Molokai artists, as the top three entries with the most Facebook “likes” from the People’s Choice contest will be featured as cover photos at the top of the page. Visit the Facebook contest and view students’ work here