KS Maui haumāna take on nationʻs best at student media competition

Kamehameha Schools Maui had a good showing at the 2019 Student Television Network National Convention with both their middle and high school teams receiving awards, including a first-place in the “High School Short Film-Documentary” category of the Crazy 8s.

Apr. 8, 2019

Contributed by Ben Balberdi

While most students were enjoying their last few days of spring break, haumāna from Kamehameha Schools Maui’s middle school and high school were putting their video production skills to the test at the 2019 Student Television Network (STN) National Convention held on March 28-31 in Seattle, Wash.

The convention brought more than 3,000 students and teachers to the Seattle Convention Center for over 50 educational sessions, a college fair and pilina among teams.

“STN is known as the national championship for media students,” said Jay Paa, KSM High School art media kumu and team advisor. “It’s a high energy, non-stop four days of learning and competition.”

The convention had more than 30 competitions including the grueling Crazy 8s contests – where teams are given a topic and have eight hours to produce their entry. All entries are judged and critiqued by industry experts.

“It’s strictly hands-off by the teachers or else the team is disqualified,” said Rob Siarot, KSM Middle School media kumu who worked with the team. “We prepared by simulating the eight-hour contest and often practiced throughout the week and on weekends.”

The hard work paid off for both teams.

The high school team made up of Kiana Liu, Analicia Kapua, Marie Abihai, Jillian Ikehara and Hezekiah Kapuaala placed first out of 30 teams in the “High School Short Film-Documentary” category of the Crazy 8s.

KSM’s middle school team received an honorable mention in the “Movie Trailer” team competition. Team members included Haley Agustin, Jolie Inciong, Karli Dean, Jayle Arcangel-Stockwell, Emi Wunder and Kailea Tuitele.

The awards add to a growing list of local and national awards for the Maui campus’ successful student media program, which starts at the middle school level with Ka ʻIkena News – a student-led monthly news show shared with the entire campus via YouTube.

Hawai‘i was well-represented at STN with 24 schools in attendance, three schools winning Broadcast and Film Excellence awards, and a total of 32 convention awards.

“Hawai‘i schools are respected by other middle and high school media programs on the mainland thanks to the exposure we get from this convention,” Paa said. “From the networking and professional development to the opportunities to connect with colleges, STN is a valuable experience for both students and teachers.”

KSM’s middle school team, which is made up of the campus’ Ka ‘Ikena News staff, received an honorable mention in the “Movie Trailer” team competition.