June 20, 2011
Contributed by Pakalani Bello
Matthew Yasuoka and Braden Clark both won the national championship in their respective categories, both of which were won for the first time by a Hawai'i student. Yasuoka won the Extemp Commentary category, earning $1,400 in scholarship moneys. Clark took home the top awards in the Humorous Interpretation category and Bama Bowl for Humorous Interpretation. Sponsored by the University of Alabama, the "Bama Bowl" is given to the students who according to a 15 member judging panel give the best performance in the final round of Humorous Interpretation, Dramatic Interpretation and Duo Interpretation categories. For his achievements, Clark was awarded $6,400 in scholarships. The two recent graduates were the first national champions from Hawai'i since 1990, when Damien's Chad Ho won in the Extemporaneous Speaking category.
Along with the two national champions, seven other KS-Kapālama students placed in the top 60 in their categories. Recent graduate Charlton Tang was a semi-finalist in the Humorous Interpretation category, finishing in 12th place overall. Seniors-to-be LeShae Henderson and Mark Noa Gardner were both quarterfinalists (top 30 of 225-plus) in the Duo Interpretation category. K-Cee Mahina Choy-Ellis and Brad-George Kona Gaison, class of 2013, were octofinalists (top 60 of 225-plus) in the Duo Interpretation, with John Michael Sproles, class of 2011 in Dramatic Interpretation, and Nicole Nakakura, class of 2012 in Original Oratory, also as octofinalists.
The KS-Kapālama Speech & Debate team was also honored with the School of Excellence in Speech Award, joining only 11 other schools in the country. Speech and Debate coach Gabriel Alisna was also recognized in the Circle of Champion Coaches and was the only coach with two national champions this year.
More than 3,200 students participated in the 2011 NFL National Tournament, one of the world's largest academic contests. The event drew visitors from across the country and as far away as China. Top performers took home more than $200,000 in college scholarships.
To attend, students must qualify at one of NFL's 106 district tournaments. National competition occurs in ten main events—Policy Debate, Public Forum Debate, Lincoln Douglas Debate, Congressional Debate, Original Oratory, United States Extemporaneous Speaking, International Extemporaneous Speaking, and Humorous, Dramatic, and Duo Interpretation—as well as seven consolation and supplemental events. For more information, visit the tournament Web site: www.nflnationals.org
Kamehameha Schools is a private, educational, charitable trust founded and endowed by the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. Kamehameha Schools operates a statewide educational system enrolling nearly 5,400 students of Hawaiian ancestry at K-12 campuses on O'ahu, Maui and Hawai'i and 1,500 keiki at 31 preschool sites statewide. Approximately 38,500 additional Hawaiian learners and caregivers are served each year through a range of other Kamehameha Schools' outreach programs, community collaborations and financial aid opportunities in Hawai'i and across the continental United States. For more information, visit www.ksbe.edu.
Media Contact: Pākalani Bello, (808) 534-8143
Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
