KCS News & Happenings
Posts Tagged "poetry contest"
Junior earns 2nd place in poetry contest, perpetuating a survivor's story
March 22, 2024
Through a powerful poem expressing a Holocaust survivor’s struggle with "how to remember," Elisha Kurian '25 earned second place in the high school poetry division of the 25th annual Holocaust Art and Writing Contest. The Rodgers Center for Holocaust Education at Chapman University, the 1939 Society, the Irving and Nancy Chase Endowment for Holocaust Education, the Samueli Foundation, and Yossie & Dana Hollander sponsor this prestigious international competition. This year, the contest drew entries from 220+ registered schools and thousands of students across the U.S. and nine other countries. Elisha's recognition as a finalist is the third for KCS, following Emily Kuwaye’s '19 winning poem in 2018 and Maile Fowler's '22 second-place poem in 2022.
The contest prompt challenged participants to identify a specific word, phrase, or sentence from the survivor’s testimony to explore and action to take in response to this call to memory. Utilizing descriptive language and specific details, Elisha's poem, "In Remembrance," captures Selene Bruk wrestling with the conflicting thoughts of forgetting and remembering when she finally returns to Poland. Ultimately, Selene's courageous resolve to remember "a way of life that will never be again" resonated with Elisha on a personal level, inspiring her to use her voice by "simply speaking up."
A photo of Elisha and Literature Teacher Mrs. Fong (above) was shared during the live stream presentation of the awards ceremony held on March 15 at Chapman University. For her second-place poem, Elisha received a $200 cash prize, while KCS and Mrs. Fong were also awarded $100 each. Bravo, Elisha, on your award-winning piece that answers the call to memory!
Five students recognized in special edition Keiki Day paper
May 12, 2023
KCS is pleased to announce that the Keiki Day edition of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, published on Tuesday, May 9, features the work of five of its students! This special newspaper supports Parents and Children Together (PACT), a local non-profit that has helped Hawaii families in the areas of “early childhood education, domestic violence, family strengthening, behavioral health support, and community building” since 1968.
For this year's contest, students submitted entries centered on the theme "Inspire Hawai'i's Future." Congratulations to grade-level winners Kainoa Kanakanui '34, Noa Termini '34, Makena Holm '26, Noah Sumikawa '25, and Aliyah Kurian '24. The Keiki Day paper published Kainoa and Noa's drawings and Makena, Noah, and Aliyah's poems. According to Leigh Morrison, PACT’s Community Engagement Director, the contest received “hundreds of entries from over thirty-five schools." With five winners from KCS, she also shared the following: “The judges were very impressed with all the entries from Kaimuki Christian School and wanted to pass on that you have a fantastic writing program.” Way to go, Keiki Day creative contest winners!
Senior wins 2nd place in poetry contest
April 01, 2022
Through a powerful poem expressing a Holocaust survivor’s story of “conquer[ing] unbelievable odds,” Maile Fowler '22 earned 2nd place in the high school poetry division of the 23rd annual Holocaust Art and Writing Contest. The Rodgers Center for Holocaust Education at Chapman University, the 1939 Society, the Samueli Foundation, and Yossie & Dana Hollander sponsor this prestigious international competition. This year, the contest drew entries from 258 registered schools and thousands of students from across the U.S. and eleven other countries. Maile’s recognition as a finalist is the second for KCS, following Emily Kuwaye’s '19 winning poem in 2018.
For their prompt, contest participants identified a part of the survivor’s testimony that was “a source of courage, resilience, or hope” as the survivor moved forward in life after the war. Maile’s poem, "Hate Will Never Win," voices Celina Biniaz’s inspiring story to combat and eventually defeat the fear, hate, contempt that once lingered in her heart. Maile credits her 3rd quarter European Literature curriculum, in which students read and studied Night and The Hiding Place, for providing the context from which to better understand what Ms. Biniaz endured. Maile’s poignant poem utilizes imagery and figurative language to build to her final insight.
A photo of Maile and Literature Teacher Mrs. Fong (above) was shared during the live stream presentation of the awards ceremony held on March 11 at Chapman University. When reflecting on her 2nd place recognition, Maile acknowledges, “In a time where I am constantly searching for my talents and gifts, it is nice to see, tangibly, what skills God has given to me.” The process of composing the poem also made a profound impact on Maile. As she dove “deep into the words” through her writing, she experienced a new appreciation and insight into the power of courage and forgiveness that resonates throughout Celina’s story. Congratulations, Maile, on your award-winning poem and perpetuating the legacy of Celina Biniaz!