Letter To My Parents Contest
The Final Presentation for the 2015 Letter to My Parents ContestTM in Hawai‘i was held on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Executive Dining Room, Campus Center in UH Mānoa where eleven finalists recited their letters dedicated to their parents/guardians. Unlike the previous two years, the Organizing Committee decided to recognize three letters by the following categories: Bravery, Reflection, and Proposal. For this year’s contest, these awards were presented to Sheena Juliano for Bravery, Abigail Badua for Reflection and Shirell Bell for Proposal. Each of them received a prize of $500 sponsored by Kalamansi Books and Things, Filipino Association of University Women and Reiyukai America. “The eleven young people represented different ethnic groups within Oceania, educational levels (high school and college), communities across the state, and family situation/circumstance,” mentioned Rouel Velasco, one of the co-organizers representing Sariling Gawa –Youth Council. Other finalists included: Florence Andres, Chimako Anitok, Rosario Joaquin, Headrick Letuli, Angela Lin, Brandon Lorezco, Janica Pascua, and Stephanie Yasay. Each finalist received gift certificates from Read 2 Succeed Foundation, Zippy’s, and Reiyukai America. In addition, each finalist also received a certificate for a “1 Year BenchPrep TestPrep Course Subscription” courtesy of BenchPrep. “Everyone tonight witnessed that one letter can bring the change in each family. Each of the letters are a result of deep reflection with an intention to show gratitude but also to show an intention to improve the family relationship. And that intention is what brings a positive change to our community!!” Says Noriko Sotta, Member of the Reiyukai America National Committee.
Read this work at the World Public Library (library card needed).