Civic Action Videos from the 2025 Ōlelo Youth Xchange Student Video Competition

The ʿŌlelo Youth Xchange Student Video Competition is Hawaii’s premier statewide youth video competition and is organized every year by ʿŌlelo Community Media.  In 2025, in partnership with the American Judicature Society (“AJS”), the PACE Commission sponsored the “Champion Civic Action” category in this competition.  (AJS is an independent, non-partisan organization whose mission is to secure and promote an independent and qualified judiciary and a fair system of justice.) 

Civic action encompasses both individual and collective efforts aimed at benefiting the common good.  While voting is perhaps the most prominent form of civic action, it is not the only one.  Civic action can also be non-political, including activities such as volunteering, advocacy, and charitable donations.  These actions are vital for building robust communities at the local, state, and national levels. 

The amazing videos created by the students entering this competition showcased several important programs and activities that have greatly enriched our communities and demonstrate the value of civic action. 

In each of the three divisions (Elementary School, Middle School, and High School), the winning entry was awarded a $150 prize (and a trophy from ʿŌlelo), the next two finalists were awarded $100 prizes, and several additional entries received certificates of distinction.  All three types of award recipients were also eligible to have their videos posted on this website (if the requested consent forms were turned in). 

Please take a look at the remarkable work done by these students and the programs they celebrate. 

Watch the Videos of the Winners from the 2025 ʿŌlelo Youth Xchange Student Video Competition, Champion Civic Action Category 

Winner from the Elementary School Division

Video title: “Power of Aloha”

Student Developers:  Naomi Agno, Cendisse Alvarez, Brooklyn Hiyakumoto, Timothy Ragasa, Ryzelle Valencia 

School:  Waipahu Elementary School 

Teacher(s):  Gil Ramirez, Gemma Agonoy 

Winner from the Middle School Division 

Video title: “Rebuilding the Future”

Student Developer:  Lyla Brooke Yamashita 

School:  Kamehameha Schools Maui 

Teachers:  Rob Siarot, Sharolyn Pali 

Winner from the High School Division

Video title: “Growing A Future, One Plant At A Time”

Student Developer:  Eva Keawekane 

School:  Kamehameha Schools Maui 

Teachers:  Jay Paa, Charlene Brown