Nā Leo TV Hosts Inaugural Youth Media Challenge Awards Ceremony
Watch the 2024 Awards Ceremony
On Saturday, May 18, Nā Leo TV celebrated the creativity and talent of Hawai‘i Island youth during its inaugural Youth Media Challenge awards ceremony, held at the Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo. The initiative, which saw the participation of more than 250 youth aged 11-24 and 24 schools, marks a significant milestone in promoting youth engagement and content creation on the island.
“We are inspired by the stories and ideas our youth have shared and are thrilled by the overwhelming response to this challenge,” said Ashley Kierkiewicz, President & CEO of Nā Leo TV. “We are already planning for next year’s challenge to be even bigger and better. Given the fantastic participation, we will work with schools over the summer to invest in equipment for media labs, enabling youth to continue their content creation journey.”
The awards ceremony was a vibrant affair, emceed by popular radio personality Ku‘ehu Mauga. Attendees enjoyed a lively lunch hour with music by Positive Motion, further adding to the festive atmosphere.
Keynote speaker Lacy Deniz, a former Hawai‘i News Now reporter and native of Hawai‘i Island, delivered an inspiring address. Deniz emphasized the value of perseverance and dedication, encouraging youth to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles.
The enthusiasm was shared by attendees, including parents like Jessica Henry, whose son was among the award recipients. “We really enjoyed ourselves. My son won an award and it has really encouraged him towards making bigger dreams and goals come true. What a great event!”
54 awards for media projects such as digital artwork, public service announcement, and short film were presented across 13 categories, each sponsored by local organizations dedicated to supporting community development and youth empowerment. The categories and their sponsors include:
Support Local • KTA Super Stores, Title Sponsor
Water, Our Most Precious Resource • Dept. of Water Supply, Title Sponsor
Community Safety • Hawai‘i Police Department
Creating Peace • Rotary Clubs of Hilo, South Hilo, and Hilo Bay
Digital Equity • Hawaiian Telcom
Disaster Preparedness • Civil Defense Agency
Energy Resilience • Hawaiian Electric
Fentanyl Awareness • Hawai‘i Island Fentanyl Task Force
Financial Literacy • Hawai‘i Community FCU
Homeless Awareness • HOPE Services Hawai‘i
Ocean Preservation • Division of Aquatic Resources
Safe Transportation • Hawai‘i Dept. of Transportation
Visit with Respect • Hawai‘i Tourism Authority
Each participant received a swag bag with an exclusive commemorative t-shirt, achievement certificate, hydroflask, stickers, pens, and a notebook. Winners received a medal, certificate, and one of many prizes totaling nearly $20,000. The prizes included Insta360 cameras, GoPros, phone cages, gimbals, drawing monitors, Beats Studio Buds, Wacom Bamboo pens, selfie sticks, LED pix art displays, light panels, gaming and podcast microphones, ring light kits, portable lights, wireless mics, and phone cranes.
Since its establishment in 1993, Nā Leo has served as the community access TV station for Hawai‘i Island, transforming lives through the power of storytelling. Nā Leo unlocks the creative potential in individuals and enhances community connections. As a trusted platform for and messenger of local stories and information, Nā Leo elevates the voices of Hawai‘i Island residents.
