The Kaiser High Communication Arts & Technology Learning Center won $1500 for its second place finish in the “Make Like Fun” commercial contest hosted by Koko Marina Center. The thirty-second piece titled “Variety” illustrated people of all ages enjoying the merchant diversity and activities offered by the Center.

“Coordinating a video production gives you a feeling of independence, responsibility and accomplishment. It’s a taste of what the real world is like,” said Adam Kostylo, Kaiser High Learning Center Student.

High school students across Oahu were invited to submit thirty-second commercials depicting how they could “Make Life Fun” at Koko Marina Center. The Center received a total of nine entries from five high schools including Kaiser, Kalaheo, Mid-Pacific Institute, Roosevelt and Waipahu. All entries premiered May 16^th on a 16-foot screen constructed in the Center’s parking lot.

“All of the submitted television commercials were amazing and it was extremely difficult to choose a winner,” said Suzie Setzler, General Manager for Koko Marina Center. “We were impressed by the caliber of these entries and could really see the hard work that was put into making these commercials.”

First place, and an award of $2500, went to Mid-Pacific Institute followed by Kaiser’s second place and Kalaheo High School in third, with an award of $1000. Roosevelt High Communication Arts and Technology Center and Waipahu High School both received honorable mention acknowledgments, as well as checks for $250 each. All schools received trophies and the top three received merchant gift certificates.

“The students have gained valuable knowledge in planning, organization and time management in this contest,” said Kevin Tokuda, Mid-Pacific Institute Technology Teacher. “Our students really enjoyed this experience and for my underclassmen who did not win, they already have begun their planning process for next year’s competition.”

“We really wanted to showcase the great talent that Hawaii has to offer and thought it would be perfect to show them all,” said Setzler.

Commercials can be viewed at youtube.com or at www.kokomarinacenter.com.