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Design for Independence Day at Maunalua Bay Event Chosen
Six-year-old Sophia Giasolli won the
judges' hearts and the grand prize award
by MICHELE VAN HESSEN
Sun Correspondent
Independence Day at Maunalua Bay got its start with a logo contest for students in the eighth grade and below. Sophia Giasolli, age 6, became the grand prize-winner over thirty-nine other creative students' entries from Aina Haina to Hawaii Kai schools. "Sophie loves the 4th of July," her mother Krystina Giasolli explained. "She worked real hard on it for three days, and her two older brothers also entered the contest and they were thrilled that she won."
Of the 40 entries, it was Sophia's entry that won the judge's hearts and won the sponsor, Tihati Productions' 1st place award of three round-trip airline tickets. Treyson Dote of Hahaione Elementary won Hawaii Superferry's 2nd place prize of four round-trip tickets and vehicle passage. Jaclyn Bregman of Koko Head Elementary will take home school supplies from Office Depot for her 3rd place finish. Fourth place went to Liberty Garcia of Hahaione Elementary and honorable mention to Kelsea Lopes of Niu Valley Intermediate. Both will receive Pacific International Realty's gift bag of assorted prizes and gift certificates.
Sophia, who is home-schooled, learned about the significance of the holiday from her parents. Sophia loves animals. "She has been especially careful at raising caterpillars then releasing them as butterflies, and she has eleven to her credit," her mom explained. Sophia designed a logo that featured a mother and baby turtle coming out of the water. At the water's edge the reptilian duo is looking at the fireworks display, as an American Flag flaps in the wind. "She had the patriotic and Hawaiiana tie, in addition to the fireworks display in the background, that's what we liked about her drawing," said Noah Parker, vice president of the Independence Day at Maunalau Bay. The enchanting design can be seen on posters, printed materials and T-shirts for the upcoming July 4th event. "We originally planned to award three prizes. As a result of the quality and effort of the entrants, we just had to offer additional prizes," said Noah Parker. The children's art is on display at Outback Steakhouse in the Hawaii Kai Towne Center.
The Independence Day at Maunalua Bay event on the 4th of July will feature food, games and educational booths. Free live entertainment will be featured from 2 to 9 P.M. To volunteer, donate or become a sponsor for this event, e-mail parkern001@hawaii.rr.com or call Noah Parker at (808) 395-0577.
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