Wai‘anae High School Named Winner of Third Annual “Drive Aloha” High School PSA Video Contest
HONOLULU, HI (January 29, 2025) – Promoting safe driving on Hawai‘i’s roadways, students from Wai‘anae High School won first place in DTRIC Insurance’s third annual Drive Aloha PSA Video contest. High school students statewide used their video-making skills to creatively answer the question, “What does Drive Aloha mean to you?”
Wai‘anae High School’s Natasha Ma‘afala and Angela Dupa won the contest’s $1,500 first prize for their school with their entry “Drive Aloha.” Their video focused on demonstrating aloha on the road by practicing kindness, courtesy, and limiting distractions behind the wheel. The video also encouraged everyone to buckle up and wear their seatbelts.
When asked about how they came up with the concept for their video, Natasha and Angela shared, “We wanted to list out the smaller simple, everyday things that people usually overlook.”
Lana‘i High and Elementary School’s Sharmaine Mae Elan, Malia George, Carla Ramos, Jedidiah Sandi and Naighgel Sudio secured second place for their submission and will receive $750 on behalf of their school. Waipahu High School’s Emma Forges and Sarah Tolentino took third place for their entry and received $500.
“Congratulations to Natasha and Angela of Waianae High School for their outstanding entry,” said Taku Mitsueda, President and CEO of DTRIC Insurance. “Their video captured the essence of what Drive Aloha is all about: Safety, courtesy, and mutual respect on the road. It’s inspiring to see young individuals take such an active role in promoting positive driving habits that benefit everyone in our community.”
Several entries were received from high schools across the state. To view the winning videos and other entries, visit https://www.dtric.com/2024-drive-aloha-psa-winners/.
DTRIC Insurance launched the Drive Aloha initiative in August 2016 to educate and encourage drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists to practice safe and courteous behavior and create safer, friendlier roadways across our islands. Drive Aloha encourages people to take the safety pledge to be courteous drivers, embrace positive behaviors and practice the aloha spirit to make the road safer and friendlier for everyone.
(L to R): Wai‘anae High School’s Angela Dupa and Natasha Ma‘afala were awarded first place for their winning submission in DTRIC Insurance’s Drive Aloha PSA Video contest. The Wai‘anae High students received a $1,500 prize on behalf of their school.
(L to R): Lana‘i High and Elementary School’s Brenda Palumbo (teacher), and students Sharmaine Mae Elan, Malia George, Jedidiah Sandi, Naighgel Sudio and Carla Ramos were awarded second place for their submission in DTRIC Insurance’s Drive Aloha PSA Video contest. The Lana‘i High students received a $750 prize on behalf of their school.
(L to R): Waipahu High School student Emma Forges, teacher Scott Alquisa and student Sarah Tolentino were awarded third place for their submission in DTRIC Insurance’s Drive Aloha PSA Video contest. The Waipahu High students received a $500 prize on behalf of their school. (Photo courtesy of DTRIC Insurance)