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Hawaii STEM Conference empowers a new generation of innovators

Austin Kaalekahi, a 7th-grader at ‘O Hina I Ka Malama on Molokai, is engaged in the Microsoft team’s virtual reality with Oculus Rift at the Hawaii STEM Conference’s STEMworks Playground earlier this month on Oahu.

On May 1 and 2, more than 1,000 students, educators, industry partners and community leaders throughout the state and the nation gathered for the eighth annual Hawaii STEM Conference — an empowering STEM event dedicated to engaging a new generation of science, technology, engineering and math innovators in Hawaii.

Presented by Maui Economic Development Board’s Women in Technology project, the conference was held for the first time at the Hawai’i Convention Center on Oahu. This year’s theme, “Download Knowledge. Upload Service,” invited students to demonstrate and showcase the skills and abilities they have gained to help create a thriving future, not only for Hawaii, but the world.

Students and teachers representing intermediate and high schools from across the state of Hawaii participated in this regional technology conference, which featured 40-plus student breakout sessions, 30-plus teacher breakout sessions, 14 software competitions, a STEM playground, a formal awards banquet (“The STEMMYS) and exhibit presentations.

“I really like how innovative STEM education is,” said Keona Conroy-Humphrey, a junior at Lanai High School. “Whether you’re learning about energy efficiency, computer technology, satellite communications, cybersecurity and other topics — immersing yourself in STEM ultimately helps society as a whole.”

Caleb Soo Hoo, a senior at Baldwin High School who plans to pursue a career in mechanical or aeronautical engineering with a minor in digital media, shared what he likes best about STEM: “I enjoy the idea that there are no boundaries where we create our own limits and we basically are the brains behind our own projects. To see our vision realized is the best kind of feeling.”

“Coming to this conference really opens up your horizons,” said Mykaela Padron, a sophomore at Baldwin High School. “Right now, I’m interested in a variety careers — maybe becoming a doctor or film director or even an astronaut. During the conference’s 5×5 Session one of the industry professionals we spoke with shared that it’s possible you can have more than one career and I thought I just might do that.”

Students also had the opportunity to participate in STEM competitions. This year’s winners from Maui County were:

• Music — instrumental competition — Trey Metoyer, King Kekaulike High School.

• Music — lyrical competition — Emma Rich, King Kekaulike High School.

• Photography competition — Czhara Jan Saclayan, Maui High School.

• T-Shirt Design Competition — Shanelle Ancheta, Maui High School.

• STEM Career Interview Competition — Janine Harris, King Kekaulike High School.

• On-Site Video Competition — Caleb Soo Hoo, Chris Kau, Baldwin High School.

• On-Site Royer Studios Competition — Micah Ban, George Villanueva, Taylor McCary, Taniya Whittman-Valdez, Kalia Kapisi, Maui High School.

ArcGIS Online U.S. School Competition (Hawaii finalists)

• Courtney Cadiz, Jett Bolusan, Braiden Paa (Maui High School).

• Kau’iwai Poepoe-Mollena, Kamahina Kaiama-Kanuha (Molokai High School HLIP).

Intermediate School PIA Competition

• Czerena Bayle, Jadynne Zane, Cynthia Mercado Santana, Jaycie Iha (Maui Waena Intermediate School).

High School PIA Competition

• Haven-Luper-Jasso, Brooke Kanna, Marlena Lang, Leanna Thesken (Kauai High School)

3Cs Intermediate

• Maria Inong, Alyson Kar, Logan Tsukiyama, Hannah Okamoto (Maui Waena Intermediate School)

3Cs High School

• Yasha Ronquillo, Carissa Pagan, Summer Montehermoso, Tiffany Banggo (Maui High School)

For more information on the 2017 Hawaii STEM Conference, visit womenintech.com/HawaiiSTEMConference or contact WIT Program K-12 STEM Education Director Isla Young at isla@medb.org or 250-2888.

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