MEDIA RELEASE

Three Oahu teen girls are the “Top 3” Grand Prize winners of the 2009 Hawaii State Public Library System and Hawaii Pizza Hut Teen Summer Reading Finale conducted this morning (8/22) at Kahala Mall Center Court Stage.

They are:

• Alyssa Fujimoto, Pearl City Public Library finalist (Kamehameha, grade 12); won Apple iPod Touch
• Rachel Tanoue, Aiea Public Library finalist (Moanalua High, grade 9); won HP netbook computer
• Kaylarae Santos-Paglinawan, Wahiawa Public Library finalist (Kamehameha, grade 9); won Dynex LCD TV/DVD combo

The three were among a large group of teen finalists, each a lucky drawing winner of the 23 Oahu branch public libraries. One-by-one, the finalists were asked to select a numbered pizza box with a prize listed inside which also included hand-held video cameras, digital cameras, and Best Buy gift cards. All prizes were donated by Hawaii Pizza Hut, corporate sponsor of the Teen Summer Reading Program for the past 17 years.

The event featured a special appearance by Star Wars characters Darth Vader, Boba Fett, and four Storm Troopers from the Pacific Outpost 501st Legion, who added excitement and assisted in the prize giveaways. Lina Girl, KCCN-FM 100 air personality, served as emcee.
Approximately 3,000 teens statewide participated in the annual HSPLS Teen Summer Reading Program which encourages reading and strengthens reading habits. Collectively, they have read nearly 24,000 books.

In addition, Hawaii Pizza Hut representatives are scheduled to award Nikon digital cameras to four lucky drawing winners on their respective Neighbor Island:

• Janelle Costales, Maui County winner: Lanai Public Library finalist (Lanai High, grade 9)
• Tori Craig, Kauai winner: Hanapepe Public Library finalist (Waimea High, grade 11)
• Anjulee Obina, West Hawaii winner: Bond Memorial Public Library finalist (Kohala High, grade 10)
• Jennifer Tabios, East Hawaii winner: Naalehu Public Library finalist (Kau High, grade 7)

This year’s theme, “Reading Rocks @ Your Library,” featured books about rock and roll music, rock bands, geology and gemology, rock climbing, “rocking the boat” for environmental protection, and taking a stand to make your voice heard. Students entering grade 7 through 2009 high school graduates were invited to sign up for the five-week Teen Summer Reading Program.

The Friends of the Library of Hawaii are the overall sponsors of the HSPLS Summer Reading Programs which are offered to children, teens and adults, respectively.

Following is a list of the 2009 Hawaii State Public Library System and Hawaii Pizza Hut Teen Summer Reading Finale Grand Prize Winners:

Teen/Oahu Public Libraries:
Wang Nga Chan, Gr. 12, Hawaii State Library
Rachel Tanoue, Aiea Public Library (Moanalua High, Gr. 9): won HP netbook computer
Katerina Imamura, Gr. 7, Aina Haina
Kasie Dodge, Gr. 10, Ewa Beach
Cyrus Ma, Gr. 7, Hawaii Kai
Chenoa Yorgason, Gr. 8, Kahuku
Ryan Hambalek, Gr. 7, Kailua
Amy McKee, Gr. 12, Kaimuki
May Lei Lopez, Gr. 10, Kalihi-Palama
Jennifer Au, Gr. 9, Kaneohe
Mary Campany, Gr. 10, Kapolei
Mayson Cabo, Gr. 9, LBPH
Cherise Spotkaeff, Gr. 8, Liliha
Mark Lee, Gr. 8, McCully-Moiliili
Kellianna Ward, Gr. 11, Mililani
Alyssa Fujimoto, Pearl City Public Library (Kamehameha, Gr. 12): won Apple iPod Touch
Rachel Tabalba, Gr. 11, Salt Lake-Moanalua
Kaylarae Santos-Paglinawan, Wahiawa Public Library (Kamehameha, Gr. 9): won Dynex LCD TV/DVD combo
Kristine Mina, Gr. 12, Waialua
Janet Marie Perkins, Gr. 7, Waianae
Mina Zheng, Gr. 11, Waikiki-Kapahulu
Sunshine Saucedo, Gr. 7, Waimanalo
Theresa Querido, Gr. 7, Waipahu