ALOHA JIGSAW FOUNDATION
CHALLENGE POEM & ESSAY CONTEST
Are you ready to share your story and make your voice heard? We invite you to participate in our Challenge Poem and Essay Contest designed for resilient teens between the ages of 10 and 17 who have faced the aftermath of the devastating fires. This is your chance to express your thoughts, experiences, and dreams for a brighter future!
CONTEST GUIDELINES
Eligibility Requirements
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Age
Participants must be between 10 and 17 years old, male or female.
Family Circumstances
You or your family must have experienced loss due to the fires—this may include losing your home, or a parent losing their job or income.
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Residency
You must be a resident of Maui before the fires and registered in a Maui school located in the zip codes of Lahaina and/or Kula. Proof of residency will be verified.
Original Work
The essay must be written in your own words—no AI assistance or help from parents/adults. It should be in legible longhand print.
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Interview Process
Selected finalists (up to 5) will undergo an interview with our team, from which two students will be chosen for the program. (Classes are limited to a maximum of 10 students.)
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Background Checks
All instructors will be background-checked by Goodenow Associates, a trusted local company in Honolulu.
Submission Instructions
All entries must be sent to alohajigsaw@gmail.com between July 13, 2025, and July 31, 2025.
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Deadline: Submissions will close at midnight Hawaii Standard Time on July 31, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Content Guidelines: All submissions must be tasteful and refrain from profanity or any attacks against HECO or government agencies.
​Finalist Announcement:
Finalists will be announced in August 2025. The next round of the challenge will include a more advanced essay submission, details of which will be provided during the July Challenge.
This is your opportunity to share your unique perspective, connect with others, and contribute to your community. Let your creativity shine—your words can inspire change and hope!
We can’t wait to read your stories!!!
Essay Submission
​Length: 250 words
Content: Describe your experiences on the day of the fire, how it impacted your family, and your current situation regarding school, lifestyle, your parents' employment, and housing. Don’t forget to mention any organizations that helped you during this challenging time.
Poem Submission
Length: 7 sentences
Content: Write a poem expressing your thoughts on what could have
helped prevent the extensive damage caused by the fires, in your own words.
