Empowering Teachers. Inspiring Students. Building Community.
LŌKAHI extends heartfelt thank you to our partners who helped make the 2024-25 Ho'olōkahi Lyrics Writing Challenge possible.
Our finalists represent the incredible creativity that emerges when teachers are empowered with the right tools, artist connections, and community support. We celebrate student voice and teacher leadership by honoring the following schools
2nd Place: Waiãkea Intermediate School (Period 3 Class) - Sandra Sato
3rd Place: ‘Ele’ele Elementary School - Laurelle Riola-Catbagan
Best Ukulele Performance: Beth Uale - Leilehua High School
Best Ensemble Performance: Ina Young - St Patrick School
Best Vocal Performance: Brit Oliphant + Anna Geyer + Summer Petersen + Christina Cowell - Kula School
Most Colorful Performance: Celeste Endo - Queen Ka'ahumanu
Most Cinematic Performance: Cathy Lagrimas - Honouliuli Middle School
Best Choreography: Sandra Sato - Waiākea Intermediate School - Period 2 Class
Best Themed Lyrics: Catherine Baldaino - Ala Wai Elementary
Catchiest lyrics: Valerie Mimura + Mrs Higashi - Salt Lake Elementary
Watch the winning submissions and see how Lōkahi's teacher-centered approach creates authentic learning experiences.
At our Play Along celebration, we honored both the incredible student performances and the dedicated teachers who empowered them.
Students took a special moment to share heartfelt words of gratitude for their teachers at the event.
Dustin Chang - Pearl Harbor Elementary
Valerie Mimura - Salt Lake Elementary
Ina Young - St. Patrick School
The Ho'olōkahi Lyrics Writing Challenge provides teachers with:
Video-based, pre-designed lesson plans that make it easy for you and your students to follow along
Artist motivation messages to inspire your classroom
Technology integration support through Fender Play
Cross-school collaboration opportunities
Performance preparation guidance
These resources support teachers at all levels of music teaching, making sustainable music education accessible to all.
Ready to bring the LŌKAHI approach to your school?
Elevate your school's music offering with LŌKAHI's innovative and easy-to-use ‘ukulele teaching program - supported by technology and designed to enable teachers to create and support community-focused and connected music education for all students, everywhere.