Waianae High School Named Winner of Secone Annual ``Drive Aloha`` High School PSA Contest

HONOLULU, HI (January 19, 2024) – Spreading the message of driving safely on our roadways, students at Wai‘anae High School took first place in DTRIC Insurance’s second 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 senior Avanoa Caceres Tillis and junior Natasha Maafala won the contest’s $2,000 first prize for their school with their entry, “How To: Drive Aloha.” The pair focused their message on limiting distractions and showing aloha to others on the road.

According to the two Wai‘anae High students, planning and conception for the video entry included studying competitive story angles and looking for inspirations from similar type traffic safety messaging.

Juniors Florelaine Gonzales, Ruth Eden Barlam, Rylee Ragasa and Mercy Northrop of Hilo High School were awarded second place for their submission and received $1,000 on behalf of their school.

“Congratulations to the students of Waianae High School for their exceptional entry,” said Taku Mitsueda, President and CEO of DTRIC Insurance. “Their video addressed the importance of safety and highlighted the value of courtesy. We are inspired by the talent and dedication displayed by all of these young filmmakers in promoting the spirit of Drive Aloha.”

Numerous entries were received from high schools across the state. To view the winning videos and other entries, visit www.dtric.com/2023-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.

Jason Popejoy (left) of DTRIC Insurance presents a $2,000 first prize check to Wai‘anae High School senior Avanoa Caceres Tillis and junior Natasha Maafala (center and right) for their winning submission in DTRIC Insurance’s Drive Aloha PSA Video contest. Their entry, “How To: Drive Aloha,” focused their message on limiting distractions and showing aloha to others on the road. (Photo courtesy of DTRIC Insurance)

Hilo High School juniors (left to right) Florelaine Gonzales, Ruth Eden Barlam, Rylee Ragasa and Mercy Northrop were awarded second place for their submission in DTRIC Insurance’s Drive Aloha PSA Video contest. The Hilo High students received a $1,000 prize on behalf of their school. (Photo courtesy of DTRIC Insurance)