The Hawaiʻi State Judiciary’s Third and Fifth Circuits recognized students who participated in the 2026 Law Day Art Contest. This year’s theme, “The Rule of Law and the American Dream,” invited students to explore how the rule of law protects individual freedoms and supports the ability of all people to pursue their goals.

In preparation for the contest, students were introduced to the central focus of this year’s Law Day and learned about the principle that no individual is above the law—a concept that safeguards the rights of all people to live freely and pursue their goals. 

Third Circuit – Hawaiʻi Island

Hilo

Titan Alameda, a third‑grade student at Kamehameha Elementary School; Cadence Christensen, a sixth‑grade student at Kamehameha Intermediate School; and Daniel Takashi Nucci, a twelfth‑grade student at Waiākea High School, were selected as this year’s top award recipients in Hilo.

Awards were presented on May 1 by Acting Chief Justice Sabrina S. McKenna. Each winner received a Law Day certificate and medal, and additional students were recognized with honorable mentions.

Elementary

• First Place – Titan Alameda, Kamehameha Elementary | 3rd Grade
• Second Place – Kulewa Kahoʻohalahala, Kamehameha Elementary | 2nd Grade
• Third Place – Mahina Kahoʻohalahala, Kamehameha Elementary | 2nd Grade

Intermediate

• First Place – Cadence Christensen, Kamehameha Intermediate | 6th Grade
• Second Place – Taylor Rose Calicdan, Keaʻau Middle School | 6th Grade

High School

• First Place – Daniel Takashi Nucci, Waiākea High School | 12th Grade
• Second Place – Chelbi Jo Baybayan Brown, Kamehameha High School | 10th Grade
• Third Place – Helena Corrigan, Waiākea High School | 10th Grade

Kona

A total of 31 students from elementary, intermediate, and high schools submitted original artwork reflecting their understanding of this year’s theme.

Elise Schlueter, a third‑grade student at Makua Lani Christian Academy, won first place, followed by second‑place winner Kylexi Cho, a second‑grade student at Honaunau Elementary School, and third‑place winner Johnnie Gouveia, a first‑grade student also from Honaunau Elementary School.

“We were excited to have keiki in the courtroom for this special event. The Law Day Poster Contest engages our youth in civic education and encourages future lawyers,” said District Family Court Judge Joanna Sokolow.

Elementary – Kona

• First Place – Elise Schlueter, Makua Lani Christian Academy | 3rd Grade
• Second Place – Kylexi Cho, Honaunau Elementary School | 2nd Grade
• Third Place – Johnnie Gouveia, Honaunau Elementary School | 1st Grade

Fifth Circuit – Kauaʻi

The Fifth Circuit celebrated Law Day at the Puʻuhonua Kaulike building in Līhuʻe, where Judge Gregory Meyers announced the winners before an audience of students, parents, and teachers.

Students also had the unique opportunity to sit in the judge’s chair, making the event both educational and memorable.

Middle School – 8th Grade Division

• First Place – Gianna Carina Doldolea
• Second Place – Xian Alcaran
• Third Place – Jaycee Manguchei

High School – 9th Grade Division

• First Place – Loelle DeSpain
• Second Place – Kasahah Navor
• Third Place – Rhylen Hiranaka