Oahu high school students showcase life skills, Iolani School wins state contest

DDM News

HONOLULU – High school students in Oahu demonstrated their life skills in a competitive event on Friday.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that the competition tested students’ knowledge on essential topics required for everyday decision-making and responsibilities.

Participants came from Kalani High School, Waipahu High School, and Iolani School.

The game-show-style contest covered personal finance, environmental awareness, technology, health, safety, and consumer rights.

This event was the final state-level round of a national contest organized by LifeSmarts.

LifeSmarts is an educational initiative that prepares students with practical knowledge for real-world situations.

Ben Gutierrez moderated the competition, which received support from the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA).

The DCCA has sponsored the program for over two decades to support student learning.

Deputy Director Dean Hazama emphasized the importance of the program in equipping students with critical financial and economic skills.

He noted that students also gain business knowledge, consumer protection insights, and weather awareness.

Each competing team consisted of four to five students who trained for a year in preparation.

Their preparation included research, practice, and in-depth study of relevant real-world topics.

Hazama explained that the competition encourages students to think critically and apply their knowledge practically.

Iolani School emerged victorious after a closely contested final round.

The winning team, including five students and their coach, will travel to Chicago in April.

They will represent Hawaii in the national LifeSmarts championship.

This victory highlights the hard work and dedication of the students in developing essential life skills.

Hawaii students have performed well in LifeSmarts competitions on a national level.

In 2023, Maryknoll School students won the national championship.

LifeSmarts is nationally managed by the National Consumer League.

In Hawaii, the program is facilitated by the DCCA’s Business Registration Division and Insurance Division.

The Hawaii Credit Union League partners with the program to support financial literacy and consumer education.

LifeSmarts provides students with confidence in handling personal finance and consumer-related issues.

Students also gain valuable insights into making informed health and safety decisions.

The program’s long-standing success demonstrates its effectiveness in preparing students for adult responsibilities.

Hawaii’s students continue to excel in acquiring real-world knowledge through this initiative.

With Iolani School moving to the national level, their preparation will intensify.

Their commitment to mastering life skills will be tested on a broader stage.

As the program expands, more students will have opportunities to participate in future competitions.

Developing practical knowledge helps students make informed choices in daily life.

LifeSmarts ensures that students build essential skills that extend beyond the classroom.

For more details on LifeSmarts and student participation, visit the program’s official website.

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