David Y. Ige

HONOLULU –  A team from Iolani School came in third place today at the 21st National LifeSmarts Championship in Seattle, WA, April 17-20.  A total of 34 teams from across the nation competed in the competition.

LifeSmarts is a national program run locally by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ (DCCA) Office of the Securities Commissioner.  The game-show style competition tests students on their knowledge of personal finance, health and safety, the environment, technology, and consumer rights and responsibilities.

The team members from Iolani School are:  Matthew Azama, Justus Wataru, Bailey Sylvester, Norton Kishi, and Noah Asada.  The team was coached by James Rubasch.

As third place winners they received a team trophy, individual certificates, and $50 Amazon gift cards. Each student also received a $500 scholarship to a post-secondary educational institution.

“A heartfelt congratulations goes out to the students from Iolani School,” said DCCA Director Catherine Awakuni Colón.  “DCCA is proud to be a part of this program that brings students together from across the nation to learn about financial literacy.”

“In today’s global marketplace, we believe LifeSmarts offers a unique educational experience for students to learn about personal finance, technology, health and safety in a fun and memorable environment,” said Securities Commissioner Ty Nohara.  “Congratulations to Iolani School for representing Hawaii with an amazing top three finish.”

The LifeSmarts program is run by the National Consumers League and locally by the DCCA Office of the Securities Commissioner, in partnership with the Hawaii Credit Union League.

More information about the LifeSmarts program may be found at lifesmarts.org

Photo caption (L-R): Norton Kishi, Matthew Azama, Justus Wataru, Bailey Sylvester, and Noah Asada
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Media Contact:
Christine Hirasa
Communications Officer
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Phone:  (808) 586-7582
Mobile:  (808) 286-9626
Email:  [email protected]