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Mililani Reader Takes Flight with Grand Prize in 2025 Summer Reading Challenge
Posted on: September 2, 2025 | Category: Spotlight
This summer, more than 23,400 readers across Hawaiʻi joined together in the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge, and one lucky reader is ending the season on a high note—literally!
Cindy Yoshida, an adult participant from Mililani Public Library, was selected in a statewide drawing as the Grand Prize winner, taking home four roundtrip tickets on Alaska Airlines, made possible through the generous support of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.
Yoshida received her prize on September 2 during a special ceremony at Mililani Public Library. “To be the grand prize winner was an awesome surprise and one that my family will surely appreciate and remember always. Thank you so very much!” she added.
L-R: Stacey A. Aldrich, State Librarian; Cindy Yoshida, Grand Prize Winner; Jacob Aki, Senior Public Affairs Manager at Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines; Nainoa Mau, Executive Director of the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i
Themed “E Heluhelu Kākou: Mele”, this year’s challenge sang the praises of Hawai‘i’s rich musical heritage, and our readers hit every note! Just look at these stats:
- 5.4 million minutes logged by children
- Over 102,000 books read by teens and adults
- More than 30,000 people attended 1,200+ library programs and events
State Librarian Stacey A. Aldrich shared her excitement for the program’s continued success, saying, “The Summer Reading Challenge is one of the primary tools our libraries use to support literacy and we are grateful to the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i and Alaska Airlines for their support in this effort and for providing such an awesome grand prize to encourage our communities to read!”
A Heartfelt Mahalo to Our Sponsors
This incredible summer of stories, songs, and smiles would not have been possible without the support of our amazing sponsors:
Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaii State Federal Credit Union, Journey for Good Foundation, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, The Gail Urago Memorial Fund, McDonald’s Restaurants of Hawaii, and Pizza Hut Hawaii.
Mahalo to everyone who joined us—see you again next summer for another unforgettable reading adventure!
