Supporting their project to counter teen sex-trafficking, seniors Nadia Busekrus, Kasandra Kitagawa and Tiare Sadarananda are hosting a talent show featuring local bands and student participants from the Academy.

Sadarananda said, “There are many trafficking victims being wrongfully imprisoned and going without treatment at this time. We want to transform their lives by providing them a safe home and a chance at a new life.”

Dancers, singers, musicians and an actress will perform. Of the 11 acts, more than half  feature Academy students. Community performers include an a capella group and a professional dancer.

Busekrus said, “It is very important that our entire community comes together to support this event. Sex trafficking in Hawaii cannot be eradicated unless all of us work as a team. The mission of Hoola Na Pua,  the organization that we are supporting with this event, is a very important one.”

The “Stand for Freedom” talent show will be held on Apr. 5 from 6-8 p.m. in the auditorium. The funds raised will be donated to Courage House Hawaii which is hoping to purchase land on the North Shore to build a shelter home for victims of sex trafficking.

Kitagawa said, “Courage House Hawaii is an organization whose mission is to educate the community about the reality of human trafficking in Hawaii and to establish a licensed safe house for sex trafficking victims. We really appreciate their cooperation and fully support what they are doing.”