This blog wins Society of Professional Journalists 2015 awards

Every June, the Hawaii chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists holds its awards banquet for all media. It announces winners of the previous calendar year's stories.

This year it coincided with my last day at KHON2, which was a nice way to cap the day. I won three awards for my Honolulu Star-Advertiser blogs.

Goofing around with Jai.

It's a peer-judged competition so I'm truly honored to be recognized for my efforts. The stories were profiles on newscaster Jai Cunningham (a first and a second place), and musician Tracy Terada (a second place).

Trey and sons Quentin and Dillon

Jai, by the way, earned his real estate license since I wrote about him, and now has a second job at iProperties. He's so engaged and energetic, I have no idea how he does it - but he does! He's a powerhouse!

Real estate agent Jai Cunningham!

He told me he was excited about the award too, because it validates and recognizes his message. I agree, and still remain awed by his bravery in sharing his tragedy... and triumph.

Over my tenure, he and I became close friends, and I walk away from KHON2 with gratitude for that, as well as for the other dear friendships I formed. You walk into a new situation and you never know how it will play out.

Things I thought would occur, didn't; and vice versa. Life keeps you guessing, huh?

Me and my Kaniele`a ukulele

Trey is still teaching and now working on developing an online `ukulele classroom, which he hopes to launch live later in 2016. "Other than that, fatherhood has been occupying my time," he updates.

I'm sorry to say I ran out of energy to keep up the lessons, and Olivia lost interest. I really liked it, and perhaps now I'll have the time to pick up again. Either way, I am glad for those months that Trey taught us. One thing is for sure: I came away with a stronger friendship with a great guy.

More about Trey at http://kanileaukulele.com/artists_DrTrey.php.