Mato hopes that her commercial will help to promote child literacy in Hawaii.

Children all across the island recognize 11-year old Jakara Mato ('06) as the new "Read to Me" girl, starring in commercials on TV.

The commercial was shot last summer at Leeward Community College, but only recently has it been playing on the local TV stations.

"I play a girl who is dreaming about something and she travels to a wonderland with all of these dancing bears that she found in books. In the end, her dad reads to her, and it is like the dream has come true," said Mato.

The "Read to Me" program is a statewide initiative to promote reading for young children in homes at early ages. "I like to read because my mom read to me ever since I was very young," said Mato.

Mato started performing when she was 10. Her previous experience includes "It's a Wonderful Life" at Diamond Head Theater last winter, in which she played the daughter of the main character. After the "Read to Me" commercials, Mato did two Foodland radio commercials for the Shop For a Better Education program. "I really enjoy doing TV and radio commercials that encourage people to help do something for education. I think that's really important," said Mato.

Mato is involved with the Diamond Head Theater performing group called Shooting Stars, which involves children from ages 6 to 18 who learn to sing and dance.

"Out of all of the children, which were three dancing schools, Jakara got chosen for the lead role," said Ms. Melanie Mato, Jakara's mother. "It all began just at home with great interest and Jakara singing around the house, which then led to bigger and better things for her."

Ms. Mato is always prepared for a last minute call from their agent. "To be a stage mom, I have to be ready at all times. I have to always carry Jakara's resumes and pictures of her in a tote bag that I have to take everywhere. Since school gets out at 2:30, sometimes we get a call then saying that we have to be there at 2:45," said Ms. Mato.

For the commercial work that Mato does, she gets paid anywhere from $150 to more, varying with the size of the role. Her agent takes 20 percent of Mato's paycheck.

"Jakara is very talented and very active in the community. It's fabulous that, at her age, she is promoting such public awareness, and the importance of learning," said the sixth-grade counselor, Ms. Celeste O'Brien.

"She is an outspoken, energetic, larger-than-life kind of a child. It's nice to see her great personality and how energetic she is in drama class," said Mr. David Saito, who knew Jakara since he was a TA at Iolani.

No matter how little the part is, Jakara Mato just wants to perform in front of everybody. "I'm basically happy with whatever parts I get. It doesn't matter how small. I just want to be on stage to dance, and be part of the whole creation. I hope to be famous eventually, but I don't really care. I would rather be known for the important issues that I promote through different means," she said.

"My parents never realized that I wanted to do this. They are not like some parents that I know who push their kids to be famous. My parents don't want to force me into anything, they just want me to be happy," said Mato.

Mato said she is not sure whether she wants to take her stardom to another level and travel to entertainment capitals like New York and Los Angeles. At least, she said, not yet.

"Jakara is very talented and very active in the community. It's fabulous that, at her age, she is promoting such public awareness, and the importance of learning," said the sixth-grade counselor, Ms. Celeste O'Brien.

"She is an outspoken, energetic, larger-than-life kind of a child. It's nice to see her great personality and energy in drama class," said Mr. David Saito, who knew Mato since he was a teacher's assistant at Iolani.

No matter how little the part is, Mato wants to perform in front of everybody. "I'm basically happy with whatever parts I get. It doesn't matter how small. I just want to be on stage to dance, and be part of the whole creation. I hope to be famous eventually, but I don't really care. I would rather be known for the important issues that I promote through different means," she said.

"My parents never realized that I wanted to do this. They are not like some parents that I know who push their kids to be famous. My parents don't want to force me into anything, they just want me to be happy," said Mato.

Mato said she is not sure whether she wants to take her stardom to a higher level, traveling to entertainment capitals like New York and Los Angeles. At least, she said, not for now.

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