Island Youth

The keiki and `opio of Molokai

MHS Scholarship Award Ceremony

Wednesday, May 24th, 2023

MHS Scholarship Award Ceremony

By Dr. Caryl Hitchcock, Project Ho’oku’i and Associate Professor, UH Manoa

It was a beautiful sunny day in Ho‘olehua when students and families gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the MHS scholarship awardees from the graduating class of 2023. It was the first in-person meeting for a while and everyone was happy to see students, family and community members together again in the high school library. Ms. Sonni Han and Ms. Ku’ulei Simon (Mistresses of Ceremonies) skillfully facilitated the list of presenters for 2023’s scholarships from generous donors. The love and support from the community for the students was evident in the mana (spirit) in the room.…

MHS Senior Earns Questbridge Scholarship

Wednesday, May 24th, 2023

By Jack Kiyonaga, Reporter

Of the many scholarships awarded to Molokai High School (MHS) students this year, one MHS senior, Mele Kaneali’i, was uniquely honored with a Questbridge Scholarship, which will fully fund her college education.

Questbridge Scholarships are intended to connect “the nation’s brightest students from low-income backgrounds with leading institutions of higher education and further opportunities,” according to the Questbridge website.

This is only the third Questbridge Scholarship to be awarded to an MHS student, according to Marge Bento of the MHS counseling department.

The scholarship will fully pay for four years of college education. For Kaneali’i, that means the scholarship will cover her expenses at Hamilton College, a value of about $315,000.…

Preschool Visits Mokulele

Wednesday, May 17th, 2023

Preschool Visits Mokulele

By Jack Kiyonaga, Reporter 

Last week, 15 excited keiki from Molokai’s Kamehameha Preschool got to test out the pilot’s seat. The preschoolers went on a field trip with Mokulele Airlines at the Molokai Airport, where Executive Vice President Richard Schuman and new regional manager for Mokulele, John Filler, made the trip over to Molokai to visit with them. 

As part of the field trip, the 4-and 5-year-olds learned about different parts of the plane and all got a chance to sit in the cockpit. After the tour, the class was treated to ice cream sundaes and model airplanes by Mokulele Manager Donna Tangonan. …

Celebrating ‘Olelo Hawaii

Wednesday, May 17th, 2023

Celebrating ‘Olelo Hawaii

By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor

Molokai’s Hawaiian language immersion preschool, Punana Leo, held it’s annual Ho’omau event last Saturday for the first time since the pandemic. Haumana of Punana Leo opened the community event with song and keiki introductions, followed by performances by Kula Kaiapuni ‘o Kualapuu, the island’s elementary language immersion program. Keiki sang throughout a torrential downpour of rain, as attendees took cover under tents. But the rain didn’t dampen the spirits of those gathered, who went on to enjoy food and craft booths and entertainment throughout the day. 

The event is a fundraiser to help support Punana Leo o Molokai’s continued perpetuation of Hawaiian language education. …

A’o Aku; A’o Mai: What I Learn, I Teach

Wednesday, May 17th, 2023

A’o Aku; A’o Mai: What I Learn, I Teach

Community Contributed

By Sara Jane Larkin, Teacher

First graders at Kilohana School used the prompt, “This is not a day you have already had. It is a day that you dream to have. My very best day starts with…” to write about their best day. …

New Book from Bayer

Wednesday, May 17th, 2023

Bayer HI News Release 

As part of its ongoing support for education and agriculture, Bayer Hawaii is sharing copies of its “Hawaii’s Farm to Table” activity book for children via online download and to various community groups, including several on the island of Molokai.

Created as an educational tool about the important role that farmers play in food production – from planting seeds and caring for crops to harvesting and delivering fresh products to their customers – this 36-page book is chock full of fun, creative activities that explore where some of our foods come from.

 In April, Bayer’s Molokai team gave away free copies of the book to MEO’s Head Start program, and to fourth graders at Kaunakakai Elementary School as part of the school’s Earth Day celebration.…

Concert on the Lawn

Wednesday, May 17th, 2023

MAC News Release 

A music performance by the Molokai Instrumental Music Education Program (MIME) will be held on Friday, May 19 at 6 p.m. on the lawn of the Molokai Public Library. Students from Kualapu’u and Kaunakakai elementary schools’ 21st Century program will perform introductory music as well as Shostakovich and Copland. This is a free event and all are welcome! 

The Molokai Arts Center (MAC) is the fiscal sponsor for this program which is led by Bob Underwood. Underwood has graciously and with dedication taught music performance to Molokai’s keiki and adults for over 12 years. This program is offered free to elementary students during the school year and instruments are provided.…

Spring Sports Close Out the Season

Wednesday, May 10th, 2023

Spring Sports Close Out the Season

By Jack Kiyonaga, Reporter

The Maui Interscholastic League Division II champion Farmers Baseball team took on the state tournament last week. The Farmers were ultimately defeated by Damien, 7-2, and Konawaena, 9-2. The Farmers finished the year with a 13-4 record and their ninth consecutive MIL DII title. 

“Mahalo Molokai for all the love and support! Mahalo Mr. Schonely, Lee and faculty, parents for all the help this season, my ohana for getting my back and most importantly the boys that had to deal with me throughout the season, until next season,” said MHS Baseball Coach Keahi Rawlins in a Facebook post. …

A’o Aku; A’o Mai: What I Learn, I Teach

Wednesday, May 10th, 2023

A’o Aku; A’o Mai: What I Learn, I Teach

Community Contributed

By Sara Jane Larkin, Teacher

First graders at Kilohana School used the prompt, “This is not a day you have already had. It is a day that you dream to have. My very best day starts with…” to write about their best day. …

Fresh Veggies a Hit with Molokai Students

Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023

Fresh Veggies a Hit with Molokai Students

By Paul Hanley, Community Reporter

A small group of fifth and sixth grade students assemble outside the gate of the school garden in Maunaloa. They chant an oli written specifically for the ahupua’a of Kaluako’i. Their kumu, Wendy Espaniola, responds, inviting them to enter.

The students, each holding a clip board, scatter around the garden and sit down to begin their kilo. Taking their time, sitting in silence, they look up, down, and around and record their observations. They then assemble to share often subtle reflections, about cloud patterns, the color of the sea, the movement of insects, and the need to weed the garden.…