A Diverse Class of 2021

Photo courtesy of Ho’omana Hou School

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

In addition to Molokai High, two other on-island high schools celebrated the graduation of members of the Class of 2021 this year. Ho’omana Hou High School, graduated seven seniors this year, pictured here.

Aka’ula School celebrated four graduates.

Aka’ula School students spent the first half of this year with staggered in-person and virtual classes at their Kualapu’u campus, said Vicki Newberry. In January, the school, which encompasses grades five through 12, went back to full in-person learning.

“Because of the COVID pandemic, you were asked to grow up a little faster than usual and you were asked to make sacrifices in the senior year that you have been looking forward to for a very long time,” Dara Lukonen told this year’s graduates at their commencement. “You took these challenges and losses in your stride and you did what was necessary to protect yourselves, your family, your school ohana and your community… In doing so, you inspire hope and confidence in the future, whatever it brings. I ask you to move forward with confidence into the future that’s going to be new for you. You are surrounded by people who love you, and you have everything within you that you need.”

In addition to seniors graduating from Molokai schools, 10 Molokai students graduated this year from Kamehameha Schools Kapalama.