Author Archives: Catherine Cluett Pactol

Kaunakakai School Stage

Wednesday, May 2nd, 2018

With a little luck, some good weather, and the help of volunteer community members, Kaunakakai School will have a new outdoor stage in time for its May Day celebration on May 11. The 800 square foot raised permanent stage area, constructed with concrete and sod, will serve as a platform for school and community events like May Day, promotion and other celebrations and activities.

School Principal Daniel Espaniola said the project has moved forward thanks to a generous donation of materials from the Kanemitsu family whose daughter, Aiko, is a sixth grader at the school.

“Last year, I asked my mom if we could have a permanent stage outside our school,” Aiko told Molokai Planning Commissioners last week.…

Molokai High Wins FAFSA Challenge

Friday, April 13th, 2018

Molokai High School blew away the competition when it came to percentage of students completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The statewide organization Hawaii P–20 Partnerships for Education held a Cash for College Challenge for FAFSA completion to help promote postsecondary education. Molokai High finished in first place with a whopping 73 percent of students in the senior class completing the funding application. FAFSA is a required step in applying for federal grants, loans or work-study opportunities, and helps students and families identify their financial aid eligibility.

Not only did Molokai High come in 23 points above the state average for FAFSA completion, it also saw the greatest increase in the state over applications last year — 14.5 percent.…