Island Youth

High School Boosts Scores

Sunday, March 11th, 2012

Molokai High School principal Stan Hao may have green, spiked hair by the end of the school year. That was a promise he made to his students if they met certain levels of improvement in the Hawaii State Assessment (HAS) tests this year. And it’s looking hopeful for them.

“Students have shown marked improvement in testing scores over the past year,” said Hao.

Since last year, HSA math scores have nearly doubled at MHS – from 15 percent in 2011 to 27 percent in 2012, according to Hao. In reading, students have also improved – from 48 percent last year to 51 percent this year.…

Catchin’ the Bee

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

Four Molokai students participated in the Maui District Spelling Bee on Feb. 2, 2012 at Baldwin High School. Eha Kalama and Hepuakea Falealii represented Aka`ula School, and Gabrielle Aquino and Shylene Villa attended from Kuapalu`u School.

“Although Eha says that at first he was nervous because he thought he was going to mess up a lot, now he can’t wait to try out again for next year,” wrote Aka`ula student writer KB Bishaw in the Aka`ula School February newsletter.

The top two students, both from Maui, of the 31 spellers who participated in the District Bee will continue on to compete in the Hawaii State Spelling Bee on March 24.…

Legal Drug Raises Concerns

Wednesday, February 15th, 2012

A product being sold as incense on Molokai is causing concern, especially for its possible abuse among students and teens who are reportedly smoking it. Known as Spice, K2, herbal incense and other names, the substance, legal in Hawaii, is classified as synthetic cannabis and is chemically blended with herbs. 

A Molokai High School teacher, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concern about the drug, saying students are using the substance. 

“Every parent needs to be aware of it,” the teacher said. “I would like to see this get out before it becomes an endemic.” 

Molokai Science Projects Wow Judges

Monday, February 6th, 2012

Molokai students have proved themselves to be some of state’s brightest minds. Seventeen Molokai High School students and 15 Molokai Middle students represented the island at this year’s Maui Schools' Science and Engineering Fair on Maui two weeks ago – and they returned laden with awards.

MHS senior Moriah Jenkins won the event’s top honor for developing a myoelectric prosthetic limb for dogs. She will represent Hawaii at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Pennsylvania this May -- marking the first year a Molokai student has qualified for the international competition.