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Island Youth

The keiki and `opio of Molokai

More Restrictions to Come If Cases Keep Rising

Wednesday, August 5th, 2020

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

With COVID-19 cases soaring in the triple digits statewide, school opening has been delayed, tight restrictions are again being placed on gatherings, and officials warn if case numbers don’t get under control soon, further drastic steps may need to be taken again to curb the virus’ spread.

Last Friday, July 31, marked the third day in a row of more than 100 cases in the state. Last weekend saw lower numbers but health officials say those lags likely represented delays in lab reporting resulting in incomplete data. July 30’s 124 cases included 32 pediatric cases in children ages 18 and under, while 18 of the 123 new cases reported for July 31 were children (individual ages not reported).…

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Molokai Summer Mobile Learning Hub

Wednesday, July 29th, 2020

Molokai Summer Mobile Learning Hub

By Ric Ornellas

The Molokai Summer Learning Hub, a novel way to educate Molokai youth in Kindergarten through grade 12, completed its island-wide cycle in mid-July. The Learning Hub, a pilot for possible future distance learning in rural communities, was funded directly from the Hawaii Board of Education (BOE), created by the Department of Education (DOE) and Molokai public school principals, and managed overall by Alison Place, Complex Specialist. The Hub traveled weekly, in a DOE-provided van, to four school sites, Kilohana Elementary, Kaunakakai Elementary, Molokai High School, and Maunaloa Elementary meeting with principal- or teacher-recommended elementary-, middle-, and high-school students to provide opportunities for learning that the current COVID-19 pandemic might have prevented.…

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Flourish Where You’re Planted

Wednesday, July 29th, 2020

By Desirae Mendija

Flourish Where You’re Planted is a new initiative I established through my reign as Mrs. Friendly Isle 2020. The goal of this initiative is to encourage Molokai youth to make the most of their unique talents and chase their dreams no matter how far-fetched it may seem. What better way to do so than to feature past and present community members on the island of Molokai who overcame adversity or defied all odds and made a difference.

Can you think of someone who inspires you or whose story deserves recognition? Nominate a community member today! We will be working with middle through high-school aged students throughout the island to conduct community member spotlight interviews.…

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First-Ever Online Robotics Class on Molokai

Thursday, June 4th, 2020

First-Ever Online Robotics Class on Molokai

By Edwin Mendija

During this challenging time of distance/online learning, a group of 10 Molokai students completed the first-ever online robotics class hosted on Molokai. The pilot program took place over the course of six weeks, where students attended class via Zoom and did assignments emailed to them. In the class, students learned about STEM, robotics, how those two subjects are related, and basic coding/programming of a virtual robot. The class directly ties into and prepares students for VEX IQ Robotics Competition — which every elementary and middle school on-island participates in.

The next offering of this course is set to take place in the months of June and July.…

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Pastrana Will Play College Softball

Wednesday, May 27th, 2020

Pastrana Will Play College Softball

By Rick Schonely, Sports Reporter

On Molokai, many grow up living the baseball life and Felicity “Wehi” Pastrana has excelled at softball and baseball since she can remember.
“I cannot remember a time, where I was not at a baseball park. I practically grew up or lived at the Little League Park,” she said. “My brother started playing Little League at the age of 5, the year I turned 1, and ever since then I was always at the park.”

With the current COVID-19 times, spring sports were cancelled, and the Lady Farmers Softball season was not to be but Pastrana will continue her softball career at the college level at Clackamas Community College in Oregon City, Oregon in the fall.…

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Middle School Wins Big at State Level

Wednesday, May 27th, 2020

Middle School Wins Big at State Level

MMS Media News Release

Congratulations to Molokai Middle School Media and Leadership and eighth grade English Language Arts (ELA) students. Students won first place and were the top three finalists for five categories among 900 entries at the 17th Annual Olelo Youth Xchange Video Contest. The contest is the only Statewide Video Competition and showcases Student Voice from K-12 public and private schools. Congratulations to the following students:

1. Documentary: Kailana Guerrero-McGuire & Carly Dudoit – “Grief”
2. Short Film: Kuulei Simon, Leilei Starkey-Ahyee & Keahi DeCosta – “Eo Molokai”
3. Sponsor: Kalawaia Puaa-Kanawalewale, Heath Lopez & Kahekili Cuello – “808 No Vape”
4.…

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Senior Reflection

Wednesday, May 27th, 2020

By Ayla-Rose Naehu-Ramos

Closure is a luxury we, as seniors in the class of 2020, couldn’t indulge in. We spent 13 years, some of us more than that, waiting for the day we graduate, dreaming of the magical wonders of senior year: when you’re the top dog and nothing can touch you and you are infinitely young and free. A golden year.

We never got to finish it.

Many of us underestimated the sheer weight that COVID-19 would incur as it developed. I, myself, hadn’t foreseen the amount of changes our lives would undergo in such a short amount of time.…

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Class of 2020 Celebrates Unconventional Graduation

Wednesday, May 27th, 2020

Class of 2020 Celebrates Unconventional Graduation

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

When this year’s Molokai High School senior class left for spring break, they had no idea they’d never have a class on the Molokai High campus again, get to have a traditional graduation ceremony in the Barn, or even hug each other after receiving their diplomas. But after the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything, they became the first class to ever be handed their diplomas at arm’s length in front of the school steps as their families looked on from their vehicles.

“As a class we won’t be able to experience what it would be like to have a traditional graduation in the Barn,” said class president and salutatorian Kayla DeRouin in her speech.…

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Molokai Middle Winner in Video Contest

Thursday, May 21st, 2020

‘Olelo Community Media News Release

Schools from across the state were named winners in the 17th Annual ‘Olelo Youth Xchange Student Video Competition last week. Top prizes went to Maui High, Wai‘anae Intermediate and Moanalua High, and Molokai Middle School students won the Free Speech Middle School category.

The competition is the state’s oldest and largest contest of its type. Over 900 video submissions this year were created by elementary, middle and high-school students who attend 71 public, charter and private schools statewide. Winning videos were from across Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, Kauai and Molokai.

The 54 award winners will receive high-definition Sony digital video cameras as prizes.…

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One Educator’s Experience with Virtual Teaching

Thursday, May 21st, 2020

One Educator’s Experience with Virtual Teaching

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

Teachers, along with parents and students, have had to work through a lot more challenges than anyone bargained for this year. School closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic have meant learning has had to take place virtually — and for Molokai Middle School immersion teacher ‘Iolani Kuoha, it’s been an experience that’s required her to “get creative.”

She converted her garage into a virtual classroom and for several hours each day, she uses the video chat program Zoom to engage her students — and their families. She shares language and cultural lessons, guest speakers, lei making, ukulele lessons, cooking classes, career readiness, learning contests, and even physical education.…

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