Island Youth

The keiki and `opio of Molokai

Molokai Selected for Middle School Enrichment Program

Friday, September 18th, 2015

Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui News Release

Molokai Middle School is among 14 middle and intermediate schools around the state selected to participate in the R.E.A.C.H. (Resources for Enrichment, Arts, Culture and Health) Initiative for the 2015-2016 school year.

R.E.A.C.H.’s mission is to ensure all public school students in grades six to eight receive the academic and community-based support they need to stay on track toward high school graduation by engaging them in a broad-base of programs and activities, outside of regular instructional hours, in the areas of academic enrichment, arts and culture, and athletics.

The initiative, spearheaded by Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui in collaboration with state Department of Education (DOE) Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi, provides an organizational framework for public middle and intermediate schools to offer students expanded learning opportunities during after-school hours.…

Students Awarded $16K for Science and Education

Friday, September 18th, 2015

Students Awarded $16K for Science and Education

MEDB News Release

Molokai students took top honors at the Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Ke Alahele Education Fund Benefit Dinner and Auction last month. The event raised $309,000 to support Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) projects in Maui County and throughout the state, and recognized students for their accomplishments in the field with the presentation of the Daniel K. Inouye Innovation Award.

The MEDB Ke Alahele Education Fund earmarked $10,000 for this year’s winners, and the Daniel K. Inouye Institute matched the award with an additional $10,000. The first place winner received $10,000, second place $6,000, and third place $4,000.…

Hawaii-Made Film Showcases Anti-Bullying

Friday, September 18th, 2015

HI State Public Library News Release

The Hawaii State Public Library System will present “A Place in the Middle,” a Hawaii-made anti-bullying film at the heart of a new culturally-centered campaign for safe and inclusive schools, in a series of free community screenings at eight selected public libraries statewide, and on Molokai on Oct. 28.

Created by Kumu Hina Wong-Kalu and directed by Dean Hamer and Joe Wilson, “A Place in the Middle” tells the true-life story of a young Hawaiian girl who dreams of leading the boys-only hula troupe at her Honolulu school, and an inspiring teacher who uses traditional culture to empower her.…

Cheerleading Makes a Comeback

Wednesday, September 16th, 2015

Cheerleading Makes a Comeback

On floodlit high school fields across the country, fans pack the bleachers to hear the clash of football pads, the chants of cheerleaders and the trumpeting of the band on a Friday night.

For Nichol Kahale and her husband Mike, it’s a scene they envisioned for Molokai High School years ago. This summer, Kahale revived cheerleading on Molokai after the program’s 13-year absence, and with football well established on island, they’re one step closer to that “Friday Night Lights” dream.

“Back when I was in school in the 80s we had the whole shebang,” said Kahale, who attended both MHS and Kamehameha Schools.…

After Hiatus, MHS Hires New Trainer

Wednesday, September 16th, 2015

After Hiatus, MHS Hires New Trainer

When newly hired Molokai High School athletic trainer Eric Scala first arrived, the list of Hawaiian names on the Molokai football roster proved a bit challenging.

“Here’s 40 to 45 kids who I’ve never met before, and they all have names I’ve never heard of,” said Scala, a New Jersey native.

However, Scala is taking names and taping ankles in his new role as Molokai’s trainer, a position that’s been empty at the high school since last summer.

“It’s good to have somebody certified and well-educated that can help… us with our injuries or anything we have problems with,” said senior Kaimana Kahale, who plays wide receiver for Molokai.…

Cop on Top Mahalo

Friday, September 11th, 2015

Cop on Top Mahalo

Community Contributed

Molokai new Area Director Josh Kamalo and I, along with Special Olympics Molokai athletes and volunteers, would to send out a big shout out and mahalo to our six awesome police officers who took to the scaffold in the hot sun. They called out their family and friends and anyone who would listen to them asking for donations to the Cop on Top fundraiser for Special Olympics Molokai.

This is the fourth year since bringing this event home to Molokai. Our athletes as young as 8 years old, family members and volunteers were walking throughout town shaking their bucket asking for donation.…

The Price of Play

Thursday, September 3rd, 2015

The Price of PlayNew fundraising campaign ‘Adopt-A-Team’ targets high cost of athlete travel

Molokai High School’s athletes are members of one of the most unique high school sports leagues in the country—encompassing three islands and miles of ocean between schools. With a limited budget, teams have to make some tough choices each season over which games to attend, since most are a flight or ferry ride away.

“For other schools to compete it’s a bus drive away, not across a channel,” said MHS Athletic Director DeRouin. “… When we try to get [non-league] teams to come here, they tell you it’s a cost issue.”…

Girls Volleyball Season Opener at The Barn

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2015

Girls Volleyball Season Opener at The Barn

The Molokai High School Girls’ Varsity volleyball team dropped their first two games of the season last weekend when they lost to the Hana Dragons on Friday night 3-0 (27-25,25-21,25-15) and on Saturday afternoon 3-0 (25-14,25-15,25-16).

“We have a young team this year but they played very well for their first games of the season,” said Head Coach Mahea Rawlins.

The Lady Farmers only have two seniors on the team this year. Kysha Kawano is a four-year letterman and Rawlins said, “she is doing well and she is very coachable and she leads by example and is a good team leader.”…

Farmers’ Season in Sight

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2015

Farmers’ Season in Sight

In a continuation of a two-part series, the Dispatch takes a look at the four sports kicking off this fall. Read Part 1 here.

Boys’ Air Riflery

With just four boys, Molokai barely meets the minimum number required to form a team.

“When you only have the minimum, if one shooter has an off day you’re stuck with that score,” said second-year boys’ head coach Daniel Imakyure, since the team can usually take the top four scores. “That presents the challenge.”

The Farmers are up for it. Returning shooters Jershon Kaalekahi, Joshaviah Cabreros and Cody Nip were all individual champions throughout the last season and led the Farmers to their first ever MIL boys’ title in the sport.…

Kualapu`u School Gets $15K

Friday, August 28th, 2015

Kualapu`u School News Release

Kualapu`u School has received a $15,000 grant from the Monsanto Fund to support teacher training and STEM curriculum development for the charter elementary school’s fourth grade students.

Project Kuka`ike (“knowledge bursting forth”) is Kualapu`u School’s STEM education program that serves students in grades K-6. Project Kuka`ike is designed to provide a robust, hands-on STEM education, with a focus on the environment and agriculture. It allows students to connect real-life observations and experiences to content and learning that significantly improves their achievement in science and math.

“Kualapu`u School has a four-year plan to strengthen and expand STEM teaching and learning for all students, and we are developing new standards-based, hands-on STEM curricula for each grade level, as well as professional development for our teachers,” said Lydia Trinidad, principal.…