Island Youth

The keiki and `opio of Molokai

Celebrating 75 Years for Molokai High School

Wednesday, April 2nd, 2014

MHS 75th Anniversary Committee News Release

It’s hard to believe Molokai High School (MHS) has been educating young minds for 75 years. MHS has transformed through the years — our kupuna remember raising swine and growing crops. Today still known as the Farmers, MHS continues to perpetuate its long standing motto.

In commemorating this wonderful achievement of 75 years, MHS will be celebrating its anniversary starting May 22-26 on campus the grounds. We’re creating a family fun-filled weekend for all to enjoy.

Registration on campus will be Thursday, May 22 from 8 a.m. till 2 p.m. Friday May 23 is also the commencement exercise of the graduating class of 2014, gymnasium doors to open at 4 p.m,…

Molokai’s Champion of Change

Thursday, March 27th, 2014

Molokai’s Champion of Change

Jon Brito calls the summer he decided to take a break from pursuing his Bachelor’s degree a defining moment in his life. That was when he solidified his passion for conservation and natural resource management — a passion that’s now landed him a national honor. The 24-year-old from Molokai has been selected as one of the White House’s Champions of Change that recognizes those around the country who engage the next generation of conservation stewards — and one of only two youth leaders to be awarded.

“Jon’s commitment to the environment and his selfless mission to protect Hawai’i’s precious land and culture is inspiring,” said U.S.…

Hawaii Meth Project Teen Advisory Council

Thursday, March 27th, 2014

Hawaii Meth Project News Release

The Hawaii Meth Project, a nonprofit organization that implements large-scale, research-based campaigns and community action programs to reduce methamphetamine use in the state, is seeking applications for its Teen Advisory Council for the 2014-2015 school year.

During their terms, Teen Advisory Council members will have the opportunity to lead and facilitate outreach in their schools and communities across the state. They will be charged with raising awareness about the importance of methamphetamine prevention, especially among Hawaii’s youth.

All high school students entering grades nine through 12 for the upcoming school year and attending public, private, and home schools statewide are encouraged to apply for one of 20 available positions on the council.…

MHS Headed to State History Competition

Wednesday, March 26th, 2014

Community Contributed

By Kainoa Pali

The Molokai High Social Studies Department hosted its fifth National History Day Fair. School-wide judging took place on February 26, along with the Molokai Middle School. The judging panel comprised of professors and experts within their respective fields who were chosen based on students’  topics . Students were interviewed for their understanding of historical content, project criteria, as well as relevance to this year’s theme, “Rights and Responsibility in History.” All students showcased their research analysis through various project formats such as paper, website, performance, documentary, and exhibit.

This is the first year where Molokai High will be represented in all five categories at the State National History Day competition on April 12 on Oahu.…

Na Kamali`i Hoaloha Earns National Accreditation

Thursday, March 20th, 2014

Na Kamali`i Hoaloha News Release

Na Kamali`i Hoaloha, a small preschool for children ages 3 and 4, is located in Kalamaula at Kalaiakamanu Hou Church.  In September, 2013, Na Kamali`i Hoaloha earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) – the nation’s leading organization of early childhood professionals.

“We’re proud to have earned the mark of quality from NAEYC, and to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards,” said Kathy Bennett, director of Na Kamali`i Hoaloha.  “NAEYC Accreditation lets families in our community know that children in our program are getting the best care and early learning experiences possible.…

Donate Items Toward Pono Points

Thursday, March 20th, 2014

By Erin Raguindin, Kaunakakai School Counselor

Kaunakakai Elementary School has had a Positive Behavior Supports and Interventions (PBIS) program since 2002.  This program promotes positive behavior by teaching school-wide expectations and rewarding students for following those expectations.  At Kaunakakai School, students are expected to show Kuleana (Responsibility), Laulima (Working Together), and Ho`ihi (Respect) in all settings and are given a pono point if they are “caught being good.”

Once a month, students can redeem their pono points for items that are bought or donated.  If you are looking to clean out your house and want to donate new or used items, you may bring them to the Kaunakakai School Office. …

Lessons in a Whale’s Belly

Wednesday, March 19th, 2014

Lessons in a Whale’s Belly

Keiki had a whale of a time learning about humpback whales and their place in the environment Friday. But while most have only seen the great creatures from a distance, students at Kilohana School got up close and personal, climbing into the belly of a 36-foot inflatable humpback, softly rocking to soothing whale sounds and taking an imaginative ride around island’s waters.

“My name is Captain Mark and I’ll be your tour guide today,” Storybook Theater Executive Director Mark Jeffers said as he saluted to Kilohana School’s second grade class. “Today we are going to learn how whales are like people.”…

Swinging Into Spring Sports, Part II

Wednesday, March 19th, 2014

Swinging Into Spring Sports, Part II

After a school year of Farmer athletics, spring sports are serving to ace the 2013-14 school year and represent the green and white all the way to the finish line.

Tennis
As MHS tennis returns for a second season under Head Coach Dean Chow, some are gaining their first court experience while others are returing to the team with high expectations to win “game, set, match” at the Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) Championships in April.

Last year’s dynamic duo, Pono Chow and Kamanu Pascua, earned the MIL doubles title, and received a spot in the Hawaii High School Athletics Association [HHSAA] Championships.…

Middle School Robotics Going to World Competition

Wednesday, March 19th, 2014

Middle School Robotics Going to World Competition

Community Contributed

By Kaeo Kawaa

After starting a robotics program on a trial basis this year, students of Molokai Middle School (MMS) have swept the competition, placing first and third in the state. That qualifies them to compete in the 2014 VEX Robotics World Championship VEX IQ Challenge Division in California next month as well as the International VEX Summer Games in Honolulu.

“Making it to the World Tournament is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said MMS boys team member Ilima Ka’awa-Richardson. “Since we started at the bottom, this makes things so much sweeter!”

In Hawaii’s inaugural year of VEX IQ Robotics, students use science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills to maneuver their robots to score points.…

‘I Am Loved’ Project

Friday, March 14th, 2014

‘I Am Loved’ Project

MMS News Release

Do you want to be a part of Molokai Middle School’s “I Am Loved” campaign? The I Am Loved (IAL) project helps build relationships and expresses through visual pictures the message of love. The IAL project is part of a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports pilot program created and initiated by MMS Behavioral Specialist Kim Lani. She says the intent is to “strengthen bonds between students, loved ones and the community.” According to Lani, the IAL project boldly proclaims that everyone is loved and teaches youth that feeling and showing love is a normal, healthy and an expected positive behavior.…