Island Youth

Learning Through VEX Robotics

Wednesday, October 16th, 2013

Community Contributed

By Edwin Mendija

What is VEX Robotics? Most of you probably know about the First Lego League (FLL) program for elementary students. It is a fantastic program for the elementary school. But how about after that in high school? That is where VEX Robotics comes in.

VEX Robotics is a program designed to introduce the world of robots to children, teenagers and even adults! VEX provides a learning environment for people interested in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (also known as STEM).

VEX is also a competition. Every year, a new game is introduced — the goal is to score as many points as possible with a robot designed by the students.…

Kilohana Moves Forward In Technology

Wednesday, October 16th, 2013

Kilohana School News Release

After receiving a Strive HI Award last year from the Hawaii Department of Education for gains in math, the staff of Kilohana School decided to invest in computers for all of the school’s students. Although Kilohana upgraded its computer lab several years ago, Principal Richard Stevens expressed a sentiment that was shared by the staff.

“In a continuing effort to see that our students have the necessary tools for succeeding in today’s classroom and in the future, we need to get computers in the hands of students on a daily basis,” he said.

To meet this challenge, Chromebook laptops were purchased for every student in third to sixth grade.…

Earning their Bread and Butter

Wednesday, October 16th, 2013

Eating the food they cooked was the icing on the cake for students who spent their fall break in the kitchen.Twelve students interested to explore culinary arts signed up for the free course called Molokai Culinary Arts Boot Camp Oct. 7 through 11 at the Ho`olehua Lanikeha Center.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor through the Rural Development Project, the boot camp featured Chef Lyndon Honda of Maui, who shared skills and techniques of the industry.

“When I was setting up the curriculum, I set [the bar] pretty high because I felt like if we could attain that, it’s great and if we can do more, that’s even better.”…

A Weekend of Farmer Spirit

Thursday, October 10th, 2013

Careers, crowns, games and glow sticks made for a fun and spirited weekend at Molokai High School’s Green and White Carnival and Career Fair this year.

Hosted by the Friends of Molokai High and Middle Schools and sponsored by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, MHS students and alumni celebrated being Farmers by participating in some friendly competition Friday and Saturday to see which class showed the most green-and-white spirit. After a series of games and activities, reigning champs, Class of 1982, took home the title, adding another notch to their belt.

“Our objective is to show the other classes what spirit is all about,” said Tania Doao, Class of ’82.…

Fire Demo Teaches Safety

Wednesday, September 25th, 2013

Sirens rang, cars were cut apart in a simulated rescue, a helicopter circled and landed, and flames lept from the Kaunakakai Ball Park last Saturday. The Maui County Fire Department held a live demonstration to teach Molokai families how to prevent and react if fires were to occur in their homes.

Seventeen of Molokai’s firefighters put on their first fire prevention demonstration since 2007 as part of the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Fire Prevention Week celebrated in October. The week commemorates the 1871 Chicago fire, which killed hundreds and destroyed thousands of buildings.

Since then, national fire prevention has been a primary health concern, and after being observed for more than 80 years, Fire Prevention Week is considered to be the longest running public safety program on record, according to NFPA.…