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Education

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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State’s COVID Cases Set 3-Day Record Highs

Wednesday, July 29th, 2020

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

Last week brought three consecutive days of record-high COVID-19 cases in Hawaii, as of Sunday. July 23 was the highest single-day case count since the beginning of the pandemic with 55 new cases and the 26th death in the state. The next day brought an even higher number at 60 new cases. July 25 continued the streak with 73.

“Some of the cases we’re reporting today are associated with existing clusters, known cases and household spread, but others are new, unassociated cases that indicate increasing community spread,” said State Health Director Dr. Bruce Anderson on Friday. “In contact tracing, we continue to identify cases connected with gatherings or just hanging out with close friends.…

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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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Correction:

Thursday, June 4th, 2020

Contrary to the date printed in an ad in the May 27 issue of the Dispatch, Kamehameha Schools drive thru graduation celebration on Molokai will be held on Saturday, June 6 at 12 noon.…

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Teacher Kudos

Thursday, June 4th, 2020

Being a wife, mother, parent and teacher, ‘Iolani Kuoha goes beyond the call of duty during educating her students and their parents during this crisis. Amazingly, she has enriched and empowered her learners with meaningful virtual lessons and experiences in preparation for the future. Much appreciation for your continual service to our community and Middle School.

Me Ke Aloha,
Ms. FK Makahanaloa…

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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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Two Residents Earn Degrees Online

Thursday, May 21st, 2020

WGU News Release

Two Molokai residents have earned a degree from Western Governors University (WGU). The online, nonprofit university has graduated over 178,000 students from across the country since its inception in 1997.

Lian Chong Kalima of Kaunakakai has earned a Bachelor of Science, Business Management degree. Rachel Abshire of Kaunakakai has earned a Bachelor of Science, Business – Healthcare Management degree.

Since January 2, 2020, WGU has awarded 6,313 undergraduate and 4,975 graduate degrees. Graduates’ areas of study include business, K-12 education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing. The average time to graduation for those earning a bachelor’s degree was two years, three months, while the average time for graduate programs was one year, six months.…

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