From This Moment On

Junior Prom creates memories for Molokai students.

By Jennifer Smith

Blue and white accents decorated the Old Pau Hana Inn, as the main hall overflowed with colorful drinks, delicious desserts, and an endless entrée line, to make Saturday night’s Junior Prom an evening to remember.

“From This Moment On,” the theme of the prom set a tone of excitement and coming of age for the students who are heading into their last year of high school.

Nearly a hundred students attended the event, donning sparkling dresses, handsome formal wear, hats, ties, and leis. "You dress them up and they act so differently," Prom Coordinator Teura Keanini said, commenting on the exemplary behavior of the attendees. "This is the smoothest I've ever had a prom go."

Junior Yoshiko Kalima-Moses volunteered to D.J., and kept the evening lively with music until the highlight of the evening came with the announcement of prom court.

Each attendee received two pogs to vote for a queen and king of the prom. The winners, as well as two princesses and their escorts were announced around 9 p.m.

King Joseph Akaka and Queen Courtney Keanini led the 2008 Prom Court which also included Princesses Kaui Dela-Cruz, Justina Luufalamena, and their escorts Jacob Adachi, and Jerome Clemente.

After the prom royalty danced to Shania Twain’s famous hit “From This Moment On,” the dance floor filled up with students.

Each junior left the dance with a commemorative vase, photo cube, and memories of an unforgettable night.

Mahalo to Moana's Florist, the Maui County Police, Lei Mokiao, Shirley Burrows, and Darryl Arazo Photography for all of their help and donations for the event.

A special mahalo to Teura Keanini, who has been planning and organizing proms for the last 12 years. "She is the consummate prom giver,” prom advisor Nancy Lawrence said describing Keanini. “She is so organized and has everything so beautiful.”