Column by Dr. Hans Diehl and Brenda Kaneshiro
Consciously or unconsciously, most people make sacrifices of some sort. Unfortunately, they often sacrifice certain important areas of their lives in order to gain the transitory pleasures of wealth, power, status, or fame.
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Working as a concrete mason for 20 years taught Gary Davidson the importance of hard work and a good foundation. Extended trips to South America and collaboration with Native American populations showed him the value of cultural experiences, and seven years as the vice principal at Hana School on Maui enlightened him about the challenges facing young Hawaiian students today.
So when Molokai Middle School (MMS) welcomed students back from summer recess last week, Davidson felt prepared and excited to start his first year as principal. He took over the post held by Denise Kelly, who was interim principal last year following Gary Zukeran’s departure in 2010, and will oversee 12 teachers, three support staff members and nearly 200 students.
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He also describes himself as a “21st century” and “futurist” kind of educator, giving value to interactive programs with an emphasis on new technology. An $84,000 grant given to MMS by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and Dow Technology will help make those goals a reality.
“Our kids are gonna discover that if in these classes, all the teacher is asking them is to retrieve information –” he begins, pausing to point to his Internet-equipped smart phone, “–you can Google anything. Kids won’t wait for us anymore. They’ll go around us.”
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With 17 crews on the water, Molokai was well-represented this year in the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (HCRA) state championship, held at Hanakaoo (Canoe) Beach Park on Maui last Saturday. Wa`akapaemua Canoe Club brought 12 crews, while Kukui O Molokai and Molokai Canoe Club had two and three, respectively.
“We’re going against the best in the state – all you can do is try your best,” said Molokai Canoe Club President Liko Wallace.
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Students crowded Molokai’s classrooms last week, excited to see their peers, hit the books and meet their teachers. While Molokai Middle School welcomes new principal Gary Davidson, other principals island-wide look forward to an engaging school year.
“We look at our school as family, first and foremost,” said Kaunakakai School Principal Janice Espiritu. “And we treat all our students as if they’re our very own.”
Molokai High School (MHS)
It’s time to stock up on all things green – face-paint, T-shirts, banners and signs, as the Molokai High School (MHS) sports teams get ready for your support. The Farmers are gearing up for another fall season when they’ll don their knee pads, lace up their shoes and get behind their rifles in the Maui Interscholastic League (MIL).
Girls’ Volleyball
The girls’ volleyball team aims to defend its state title this season while boasting the largest roster Matt Helm has seen in his eight years as head coach. The 14-player squad includes five returnees, and with three consecutive Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) titles under their belts, Helm said he knows the team has “a little target on their back.”
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Elliana Debra Hi`ilani Sanchez was born at home on May 6, 2011 in San Antonio, TX to proud parents Melissa (Benjamin) and Noah Sanchez. She arrived at 10:57 p.m., weighed 6 lb. 7 oz. and was 19 inches long. She was also welcomed by brother Elijah, grandparents Debra and Jerry Benjamin of Kaunakakai, Tony Sanchez and Cheryl Thompson of San Antonio, and great grandma Fely Quidangen. Her Hawaiian name Hi`ilani means “held in the arms of heaven."
On behalf of Ko Molokai Keiki `O Ke Kai and Keiki Surf Meet 2011, a huge thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered, participated and helped make the surf meets such a success this year. To all the parents, thank you – you can be proud of your young surfers. We look forward to seeing all of you next year, so mark your calendars for June 2012. Thank you to MCSC and Friendly Isle United Fund, our main underwriter, for your ongoing support of this fun summer event.
Watching today’s US Congress debate debt ceiling and deficit issues is like a soap opera--“As the World Turns,” “All My Children,” “The Old and Fartless,” and so on. America is in a financial crisis. Our kupuna on fixed income are hurting; middle class, small businesses, education are getting squeezed. We are past the point of “ching chong chinamen sitting on a fence trying to make a dollar out of 15 cents.” President Obama inherited this mess. Plenty of blame to go around.
I thank you for welcoming me onto your island to help care for your pets. Molokai is one of the best places I have ever worked, and I have worked many places across the globe. I have met so many wonderful people and animals during my time working out of the container. I regret to inform you that I will no longer be working out of the Molokai Humane Society due to recent changes in staff and administration. Please keep an eye out for me; I would love to still provide my services for the animals of Molokai. Tessa and I are working on continuing to provide care for your pets.
Mahalo,
Hollis Stewart, DVM
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