Before Us Are Dreams

By Melissa Kelsey

Showered with lei and balloons, graduating Ho`omana Hou High School senior Shae Pedro was one of ninety Molokai students to graduate from the island’s two high schools last weekend. Nine students received diplomas from Ho`omana Hou High School and 81 students were awarded diplomas from Molokai High School.  

“Always remember where you come from and who you are,” said Molokai High School principal Linda Puleloa in her Principal’s Address at the MHS commencement ceremony. John Rosales, one of four class valedictorians, echoed her words as he encouraged students to find success by keeping in mind their Molokai roots.      

MHS Commencement Address speaker Wescott Lee received a round of applause from the audience when he reminded families to make sure their graduates made it home safely after the festivities.    

“This is the first test of your adulthood and maturity,” he said, urging students to drive safely.   

As they received their diplomas one by one, the graduates posed for photographs, broke into tears, and one even did a cartwheel.

“Behind us are memories, beside us are friends, before us are dreams,” read a painted stone outside the school. “The class of 2009 that never ends.”