Daylan-Blake Makoa Kala‘i (Kapepe‘ekauila) is a senior attending the Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i.  Daylan has been involved in the performing arts since he was in the elementary keiki choir under the direction of Mrs. Cynthia Debus.  It was there that he developed his passion for performing. In middle school, he participated in the Hawaiian Ensemble that is taught by Kumu Kimo Kekua, Kumu Darci Baker as well as Kumu Kilohana Hirano.  There he developed a love for hula and a desire to perpetuate the culture. He currently dances with Hālau Hula o Kahikilaulani under the direction of Kumu Nāhōkūokalani Gaspang. In Daylan’s eighth grade year, he took an opportunity that changed everything. He auditioned for the high school musical, South Pacific. As an inexperienced singer and actor he was surprised to be offered the part of Joseph Cable, the lieutenant.  Taking on a principle role required a bit of confidence, which he soon developed as the rehearsal process began.  With newfound confidence from the musical, he took another risk that year and auditioned for the second Hawaiian opera that the school presented, the Battle of Kuamo‘o. With luck and the love of God he was offered the role of Liholiho, Kamehameha II.  With that his heart was unwaveringly settled on the performing arts. In Daylan’s sophomore year he played Motel, the tailor in the fall production of Fiddler on the Roof, as well as a hula dancer in Hō‘ike 2015. This year, Daylan portrayed the role of Tony in West Side Story, and will be portraying the role of Kapepe‘ekauila in Hō‘ike 2016 or better known as Hā‘upu.  Attending the American High School Theater Festival, let alone perform in it would mean to world to him because it gives him unique exposure to a new culture and audience. It would also give him an opportunity to evolve, both on stage and off. His plans after high school are to attend New York University and pursue his passion of performing as well as follow through with a second major in nursing. His heart extends to his family, friends, and teachers because they are his biggest supporters. He aspires to inspire young actors and singers who are too afraid to chase their dreams!