Poised to set out on a new adventure in Middle School, our papa alakaʻi – papa ʻelima students, were honored and recognized at the traditional Hoʻoulu Transition Ceremony this morning.
The class of 2020 started off the program with the oli, “Kaʻiwakīloumoku”, Tabitha Tomori welcomed parents and ʻohana as well as our K-4th grade students, faculty and staff. Kamakana Rodrigues offered a pule and teachers Nani Pai and Karyl Ah Hee shared highlights from a very significant fifth grade year filled with valuable learning experiences within the classrooms and beyond. Service to the community as well as strengthening relationships were key elements that binds this class.
Awards were given out for Art, Music, Ministry, Jump For Heart, Nā Lei O Kaiona, Perfect Attendance and the Principals award.
Parents and ‘ohana were treated to a slideshow of their child that included a photo from kindergarten alongside their fifth grade photo. There were a lot of oohs and ahhs – they grow up so fast! As each child’s name was called, their respective teacher tied a kīhei on the shoulder of the student and Poʻo kumu Mrs. Naeʻole presented them with a lei.
Closing this special morning, Mrs. Naeʻole-Wong shared her experience with this class last year on their huakaʻi to Kohala. She noted that there were many hoʻailona or special signs along the way – the kohola (whales leaping out of the water along the Hamākua coast, the makani at Kokoiki (Kamehameha’s birthplace), the iʻo (Hawaiian hawk) at Pololū Valley and the manō at Puʻukoholā. Special signs for a very special class.
Check out this aniomoto for a montage of photos.