2014 summer lr

TRANSITIONS

Volume XXXII ■ No. 1 ■ Issue No. 88 ■ JULY 2014

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[inside]

MA KE KULA

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ON THE COVER: HPA’s 13-year seniors boast a collective 130 years at HPA (see story on page 10). Top row, l to r: Alex Magoon, Michael Spetich, Noah Schenk. Middle row, l to r: Kelly Ulrich, Brendan Moynahan, Morgan Monahan, Kimi Cantyne. Bottom row, l to r: Mike Nakahara, Madison Inman, Kamalani Hurwitz. Photo by Bob Fewell Photography.

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Staff

[features]

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Editor Phyllis Kanekuni, APR

HPA Board of Trustees Names Next Head of School

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[departments]

Dr. Paul Nakayama Named to Board of Trustees

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From the Headmaster

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HPA Receives $1.5 Million Energy Conservation Grant

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HPA Advancement

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Transitions 2014

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Memories and Advice from the 13-Year Seniors

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Faculty Profile: Richard Braithwaite

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Faculty Profile: Phillip Cheng

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Students Take Steps to Save the World

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Hawai’i Teens Return from Vietnam

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Students Present Groundbreaking Projects 23 at Macworld, National Green School Conference Alumni Profile: Max Unger ‘04

The mission of the Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy is to provide exceptional learning opportunities and a diverse community honoring the traditions of Hawai‘i.

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Alumni News Arati Clarry ‘96

HPA Academics

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HPA Student Council

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Student Voices

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Student Spotlight

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HPA Admissions

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HPA ‘Ohana Association

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Coaches Corner

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Alumni News

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From Aunty June’s Kitchen

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On Campus

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Production Assistant Deanna Evans Contributing Photographer Patrick O’Leary Art Direction + Design Clifford Cheng > VOICE Design Public Relations Office Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy 65-1692 Kohala Mountain Road Kamuela, Hawai‘i 96743 P: 808.881.4099 • F: 808.881.4069 E-mail: mkk@hpa.edu • www.hpa.edu

[ BOARD OF TRUSTEES ] Gregory R. Mooers, Chair Laurie T. Ainslie Scott Bradley ‘80 Dr. Michael Chun Putman D. Clark ‘65

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Michael K. Fujimoto ‘70 Allison Holt Gendreau Will J. Hancock Nona F. Hasegawa ‘78 Charles G. King ‘64 Duncan MacNaughton ‘62

Rich H. Matsuda Dr. Paul Nakayama David W. Pratt William D. Pratt ‘86 Robert L. Reed Michael S. Spalding ‘66

Hannah Kihalani Springer Donna Tanoue Dr. Peter Vitousek ‘67 Roy A. Vitousek III ‘68 Harry M. von Holt Taffi Wise

Ma Ke Kula is published two times a year in December and July for students and their families, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of HPA. Ma Ke Kula reserves the right to select and edit all materials submitted for publication.

[ From the Headmaster ] Lindsay R. Barnes, Jr.

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LOHA from the Kohala foothills! It’s a true pleasure to correspond with you again.

In this issue of Ma Ke Kula, you will note a recurring theme: transitions. Of course, transitions occur constantly and all around us. I am not the same person I was yesterday, and neither are you. So it is with schools. Schools are constantly changing, constantly transitioning – sometimes in small ways, sometimes massively.

Transition is inevitable; it comes whether we’re ready for it or not. The trick is to manage transition as effectively as we can. This requires anticipation and careful planning.

Of course, we can never know ahead of time all that may be coming our way. But still, we can plan strategically, tactically, and, in some cases, instinctively and creatively. If we plan prudently for transition, we’ll usually be better off for having done so. So it is for people and for schools.

This has been a year of transition at our beloved school. Prior to our 2013-2014 academic term, we began transitional planning in various aspects of HPA life. In several areas, our guide in doing so has been our strategic plan, which has proved itself to be a living, breathing document since its adoption in June, 2012. [I’ve written before about our plan, so I’ll not take up much additional space here.]

Suffice it to say that a good strategic plan is a roadmap (or GPS device!) that helps in transitioning us from one place to another in almost all areas of school life: academics, athletics, and operations, to name a few.

But on any roadmap map, one notices room for side excursions and creativity in the effecting of transition. Correct? Haven’t we all taken a slight detour off a main road and often found the experience to be highly invigorating and productive? I’ll bet so.

This year, our trustees took a side road that, frankly, many independent schools do not have the courage to take. And I could not be more proud of our board members for having done so. This road less taken relates to the

process in selecting the person who will be occupying this office following my retirement in July, 2015.

In the independent school world, the “norm” in selecting heads of school evolved years ago into the hiring of executive search firms to recruit, vet, and present candidates for consideration. Why not, you may ask, look “internal” first? Why the nearly automatic rush to an executive search firm and outside candidates when a head of school announces her or his retirement?

Partly, the reasoning has to do with the timing of a retirement announcement. If the announcement is not sufficiently in advance of the actual retirement date, little time may be left to recruit the next head of school.

Thus, the school’s best interests may, indeed, be served in such an instance by employing an executive search firm. But, when there’s sufficient time to plan, doesn’t it make some sense to survey the local landscape and determine if viable head of school candidates exist? I believe so. [By the way, it also makes sense to engage in succession planning for all senior faculty and other decision-makers at independent schools and well in advance of any retirement plans becoming “officially” known, something we are now doing at HPA.] As regards heads of school, independent schools would do well to take a cue from the for-profit world by considering a welldesigned internal process as at least a welladvised first step (and, time permitting and candidate qualities depending, perhaps the only step needed) for hiring the successor of a retiring CEO. This is exactly what our HPA board members did. Beginning in February of this year, they researched internal search processes originating in the for-profit world and designed one that fitted our situation here “to a T.” Winston Churchill used the words “our finest hour” in describing his country’s defiance and courage in the face of truly grave circumstances. Although surely not of the magnitude of decisions made by Churchill in time of war and with the entirety of western

civilization hanging in the balance, I submit to you that the actions taken and decisions made in recent months at HPA will prove themselves over time to be no less critical to the health of our school. In my estimation and from the vantage point of working with our trustees for six – soon to be seven – years, the internal process followed by our board members in selecting my successor has been their “finest hour.” The steps taken required courage and creativity and the resolve to buck the independent school norm – not for the sake of being contrary but, rather, for good reason.

And the result? We now have a passionate, highly motivated, and supremely talented Head of School-Elect, Robert McKendry, preparing to assume his new leadership role in about one year. In the interim, a detailed transition plan will be followed so that, from Day One, Robert will be ready to lead without need of the hundreds of hours of acclimation usually required for new heads who come to one school from another.

I could not be more pleased for Robert, more delighted for our school, and more proud of our Board of Trustees.

Transition. Sometimes it’s the road not taken and the commitment to resist the more popular path that produces the best results.

I’m confident that this will prove to be the case as we prepare to elevate one of our own as HPA’s next Head of School.

Have a GREAT summer and fall, everyone!

Thanks for all you do for – and all you mean to – Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy. ■ Aloha,

MA KE KULA JULY 2014 3

HPA Board of Trustees Names Next Head of School Robert McKendry has been named the eleventh head of school at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy (HPA). Gregory R. Mooers, chairman of the school’s board of trustees, made the announcement on May 27.

McKendry will begin his tenure on July 1, 2015, succeeding Lindsay R. Barnes Jr., who is retiring at the end of the 2014-2015 school year.

Barnes has led the school since the 2008-2009 school year.

“We are so very pleased that Robert emerged as a truly exceptional candidate,” said Mooers. “Robert’s leadership skills, intellect, and collaborative personality are appreciated by everyone who has worked with him. And his relationship with Lindsay has been marvelous. For the next 12 months, and with the school’s far-reaching strategic plan as their guide, Robert and Lindsay will continue to work closely together on the innovations that are already enriching the HPA Experience as never before and contributing to the fabulous college acceptances we’re now seeing.”

McKendry, a certified public accountant, joined HPA as chief financial officer in 2010 after serving as an independent school business manager and treasurer. He previously held accounting and controller positions in Michigan and California. He holds two bachelor’s degrees—one in finance and management from the University of Oregon and one in accounting from Baker College.

“In every sense of the word, Robert McKendry is an exceptional human being,” said Barnes. “Robert’s work ethic, intelligence, moral compass, and his accomplishments at HPA are already the stuff of legend here. His roots in the Waimea community will add greatly to his successes as our next head of school. When I hand the gavel over to Robert, I know I’ll be looking into the eyes of the man who will come to be regarded as the best leader HPA could possibly have chosen at this exciting, innovative time in the school’s history.”

“It is both humbling and inspiring to witness the amazing work our students produce every day in all walks of school life,” said McKendry, whose wife is an HPA alumna; the couple have two children at HPA. “I’m excited about, and honored by, the opportunity to serve our HPA community as the next head of school.” ■

Dr. Paul Nakayama Named to Board of Trustees Dr. Paul Nakayama has been appointed to the board of trustees at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy (HPA). Gregory R. Mooers, chairman, announced the appointment after the board’s recent meeting in Waimea.

Nakayama is a physical scientist and technical manager with more than 40 years of experience in nuclear energy studies. He is the retired founder, owner, and chief executive officer of Jason Associates Corporation, which he established in 1987. Jason Associates’ cadre of senior technical specialists focuses on complex safety, environmental, and complex computersystem development problems in the field of nuclear energy.

A Great Day for Golf!

Nakayama is a two-time recipient of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Minority Small Business Person of the Year award.

The SBA also honored Jason Associates Corporation as a Regional Small Business of the Year and the company’s offices in Idaho Falls, Idaho and Richland, Washington were selected for the SBA’s Administrator’s Award for Excellence based on nomination submitted to local DOE field offices.

Other members of the HPA board are Laurie T. Ainslie, Scott Bradley, Dr. Michael Chun, Putman D. Clark, Michael K. Fujimoto, Allison Holt Gendreau, Will J. Hancock, Nona F. Hasegawa, Charles G. King, Duncan MacNaughton, Richard Matsuda, David W. Pratt, William D. Pratt, Michael S. Spalding, Hannah Kihalani Springer, Donna Tanoue, Dr. Peter Vitousek, Roy A. Vitousek III, Harry M. von Holt, and Taffi U‘ilei Wise. ■ _ Fifty-six golfers gathered at the Hualalai Resort Golf Course on May 31 for the 18th Annual Headmaster’s Cup. The event raised $9,396 to support athletics, financial aid, and other great programs at HPA. The top five teams were: First: Stephen Hioki & Les Murashige Second: Greg Mooers & Taylor Easley ‘91 Third: Wally Kojima & Darren Kojima Fourth: George Subiono & Tom Sofos ‘69 Fifth: Robby Hind ‘66 & Pete Moynahan ‘66 Players on the top five teams had a blind pick of a selection of _ great prizes, which included rounds of golf at the Mauna Kea, Hualalai, and Kohanaiki.

The team of Bill Case ‘76 and Stephen Perry placed 18th and won the grand prize of Ala Moana Shopping Center gift certificates.

A big mahalo to all for your support! ■

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Lucy Frost Lewis Named Director of Advancement Lucy Frost Lewis has been named director of advancement at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy (HPA). Headmaster Lindsay Barnes announced the appointment, which was effective May 1.

Lewis brings more than 20 years of experience leading advancement, development, alumni relations, and capital campaign programs. At Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy, Lewis will lead the financial development function at the school, including oversight of annual and planned giving, corporate, major gift and capital campaigns, grant research and applications, and special events.

“We are delighted to have a professional of Ms. Lewis’ caliber joining our advancement team,” said Barnes. “We look forward to all that Lucy will be bringing to the table when it comes to this important area of HPA operations.”

“What a thrill it is to be joining the Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy ‘ohana and to realize a dream of moving to the Big Island!” said Lewis.

“I’ve been privileged to have worked at a number of spectacular institutions, and I look forward to enriching that experience working on behalf of HPA, with its loyal and proud community, deep history, and exciting vision for the future.”

Lewis most recently was director of advancement at ‘Iolani School on O‘ahu, where she was responsible for increasing the capacity and efficiency of the development team and positioning the school to double its Annual Fund and growing its endowment by more than $10 million over the next four years.

Previously, Lewis was senior associate director of principal gifts at Yale University. Prior to that, she served as director of development and alumni relations at Moses Brown School, her alma mater, in Providence, Rhode Island. Before returning to Moses Brown, Lewis worked for 11 years in the alumni and development office at The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey, where she advanced through several positions until being named director of capital programs and principal gifts.

Lewis, who recently spoke at the AFP National Philanthropy Day conference on O‘ahu, has been active with the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District I and District II. She also has served as a CASE faculty member for advanced annual giving and as a CASE District Conference track chair. She is a former board member for The Island School in the Bahamas.

Lewis earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Tulane University in Louisiana and received an AAS in Interior Design from Parsons School of Design in New York. ■

What a thrill it is to be joining the Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy ‘ohana and to realize a dream of moving to the Big Island.

HPA Receives $1.5 Million Energy Conservation Grant

Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy (HPA) recently announced the receipt of a $1.5 million grant to continue the school’s growing academic reputation in the field of sustainability and energy conservation studies. The grant is the result of the generosity of alumnus James C. Kennedy, chairman of Cox Enterprises, Inc., an Atlanta-based communications firm. Kennedy, a 1966 graduate of HPA, funded “Go Green,” the school’s first environmental studies program, with a gift of $1 million in 2008.

“With this magnificent gift, we will have the resources to continue the march toward our goal of being the independent school leader in sustainable energy studies,” commented HPA Headmaster Lindsay Barnes. “Moreover, we will be taking a huge step toward proving to the educational world that the marriage of energy conservation and renewable energy production is, indeed, the future. And what better place for this to occur than the island of Hawai‘i?”

HPA officials soon will begin to prioritize the numerous projects to be financed by The Kennedy Fund. The projects will encompass all areas of HPA’s operations, including electrical, water heating, lightingrelated conservation, and data analysis. Additional solar thermal panels throughout the campus, a new 480-panel photovoltaic energy production facility, and new LED lighting retrofits are examples of installations on the horizon at HPA. HPA students will be active participants in projects made possible

by The Kennedy Fund, particularly in analyzing the efficiency of the new initiatives.

“This is one of the truly exciting parts,” said Dr. Bill Wiecking, director of HPA’s award-winning Energy Lab. “Not only will we be doing for HPA what’s never been done, but we’ll be producing graduates whose knowledge of sustainable practices and energy conservation will be on the cutting edge. Our Class of 2014 admissions to MIT, Stanford, Brown, Yale, Duke, Olin, and other great schools already prove that we’re on the right track in giving motivated students that ‘little extra’ needed to gain admission to their first-choice colleges and universities. What Mr. Kennedy’s gift means to our students’ college admissions prospects simply cannot be overstated.”

“I’m very happy to be able to assist my alma mater in this vitally important way,” said Kennedy. “I look forward to learning of progress as the projects take root. My hope is that this will be yet another step forward toward HPA becoming the ‘greenest’ independent school in the world.” ■ MA KE KULA JULY 2014 5

HPAadvancement Lucy Frost Lewis, Director of Advancement

Aloha from the Office of Advancement! I feel as though I’ve struck gold joining the HPA ‘ohana at such a thrilling time! Alumni and parent enthusiasm is palpable, support continues to rise in both dollars and numbers of contributors, and the vision for the future of the school is clear as Headmaster Lindsay Barnes begins his last year of his transformative tenure and Chief Financial Officer Robert McKendry prepares to take the reins of this spectacular school. What more could this new advancement director ask for? I feel privileged to be part of the HPA community as we work together to realize the vision for our future.

The foundation is solid. And yet there also is work to be done.

In his recent remarks to employees, Board Chair Greg Mooers offered inspirational remarks about the opportunities that lie ahead for our school, while also offering a thoughtfully detailed description of the focus and mission of the board.

“Our primary functions are to select the Head of School and to ensure the financial viability of the school and its operations,” said Greg.

Even in the face of what he qualified as “a very challenging time for independent schools, not only here in Hawai‘i, but nationwide and internationally,” Greg highlighted the “tremendous opportunity to demonstrate that the HPA experience is unmatched in value.”

“Excellent teachers equate to an excellent school, and we are an excellent school,” Greg shared, noting the board’s commitment to increasing the school’s investment in its faculty. And he conveyed urgency in the need to strengthen our financial position to provide unprecedented levels of scholarship support.

“Our goal is to remain accessible to the most capable students in an economic environment that seems to be putting the HPA experience further out of reach. Our financial aid budget has grown from less than $800,000 a year to more than $3.8 million, and nearly 45 percent of our students receive some form of assistance.”

From my first days on campus this spring, it was clear that HPA is a community that takes challenges head on, so we are confident that the goals set forth by the board will be met successfully and with great enthusiasm. Case in point, the countless alumni, parents, and friends who volunteer their time and energy to giving back to the school are too many to mention by name on this page. We are indebted to each and every one of you for your contributions. Whether chaperoning a class trip, preparing for Pumpkin Patch, or inviting others to join you in providing financial support, you give selflessly of your time to ensure HPA is propelled forward with purpose and intent.

I look forward to working together in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead! ■

New 122 kW Solar System Expected to Save $27,000 Per Year 122 kW Solar System Designed and Installed

by Hawai‘i’s Largest Solar Integrator, RevoluSun

Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy (HPA) expects to save about $27,000 in energy costs per year through its new photovoltaic (PV) system at its Waimea campus. The ground-mounted PV system is located in the area above the HPA Energy Lab, a one-of-a-kind facility for students that allows them to research renewable energy alternatives, among other projects.

“We look forward to having this solar array up and running over the summer,” said Robert McKendry, HPA’s chief financial officer. “In addition to the energy the array will produce, this project provides a wonderful opportunity for our students to monitor our energy usage and to learn about the economics of solar energy production.”

RevoluSun, Hawai‘i’s largest solar integrator, designed and installed the solar ground mount system comprised of 480 ReneSola, 255-watt modules. The resulting solar power will immediately save HPA 48 percent on the power produced through a Power-Purchase Agreement compared to what they would have paid the utility, HELCO, for the same number of kilowatt-hours.

In addition, the PV system will generate as much clean, renewable energy as planting 41 acres of trees, and it will offset the burning of more than 12,581 barrels of oil and 6.9 million pounds of carbon dioxide from being released into the environment over the 35 year lifespan of the system.

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HPA’s new photovoltaic (PV) system, located above the Energy Lab, is expected to save the school about $27,000 in energy costs per year and will provide students with opportunities to monitor energy usage and learn about the economics of solar energy production.

“We are very pleased to support HPA in their long-term efforts to create renewable energy,” said Eric Carlson, RevoluSun principal.

“It goes hand-in-hand with the educational initiatives and student learning happening at HPA’s incredible Energy Lab, which is a superb model of sustainable buildings and clean living.” ■

New Staff Appointments Announced Mike Donnelly ‘83 has been named assistant director of admission and Aaron Schorn has been named webmaster.

Donnelly recently retired from the Army after 26 years of service.

In his new position, he will be responsible for grades 9-12 admissions, focusing on the Hawaiian Islands and greater Asia-Pacific region.

Prior to joining HPA, Donnelly was communications advisor for the U.S. Army Pacific at Fort Shafter on O‘ahu. He previously held public affairs, marketing, and public relations positions with Logistics Command (Fort Shafter), 25th Infantry Division (Schofield Barracks and Northern Iraq), and Special Operations Command, Pacific (Camp Smith).

Donnelly earned his bachelor’s degree from Gonzaga University and is pursuing his master’s degree in communications from the University of Oklahoma. He and his wife, Paige, live in Waimea with their son, Sean ‘17.

Schorn has been an active member of the HPA community since he arrived on campus in 2013.

He has served as dorm parent with his wife, Sarah ‘98, tutor, and long-term substitute teacher. He previously was director of business development and government relations at the Wall Street Fund for African Development (WSFAD) in Washington, D.C. Prior to that he was strategy and operations program officer at Family Health International (FHI 360) in Washington, D.C. He also was project manager/contracts officer for the Baha’i World Centre in Haifa, Israel.

Schorn earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He and his wife have a daughter, Ale‘a. ■

Mollie Hustace Named Interim Director of the Isaacs Art Center Mollie Hustace has been named interim director of the Isaacs Art Center at HPA, succeeding director Gaylord Dillingham ‘66, who is relocating to the mainland. Headmaster Lindsay Barnes recently announced the administrative appointment, effective July 1.

Hustace brings extensive education, art, and fundraising experience to her new position.

Since 1994, she has served as faculty member, college counselor, and chair of the Fine Arts Department at HPA; she will continue to teach AP Art History at HPA. Hustace has been an active volunteer at the Isaacs Art Center since its opening in 2004, serving as a docent and assisting with auction catalogs, exhibits, and retrospectives. She previously was a visiting lecturer in art history at ‘Iolani School and a docent lecturer and gallery guide at the Honolulu Museum of Art. For 10 years, she was the owner-artist of Akalei Designs, a stained glass art business that completed commissioned work for Victoria Ward, Ltd. common areas. Prior to that she was a registered nurse, researcher, and state health planner for 14 years on O‘ahu. She is the co-founder of the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association—Honolulu Chapter and was an active board officer for 10 years.

Hustace earned her bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and her bachelor’s degree in professional nursing with high honors from the University of Hawai‘i-Manoa. She holds a Master of Public Health and Master of Education from the University of Hawai‘i-Manoa.

She and her husband, James, have two sons, James ‘03 and Kip ‘07. ■

Residential Community Embraces Hall Switch There was much excitement among student residents as plans were announced in April to switch the gender divisions of the three residential halls to allow greater flexibility in hosting boarding students.

Beginning in August 2014, male residents will be housed in the Anna Lindsey Perry-Fiske Hall, or Perry-Fiske Hall (top). Female residents will be housed in Hartwell Carter Hall, or Carter Hall (center), and males and females will continue to be housed in separate wings in Robertson Hall (bottom).

“We made this decision after carefully reviewing and analyzing five years of data,” said Fred Wawner, dean of students. “Basically, we had less space for female residents and trends have been skewing slightly higher on the female side. We considered many different options and this decision offers exciting opportunities for everyone involved.”

Students began planning for the change at a recent “Open Dorm” mixer in Carter Hall.

“There were vibrant discussions about possible rooming scenarios,” noted Wawner. “Everyone has been great about adjusting to and embracing this change very quickly!” ■

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[ TRANSITIONS / 2014 ]

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Sixty-Third Annual Commencement Exercises Honor the Class of 2014 Photos by Bob Fewell “Ours is a community with members who come from 19 countries and 17 states, and we all want the best for you. You will always be welcomed back to this campus, where you can be yourself; but remember: be honest and true to yourself,” said commencement speaker Rika Inaba, senior class leader and Upper School Modern Language teacher.

“Now that you are finally here, living the last moments of your senior high school year, think of who you are and of all that you might become. There is still much for you to learn, to do, to discover, to analyze, to choose, to discard, and to share. Over the last three years, you have made me happy, sad, mad, confused, exhausted, frustrated, and most importantly, absolutely grateful that I have been a part of your life and that I got to know you in person. The magical class of 2014; the largest graduating class in the history of the school…YOU are ready…ready to inspire the entire world.”

“When I see you, say in 10 or 20 years, at the airport in Los Angeles or Tokyo, or maybe even Moscow, I will ask you one thing: Is your life inspiring?”

—Rika Inaba, 2014 Commencement Speaker

The Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy awarded diplomas to 108 members of the Class of 2014 at commencement exercises on May 23 at Castle Gymnasium.

Kumu Deena Hurwitz, Kumu Malani DeAguiar, and Kumu Ku‘uipo Tavares opened the program with a welcome chant. The Reverend David Stout offered the invocation, followed by speakers Gregory R. Mooers, Board of Trustees chair, Headmaster Lindsay R. Barnes, Jr., and Cathryn Kimi Cantyne, student council president.

Cantyne received the Headmaster’s Award and Hannah TwiggSmith was named the Senior Scholar.

During a senior awards ceremony held on May 22, the following seniors also received awards: Founder’s Award, Luigi Balbo Bertone di Sambuy; Walter Liu ‘65 Memorial Leadership Award, Buck Thomas; Kevin Kitagawa ‘77 Memorial Bootstrap Award, Joshua Kamalani Ching; Phyllis A. Richards Theatre Arts Award, Churchill Hanten Crean; Athletes of the Year, Alexandra Kristiana Van Pernis and Kellen Lee Gillins.

After receiving their diplomas, the Class of 2014 presented their gifts of song and dance—Mauna Kea, the boys hula; Ekolu Mea Nui/Ka Malu Akua Medley, the girls hula; and Kaulu Wehi o ke Kai, the coed hula. ■ MA KE KULA JULY 2014 9

Memories and Advice fr om the 13-Year Seniors: The 10 seniors featured on the cover started at HPA together in kindergarten and have been together ever since. After 13 years, they share their favorite memories and offer their advice to current students about how to make the most of the HPA Experience.

Cathryn “Kimi” Cantyne ‘14: “In Lower School [grades K-5], I always looked forward to May Day. It was a combination of my absolute favorite things: singing, dancing, and getting candy lei. I remember not being able to sleep the night before; being so excited to debut our charming little hula for my family.

My advice is get to know everyone and immerse yourself into everything. I have found that the best experiences come from talking to those you don’t usually talk to and engaging in activities that you don’t often engage in. The last emotion you want to feel at graduation is regret.

I have loved every moment of this beautiful, 13-year journey.

Thank you, HPA for giving me a warm, loving home and incredible, lifelong friends.”

What’s Next: In the fall, I will be attending Wagner College in Staten Island as a nursing major. We’ll see how I hold up; New York City is quite the change of scenery. ■ Kama Hurwitz ‘14: “My favorite HPA memory is the ‘Ukulele Festival in Middle School. We participated in the festival during fifth grade and that’s when I started playing the ‘ukulele. I’ve been playing ever since; it’s something I really enjoy doing. In Middle School, they gave me a solo. I also enjoyed getting together with students from the other schools. My other favorite memory is the 100th Day of School in Lower School. It was a big thing with no homework, making candy lei, and playing games all day.

My advice is to take the help when the school and teachers offer it. You might not want it all the time, but the teachers and school want what’s best for you. I didn’t always take advantage of the help when it was offered and I wish I had. Thank you to all my teachers for all the support. HPA is a great school.”

What’s Next: I’ll be attending Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colorado. I plan to study automotive design and technology.

I love cars. ■ 10 JULY 2014 MA KE KULA

Madison Inman ‘14: “In Lower School, I loved

doing a musical every year. My favorite play that we did was probably Greatest Americans of the 20th Century. I played Rachel Carson and I remember I was really excited to get to wear a suit as my costume! I was also in the assembly line in the song about Henry Ford and I still remember most of the words.

I hope all of the students make friends with as many people as possible! I’ve made such good friends my senior year who I could’ve been hanging out with for years. Also, appreciate all of the people in the HPA community. Over time, I’ve realized that HPA truly has the smartest, funniest, and kindest people, from the students to the faculty and staff. And to the kindergarteners, the sixth graders, the freshmen, and anyone else who feels small when they see the seniors, just know that when you’re in twelfth grade you’ll be amazed that you were ever scared or in awe of us. Be kind, be curious, be happy!”

What’s Next: In the fall I’ll be joining Hampshire College’s class of 2018. Hampshire is a tiny liberal arts school in Western Massachusetts and the alma mater of my advisor, Sarah Hayslip!

Right now I’d like to study economics or political science, or a whole lot of things. ■ Alex Magoon ‘14: “My favorite memory of

Middle School must be going on Ms. Camarillo’s gyotaku fishing Theme Week. Li‘i, Joey, Walter, Ry-Guy, Noah, Roman, Connor, Kaz, Erina, Naomi, and I went to the south end of the Big Island to a remote place called Pohue Bay. We camped next to the water on the Osaka flats on our cots. From there we fished, explored, swam, and hiked for three days. I remember printing fresh mahi and menpachi directly onto rice paper and T-shirts. Thanks, Ms. Cam! My advice to HPA students is to enjoy the time you have here, but to be responsible in order to stay part of this ‘ohana, as well as make use of all the great parts about this school. Another great aspect about school is the friends you will make. A good friend group can have your back no matter what. Although some will go their own ways, it’s important to stay connected. Last thing is to do your best whether in Ka Makani wrestling (the most grueling thing at HPA) or your classes; if you put in the work, good will come. Mahalo, Ka Makani ‘ohana.”

What’s Next: After 13 years at HPA I have enrolled in the class of 2018 at the University of San Diego. I am super excited to go there and be able to live the surfing lifestyle for another four years. I plan to major in business administration with a minor in real estate. ■

Morgan Monahan ‘14: “Winning soccer states this year is by far my favorite HPA memory, but not for the reason you may think. Of course it was an incredible experience to be the first HPA team sport to bring home a state title, but to me, this single 87-minute game (7 min of overtime) was the epitome of what I will remember most about my 13 wonderful years here: opportunity. Earning our third shot to play in the state championship match against the MidPacific Institute, the very team we lost the state title to two years in a row, opened up an opportunity for 22 girls and four wacky coaches that through dedication and teamwork made a dream come true.

Opportunity presents itself in many ways, but it’s virtually impossible to miss at HPA. The opportunities I have had in my time here have definitely made my experience.

On the topic of opportunity, my advice is to take advantage of every single opportunity that presents itself to you. HPA is the perfect environment to take risks and try new things. Don’t be shy to get out of your comfort zone.”

What’s Next: I will be attending the University of Southern California in Los Angeles and studying business administration. ■ Brendan Moynahan ‘14: “My favorite HPA memory is the class trip to the volcano in third grade.

The advice I would give to younger students to make the most of their HPA experience is try to be friends with everyone and try everything at least once. It’s been a wonderful 13 years and I would not have wanted it any other way.”

What’s Next: I’m going to the University of Denver to study business. ■ Mike Nakahara ‘14: My favorite HPA memory

is playing sports (baseball and football) with my friends the past four years.

The advice I have for younger students to make the most of their HPA experience is to join clubs, play sports, and just get more involved.

What’s Next: I will be attending Northern Arizona University this fall. ■

My advice to younger students would be to get involved; get involved with the school, teachers, classmates, and all the opportunities that HPA offers. You’re only in high school once, so make the most of it. Like Sharon Peterson, my volleyball coach, says, “Be like a dry sponge and absorb everything and learn.”

What’s Next: I will be attending Chaminade University on O‘ahu, where I plan to major in business. ■ Michael Spetich ‘14: “My favorite HPA memory is winning the BIIF DI Cross-Country title with my team this school year. It was our first BIIF title since the 2006-2007 school year. We surprised our coaches and poured ice water on them to celebrate and everyone was very happy on the ride home from Hilo. The team traveled to Kaua‘i to compete at the state championship, and that was really fun, too.

My advice would be to find something you’re really passionate about and fully engage yourself in whatever that might be.

It’s been amazing going to school in this beautiful place for 13 years, growing up with my classmates, and making friends for life with students from around the world. I’ve been so happy here and I thank everyone for their support; I really enjoyed the full HPA experience!”

What’s Next: This fall, I will be attending Willamette University, where I plan to study film and computer science. ■ Kelly Ulrich ‘14: “My favorite memory of HPA was when we’d have recess in Lower School. From four-square to macadamia nut hunting and snail daycare, the 30-minute span of freedom was always the highlight of each school day. Especially on rainy days when we’d have indoor recess where all the students would cram into a classroom and watch movies and drink hot chocolate.

My advice would be to become as close as possible with all your fellow HPA students and classmates. After spending year after year together in classes, sports, and clubs, the bonds you form within the HPA community will be stronger than any other.”

What’s Next: This fall, I will be studying physical sciences at the University of California-Santa Barbara. ■

Noah Schenk ‘14: My favorite HPA memory would be Olympics.

Every year, Olympics brings each class together, creating memories that will last for a lifetime.

MA KE KULA JULY 2014 11

Class of 2014 Presents Gift to School

A Trip Down Memory Lane Carolyn White’s former second graders from the Class of 2014 paid her a visit on April 17. White had snacks waiting for her 11 former students, all of whom greeted her with huge, enthusiastic hugs. The group enjoyed looking at their second grade yearbook and talking about their “small kid days.”

The highlight of the seniors’ morning visit was opening their second grade time capsule and reading notes each student wrote to his/her future self.

There was much joy and laughter as each senior was reunited with his/her contribution to the time capsule. Here are some of the treasures that were found inside.

Before leaving HPA, the Class of 2014 presented the school with a gift of a permanent outdoor fire pit located on the field adjacent to the residence halls. The gift consists of a 12” x 12” gravel pad with a raised fire pit in the center, which is surrounded by three permanentlyaffixed park benches purchased by senior families.

Class members volunteered their time to construct the site on May 9 during their breaks and off periods. The new gathering place was formally presented to the school on May 22 after the senior awards and slide show. Kumu Malani DeAguiar offered the blessing with assistance from incoming Student Council officers.

“This new structure will continue to strengthen HPA’s strong sense of ‘ohana through a dedicated student space to talk story, make new friends, and build unity for all past, current, and future students,” said senior class leader Eric Mumau, who supervised the project with Edgar Spencer, HPA facilities superintendent. ■ TOP: Kumu Malani DeAguiar conducts the blessing with assistance from Eliana Kaplan ‘15, incoming Student Council president.

LEFT: Kimi Cantyne ‘14, outgoing Student Council president, presents the Class of 2014’s gift to the school.

Seniors Enjoy Lunch at Atherton House Headmaster and Mrs. Lindsay Barnes hosted the Class of 2014 for lunch at Atherton House on March 7. The class enjoyed gourmet pizzas, Caesar and quinoa salads, and a sundae and root beer float bar. There were door prizes that included Starbucks, Target, Subway, and AKA Sushi gift cards.

The grand prize was a money lei, made from 108 dollar bills, with each bill representing a member of the class. Jack Austin won the grand prize, which was presented at graduation.

The class also presented a gift to Headmaster Barnes—a portrait of the class taken by faculty member Patrick O‘Leary.

It was a happy afternoon for all! ■ 12 JULY 2014 MA KE KULA

Kawena Lim-Samura: Slinky, Alex Magoon: Pokemon glued on a surfboard, Kimi Cantyne: Lip gloss polish, Kamalani Hurwitz: Dictionary dice, Bo Bleckel: Bionicle and a picture of himself, Morgan Monahan: Good luck cat, Michael Spetich: Pokemon card and a skateboard, Kelly Ulrich: Blue bounce ball, Mike Nakahara: Bookmark.

Before saying good-bye, the students paused for a photo with their second grade teacher. ■ RIGHT: Top row, l to r: Kawena Lim-Samura, Mrs. Carolyn White, Alex Magoon, Morgan Monahan. Middle row, l to r: Kelly Ulrich, Michael Spetich, Kimi Cantyne, Madison Inman. Bottom row, l to r: Mike Nakahara, Noah Schenk, Bo Bleckel, Kamalani Hurwitz. Missing: Cannon Greco Hiranaka and Brendan Moynahan.

Class of 2014 College Placement As of June 5, 2014 University of Alaska Southeast Azusa Pacific University

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

University of Hawai‘i at Hilo

Oregon State University

University of Saskatchewan, Canada

Hawai‘i Community College (2)

University of Oregon

Seattle University (2)

Babson College

Centralia College (2)

Highline Community College

Pace University, New York City

University of Southern California (2)

Boston University

Chapman University (2)

Johns Hopkins University

Pace University, Pleasantville Campus

Southern Oregon University (3)

Bowdoin College

University of Colorado at Boulder (2)

Lehigh University (4)

Pacific University (2)

Stanford University (2)

Brigham Young University

University of Colorado at Denver

Lewis & Clark College (2)

University of Portland

Suffolk University

Brigham Young University, Idaho

Colorado Mesa University (5)

Manhattan College

University of Redlands

Syracuse University

Brown University (2)

Colorado State University (2)

Meiji University, Japan

University of Rochester (2)

Utah State University (2)

Butte College

Cornell University

Menlo College (2)

Salve Regina University

Wagner College

University of California at Davis

University of Denver (3)

University of Miami

San Diego State University (2)

Waseda University, Japan

University of California at San Diego

Eckerd College

University of Minnesota, Duluth

University of San Diego (2)

Western New Mexico University

University of California at Santa Barbara (3)

Fordham University

New York University (2)

University of San Francisco (2)

Whittier College

California Lutheran University

Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering

Northern Arizona University (5)

Santa Barbara City College

Willamette University

California Maritime Academy

Hampshire College

Oregon Institute of Technology

Sarah Lawrence College (2)

Upper School, Here We Come!

Class of 2021 Moving Up to Middle School!

L to r: Koa Higgins ‘21, Zoe Wong ‘21, Grace Bostock ‘21, and Isaiah Clarry Sohriakoff ‘21.

The transition ceremony for the Class of 2018 was held Wednesday, May 21, at Gates Performing Arts Center. Forty-nine eighth graders received certificates of completion at the evening event.

K-8 counselor Mariah Dodd offered the invocation. Class speakers were Corey Patton-Lossner and Sarah Schulman.

Character Virtue Awards were presented to the following students, who were nominated by the entire eighth grade class and class advisors: Honesty: Karly Noetzel Respect: Cheng-Wei Hsu Courage: Steven Guppy Hope: Alexa Richardson Loyalty: Kailer Garcia

Justice: Matthew Vazquez Love: Rachel Siebert Overall (Male): Keanu Young Overall (Female): Julia Perry

The class performed a beautiful hula, No Ke Ano Ahiahi, and recognized ESL teacher, Bonni Silver, who is relocating to the mainland. The ceremony concluded with a lively rendition of the class song, Best Day of My Life, conducted by Johnny Yoon ‘18. ■

The fifth graders are ready to move…to Middle School, that is!

Four class members reflected on their Lower School experience and shared their favorite memories (and what they’re looking forward to most in Middle School!).

Grace Bostock ‘21 “On the second night of our fourth grade volcano trip, we went bowling and everyone was smiling and having so much fun! I’m really looking forward to the Middle School electives, especially the singing and acting, because I’m really into these things.”

Isaiah Clarry Sohriakoff ‘21 “In kindergarten, we made cookies and they were really good. Mrs. Soo told us we were the first class to make these cookies in polygon shapes. In Middle School, I’m interested in having multiple teachers and electives. I’m especially interested in the digital media electives.”

Koa Higgins ‘21 “This is really difficult. Probably my favorite memory was running the mile in fourth grade P.E. I set the Lower School record with a 6:14. In Middle School, I’m looking forward to taking breaks between and after classes. Electives also sound fun, especially track and field and strength and conditioning.”

Zoe Wong ‘21 “My favorite Lower School memory was this year’s May Day because we got to be the May Day court. In Middle School, I’m looking forward to creating and working at a Pumpkin Patch booth.

I’m also looking forward to electives, especially horseback riding!” ■ MA KE KULA JULY 2014 13

Anakalea and McDowell Recognized With B.F. Dillingham Award for Inspirational Teaching

Braithwaite and Cheng are Ellbogen Meritorious Teaching Award Recipients The Ellbogen Meritorious Teaching Award is one of the greatest honors an HPA Upper School teacher can receive because recipients are determined by a vote of all members of the Upper School student body.

Richard Braithwaite, English teacher, and Phillip Cheng, Mandarin and math teacher, are this year’s recipients of the Ellbogen Meritorious Teaching Awards. Student Council members presented the awards and a check to each recipient for $1,500 at the May 12 assembly in Castle Gym. Braithwaite joined the HPA ‘ohana in 2011 (see profile on page 16). In their voting, students said, “He is a great teacher, coach, and advisor. He has inspired me to be a good student. He is open, inspiring, cool, and fun to be with…He is the most influential teacher I have. He’s me, but in adult form. His outgoingness and passion make him unique…He is so enthusiastic and I feel the passion all the time!...

Great role model. Charismatic, energy, and SWAG.”

Kumu Kuwalu Anakalea and Stephanie McDowell were recognized with this year’s B.F. Dillingham Award for Inspirational Teaching. K-8 Principal Midge Jambor presented the awards during an employee gathering on May 27 at Gates Performing Arts Center.

Anakalea, who joined the HPA ‘ohana in 2010, is the Lower School Hawaiian and garden teacher and Middle School Hawaiian language and culture teacher. She has “profoundly influenced the culture of our school and, through her actions, she breathes life into our school’s mission: honoring the traditions of Hawai‘i.” Anakalea offers “a wealth of unlimited cultural knowledge and always seeks to learn and experience more. She has brought project-based learning into her classes while teaching ‘olelo, chants, hula, history, and culture.

She has designed curriculum for the Village Campus organic garden program and takes great joy in helping students prepare the earth, plant seeds, harvest, and enjoy the food of their labors.”

McDowell, Upper School science teacher, joined the HPA ‘ohana in 2007. She is a “passionate biologist and teacher, keenly interested in furthering her own science education and bringing this expanding knowledge and learning to her students.” Her colleagues describe her as “forever modest, but consistently one of the best-planned teachers and one of the most engaging. By virtue of her excellence in teaching, she has become a campus leader in instruction.”

The B.F. Dillingham Award for Inspirational Teaching, supported by an endowment created by Gaylord Dillingham ‘66 in memory of his father, awards $1,500 grants each year to a K-8 teacher and a 9-12 teacher. These educators, nominated by their colleagues and vetted by administrators and Instructional Leaders, share their love of learning, motivate students, and bring a positive view of the world through their words and actions.

“Dad was, like me, a student who had both ups and downs, and remembered throughout the years inspirational teachers he encountered that found promise in him and took the time to bring it to life,” said Dillingham. ■ 14 JULY 2014 MA KE KULA

Cheng (see profile on page 17), who just completed his first year at HPA, also drew much praise from students, who said, “He makes sure we have fun and obviously cares for us all. He is often on campus during study hall for help. He is compassionate, patient, and dedicated… He is a good person—his work ethic and brains make him unique… He is special on account of his unwavering belief in me and the constant willingness to assist and help me no matter what. The raw tenacity this person puts forth to help with my education—he is someone who is willing to make sacrifices to help all who need it… He is good at teaching instrumental. He is kind and friendly.”

The Ellbogen Meritorious Teaching Award was established in 1998 by Mary Ellbogen Garland ‘77, Patrick Ellbogen ‘78, and Theresa Ellbogen ‘82 to recognize excellence in the classroom and in every other aspect of HPA life. ■

HPA Student Achievers Honored

FINE ARTS

Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy honored the following Upper School students on May 12 for special achievement in academic studies, the arts, athletics, and community service.

Alumni Association Award: Jessica Ainslie and Keisuke Anzai; John L. Pricher Award: Eliana Kaplan and Hideyoshi Akai; Holi Bergin Memorial Scholarship Award: Gabrielle Ewing; Cy Keala Spencer “Spirit of Aloha” Award: Kirara Kozuma; Ulrike Katharina “Bieni” Kohler-Johnson Scholarship Award: Noor Sarwar and Tania DuPont (see page 33); U.S. Army Reserve Scholar Athlete Award: Kristiana Van Pernis and Alexandro Siordia; Athletic Booster Club Career Athlete Awards: Kristiana Van Pernis and Li‘i Purdy; Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) Champion Awards: Emma Taylor, 100M and 300M Hurdles; Girls Soccer Team (Division II), Boys Basketball Team (Division II).

Alumni Association Award

John L. Pricher Award

Holi Bergin Memorial Scholarship Award

Cy Keala Spencer “Spirit of Aloha” Award

L to r: Vocal Music Award, Joshua Ching; George Watson Audio-Visual Award, Michael Spetich; Academy Art Award, Claire Chey; Art History Award, Scott Fetz; Phyllis A. Richards Theatre Arts Scholarship, Eliana Kaplan; Career Performance Award, Churchill Crean; Ka Makani Theatre Award, Cathryn Kimi Cantyne; Ka Makani Musical Theatre Award, Miller White; Photojournalism Award, Alina Katase; Instrumental Music Award, I-Farn Ivan Chen; Andy Ackerman Art Award, Michael Ho.

MATHEMATICS

L to r: AP Statistics Award, Kelly Ulrich; Algebra I Award, Rowan Kotner; Geometry Award, Tanner Riley, Algebra II Trigonometry Award, Kieu-Giang Nguyen; Calculus Honors Award, Miller White; AP Calculus Award, Hannah Twigg-Smith.

MODERN LANGUAGE NEW MEMBERS OF CUM LAUDE, THE SCHOOL’S HONOR SOCIETY: Front row (l-r): Hideyoshi Akai, Luigi Balbo Bertone di Sambuy, Allexandria Blacksmith, Jessica Chow, Leila Takahashi-Ruiz, Scott Fetz, and Kelly Ulrich. Back row (l-r): Ella Kotner, Aliana Sabyr, Noor Sarwar, Davy Ragland, Eliana Kaplan, Cody Lambrecht, Jacob McCafferty, and Michael Ho. Missing: Sok Hwan Lee and Roman Kandirovskiy.

ENGLISH

Mount Holyoke Book Award: Alina Sabyr; Paul Knauff Award: Kimi Cantyne and Madison Inman; Excellence in English Award: Kristiana Van Pernis.

L to r: Japanese Language Award: Alexandro Siordia; Hawaiian Language Award: Colin Renfro; Spanish Language Award: Miel Krauss; Chinese Language Award: Miller White; Institute of English Studies Achievement Award: Johannes von Schmettow; Institute of English Studies Outstanding Progress Award: Hyunjin “Jin” Choi.

SCIENCE

L to r: The Science Award, Lana Poljak; Thomas Webb Mar Physics Award, Luigi Balbo Bertone di Sambuy; Alan Fujimoto Chemistry Award, Brittani Boora; Environmental Science Scholar Award, Jessica Chow; Engineering Award, Lyle Bo Bleckel; Joseph Martire Biology Award, Sidney Vermeulen.

SOCIAL STUDIES

L to r: Cathy Schmidel Award for Excellence in Social Science: Emily Patig; Jay Wilder Award for Excellence in History: Will White; Ben Dillingham U.S. History Award: Jessica Ainslie.

MA KE KULA JULY 2014 15

[faculty] profile Richard Braithwaite

By > Matt Piercy

Upper School English Not Afraid to Dance “I would love to throw myself into any or all of the following: Literature, philosophy, theater, dance, soccer, school-related activities and or clubs.” o read the objective on Richard Braithwaite’s 2011 curriculum vitae when he applied for a teaching position at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy (HPA). Since then, Braithwaite has generously “thrown” himself into many facets of life at HPA. He is a coach, teacher, dorm parent, husband, and most recently, proud father of one-yearold Eli. However, the ethos to which he fulfills each role supersedes even the accolades of winning this year’s Ellbogen Meritorious Teaching Award. Braithwaite models the life and learning he expects of students.

He speaks at a quickened pace, which embodies his passion for risk-taking and genuine appreciation of what it means to experience joy. Tempering a will to sprint everywhere in life, Braithwaite continues to be reminded of the importance of slowing down and smiling, of rigor, and of maintaining the curiosity of a child and a love for creativity. Braithwaite’s greatest hope? That Eli is happy.

“My hope is that he is not afraid to dance, because if a boy likes to dance, he’s going to have a good life!”

Braithwaite’s parents were teachers who read Huck Finn aloud to him. His mother was a symbol of both love and quiet sacrifice as she carted her son four hours one-way to weekend soccer games. Another indelible memory is of his father intentionally pushing his own hand into a wasp nest and being stung five times. He did this to show how pain could be managed after the young Braithwaite got stung.

“It was a difficult, but seemingly poignant message to understand at that age.”

Braithwaite also delivers memorable lessons and he defines accomplishment when he watches the igniting of student interest.

Some of his passions have resulted in contagion: From 50 attendees at the Underground Improvisational Theater Group events he leads, to now performing for 300+ students. A tripling of Advanced Placement English student, and 40 boys interested in playing on the school’s soccer team also speak to a bursting of student interest.

Most recently, a chance encounter with students at Starbucks led to “an idea that makes NO sense.” Braithwaite wants to do a volunteer James Joyce course that meets at the long table at Starbucks, where students read 5,000 pages in 10-weeks on top of their four AP courses and already full extracurricular lives.

“I’m just so energized by absurdly smart kids who are genuinely interested in intellectual exploration!”

S

16 JULY 2014 MA KE KULA

Growing up, Braithwaite’s idol was his father, who always voiced approval, provided freedom, and allowed his son to continually grow in confidence. During his freshman year at Oberlin, Braithwaite encountered another inspiration in Mr. Olmstead, a nearly seven-foot Irishman who taught an English Survey course.

“Professor Olmstead’s huge laugh brought so much joy,” recalled Braithwaite. “And the next moment, he was the most serious guy on the planet as we examined a piece of literature.”

From his teen years Braithwaite knew he wanted to be a teacher and coach. What he might not have imagined was that he would be able to follow this path alongside his wife, Jaime. The couple is invigorated as their son points out a bug on a plant, suggesting they look closer with fresh eyes at the constant change. Change also is reflected in the passion the two share for guiding white water expeditions, an activity that is an elixir of both poise and adrenaline, as the adventure is read as it comes up, moment to moment, a reminder of the importance of being in the present. Most recently the couple had an opportunity to guide the rapids from the headwaters of the Nile in Jinja, Uganda.

Braithwaite has come a long way since the childhood days of running into the woods screaming, “I’m a forgetful boy! I’m a forgetful boy!”

If anyone remembers the importance of what it means to be an effective educator, it is Rich Braithwaite. He also remembers what it feels like to be home and thankfully Hawai‘i and HPA have become the Braithwaites’ home, a place where boys like to dance and where Braithwaite continues to invest himself fully in each student’s life because he wants nothing more than for them to experience joy. ■ Editor’s Note: A passionate educator, writer, and traveler, Matt Piercy teaches sixth and seventh grade social studies at HPA. He recently traveled with the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council’s (PAAC) Summer Study Abroad to Vietnam for three weeks in June (see story on page 20).

[faculty] profile Phillip Cheng

By > Andrew Perala ‘72

Upper School Mandarin Chinese and Math

S

ome people have an ear for language. But for a select few, the sound and rhythm of language—any language— flows as easily as music to Mozart. Like HPA’s teacher of Mandarin Chinese, Phillip Cheng, whose abilities in the classroom are no surprise to his Upper School students.

Cheng is more than a teacher of one of the world’s most challenging languages. He also introduces students to the abstract foundations of mathematics in his Algebra I classes, and he is an advisor for the class of 2015 as well.

After just one year at HPA, students officially recognized Cheng’s easygoing guidance and passion for teaching. This spring, the HPA Upper School student body elected their teacher and mentor to be a co-recipient of the 2014 Ellbogen Meritorious Teacher Award.

“It’s a real honor,” a surprised Cheng said a few days after the Class of 2014 commencement ceremonies. “I deeply appreciate it.”

Mandarin Chinese is not Cheng’s first language. English is not his second language. Cheng grew up speaking Chao Zhou Chinese.

He later learned Cambodian, officially called “Khmer,” then English, then conversational Mandarin, as well as Cantonese Chinese. In college, Cheng used his skills in Chinese, Cambodian “Khmer,” and English to major in East Asian languages while continuing his high school studies in Japanese and Korean. He also earned a concurrent bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. In 2012, Cheng earned a Master’s of Arts degree in teaching from Chaminade University, and he now is learning Hawaiian.

For Americans who speak just two languages—English and bad English—Cheng’s natural felicity with language is close to incomprehensible. His childhood is proof, though, that growing up in a multi-cultural, multi-language family can play a big role in future language acquisition, he said.

“My great grandfather left China in the late 1800s,” he said.

“They settled in Phnom Penh.”

The family’s success in the local jewelry business lasted less than two generations. In the 1970s, Cheng’s parents were forced into another Diaspora, this time taking years to hide from, and then flee, the genocide of the Khmer Rouge. Not all of Cheng’s family survived; his mother lost a brother and a sister in the purges. In 1980, his parents successfully escaped to the United States. Cheng was born in Lakeland, Florida, and completed his undergraduate double degrees at the University of Florida, where he earned Magna Cum Laude and Cum Laude honors.

Immediately after graduation, Cheng taught for two years at Pa‘auilo Intermediate and Elementary schools in the “Teach For

TOP: Phillip Cheng with Kieu Oanh (8) and Thao Nguyen at the Smart Tutoring English Center (STEC) in Vietnam. HPA’s Students Helping Students Club raised $400 to support the education of underprivileged children around the world; club president Chloe Xiang ‘15 asked Cheng to use the funds to provide assistance to Vietnamese children. The money was used to set up two partial one-year sponsorships for Oanh and Nguyen and purchase their books and supplies.

LEFT: Phillip Cheng in his classroom at HPA.

America” program. He joined the HPA faculty at the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year.

As the school’s teacher of Mandarin Chinese, Cheng listens to the memories of his childhood.

“Chinese is a tonal language,” he said. “When I was young, I developed a strong ear for picking out the subtle differences in pronunciation. I think these small differences inadvertently allowed me to pick up subtle differences in tone and inflection as I was learning other languages as well.”

This summer, Cheng is leading a small group of Hawai‘i students, along with Middle School social studies teacher Matt Piercy, on a multi-week journey through Vietnam, allowing him the side benefit of studying yet another language (see story on page 20).

More importantly, he said, he will be teaching students through the summer before returning to the HPA campus for the 2014-2015 school year.

Teaching is extremely rewarding for him both personally and professionally, he said. He is confident HPA students can meet his constant “raising of the bar.”

“I have a strong, trusting relationship with my students,” he said.

“I value their opinions and I try to treat them with the potential they have.” ■ Editor’s Note: Freelance writer and editor Andrew Perala ’72 lives in Waimea with his family. He is a co-winner of the 1989 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service.

MA KE KULA JULY 2014 17

HPAacademics Martin Ferrell, Dean of Academics

This year has been one of unprecedented, positive change at HPA. Teachers completed their first full year of work in our new evaluation and professional development program—the Instructional Leader (IL) system. By design, teachers benefit from biweekly observations and feedback from their IL, the focus of which is on the teacher’s instructional goal. There has been unprecedented collaboration between teachers at every division. Classroom observations also have become the norm—teachers and students expect them, and this is a good thing.

We adopted and used successfully a Learning Management System as an entire K-12 school for the first time. As with any new system, we encountered challenges, but I would say that the use of Haiku has unequivocally been a good thing, too. Haiku has helped facilitate the collaboration between teachers of the same courses, the work of committees, and the communication with parents and students. It has also helped us function more cohesively as a K-12 school.

Important work has been accomplished on a number of fronts in academics. The work of developing culminating assessments has proceeded as each division develops pilot projects for vetting next year. Twenty teachers and administrators participated in a voluntary workshop June 10-13 with Dr. Tim Kubik from the Buck Institute and World Leadership School to design and plan for the implementation of these projects and then anticipate the next steps to follow.

Connected to this work, we are examining our current student travel opportunities and working to make these experiences programmatic.

We are sending six teachers to Costa Rica with World Leadership School to explore setting up HPA language immersion trips for Middle and Upper School students and work-study trips for our Upper School students. We are also sending two teachers to Vietnam with the Pacific Asian Affairs Council to explore the same range of opportunities in that region of the world for our students (see story on page 20). Next year, we will run the first language immersion trips and the first workstudy trips. These groups of teachers will be working to design these experiences, which will be announced in August.

Our Educational Technology committee, in conjunction with our iPad initiative, completed its first year of work. From the work and discussions around the use of iPads in the classroom, this larger group has begun researching possible directions for our school regarding one-to-one devices for our students. The groups will be looking at a range of possibilities, including the decision NOT to become a one-to-one school. The larger committee will develop over time recommendations for each division with respect to device usage by our students. The recommendations will be prepared for consideration and input by faculty, parents, and students and for approval by the entire faculty.

Finally, we emerged from our accreditation year with a sevenyear accreditation and only a one-day progress visit in four years’ time. This level of accreditation is a testament to the strength of our current programs and new initiatives and must be counted as one of the great accomplishments of the year.

We are well-positioned to make 2014-2015 HPA’s best year yet. ■ 18 JULY 2014 MA KE KULA

HPA, Madeira Students Take Steps to Save the World “The world isn’t perfect, but that’s okay, because there are a lot of people who want to make things better,” said Nana Ueno ‘15 of Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy. “We’re small, but this is a step in the right direction.”

Ueno was one of 12 students from HPA and the Madeira School in Virginia participating in Hoku a ‘Aina: A Global Student Sustainability Congress held May 26-June 6, 2014 at HPA. Under the direction of teachers Caitlin Williams and Reyna Pratt from the Madeira School, and Patricia Kassis and Matt Piercy from HPA, the students immersed themselves in the natural and cultural wonders of Hawai‘i Island, hiking and visiting numerous places of interest, including Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Waipio Valley, Waikoloa Landfill, Innovations Charter School, and Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai‘i Authority (NELHA). Participants learned about the sustainability challenges of the island and designed solutions for their chosen challenges.

The Congress culminated in project presentations at the HPA Energy Lab on June 6. Research projects included Animal Industries: How Your Meat Addiction Affects Us All, Food Fights With Waste; The Plastic Puzzle: Keep the Water Blue; What’s In Your Products?

(Endocrine Disruptors); The Importance of Composting; and Upcycling.

All of the participants agreed the Congress inspired them to do their part to apply what they learned in their own lives and at their schools.

“I’m definitely going to make my family start composting,” said Isabel Ruffin, a rising junior at the Madeira School. “I learned a lot about how important the envrionment is and how we can change to make the world more sustainable.”

“I’ve loved watching the students get out of their comfort zone and come together as a group,” said Williams. “I’ve really loved seeing them explore the land, question our systems, and seeing their enthusiasm.”

Kassis hopes the student projects will grow.

“There are lots of possibilities,” said Kassis. “One idea is to alternate Congress locations, so the students experience the practical applications and earth science aspect on Hawai‘i Island and see the policy side in Washington, D.C.” If the students have anything to say about it, the partnership between the two schools will grow.

“We’re thinking of visiting each other,” said Ueno. “We’ve gotten really close in the last two weeks; we’ve made some great memories here.” ■ Editor’s Note: To learn more, visit the students’ blog at http:// hpamadeira.wordpress.com/page/2/.

HPAstudentcouncil Eliana Kaplan ‘15, President

Cultural festivities, friendly competition, the distribution of love across campus, and endlessly smiling faces marked the second semester of the 2013-2014 academic year.

In February, students and teachers participated in International Day, a day that celebrates the cultural diversity at HPA. Students learned about distinct cultural aspects of nations represented at HPA by immersing themselves in artistic endeavors, interactive workshops run by peers, joyful dance, and numerous servings of delicious foods from across the world. Some learned the ways of Chinese calligraphy, while others participated in a Zumba class, or watched a Japanese anime film. After engaging in a series of enthralling workshops, students headed to the highly-anticipated International Day lunch, where the student body enjoyed the nation-specific foods made entirely by their peers.

The International Day talent presentation followed in Castle Gym. Performances ranged from a riveting presentation by our “Eir Band,” led by Eugene Kao ’14, to a beautiful demonstration of hula to a highly entertaining Zumba presentation from the day’s

workshop students to a stunning vocal performance by Calvin Chang ’15 and Mikki Li ’14.

Overall, International Day was a lot of fun and a complete success!

In March, class battles began in the 36th Annual Upper School Olympic Games. This year’s theme was Mythical Clans, and the freshmen competed as Elves, the sophomores as Wizards, the juniors as Orcs, and the seniors as The Sith. Each class competed vehemently in academic, athletic, artistic, and performancebased competitions on and off campus. Many events centered around the Happiness Project, and classes made videos to convey attributes of Happiness. The seniors’ Happiness video, produced by Nani Welch Keili‘iho‘omalu, Hiro Ueno, and Bo Bleckel, soared in its portrayal of Happiness, along with providing information about the Food Bank. Each class collected food for the Food Bank in a friendly competition to promote community service. This year, Olympics fostered service learning, along with unity and sportsmanship in an eventful competition that culminated in victory for the Class of 2015 for the second year in a row.

Other campus events included Free Hug February and the Student Art Show. Every student and faculty member received a hug and sticker on Free Hug February day as the HPA community came together to pass on and collect love. The Student Art Show (“the social event of the season”) featured the remarkable talent of HPA students through a wealth of art in different media.

As students say bittersweet goodbyes to the class of 2014, we look forward to the next

Patig and Sarwar Study Abroad on U.S. Department of State NSLI-Y Scholarship Alice Patig ‘16 (right) and Noor Sarwar ‘15 have been awarded National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) scholarships for 2014-2015. Patig is studying Chinese in China July 5-August 23 and Sarwar is studying Arabic in Morocco June 17-August 6. Both girls are staying with host families in their respective countries.

The NSLI-Y program is funded by the U.S. Department of State and provides merit-based scholarship for eligible high school students to learn less commonly-taught languages in summer and academic-year overseas immersion programs. The State Department offers about 625 students per year the chance to study Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Persian, Russian, or Turkish overseas through NSLI-Y. Launched in 2006, NLI-Y seeks to increase the number of Americans who can engage with native speakers of critical languages by providing formal instruction and information language practice in an immersion environment. The goals of the NLSI-Y program include sparking a lifelong interest in foreign languages and cultures, and developing a corps of young Americans with the skills necessary to advance international dialogue and cross-cultural opportunities in the private, academic, and government sectors. ■

New Student Leaders: The 2014-2015 Student Council officers are (l t r): Noor Sarwar, service learning coordinator; Brittani Boora, treasurer; Hide Akai, vice president; Jessie Ainslie, secretary; and Eliana Kaplan, president.

school year, which will feature an even greater focus on service learning. Student Council will continue to work closely with the Service Learning Advisory Council (SLAC) to promote a wider range of participation in community service initiatives. In addition, with a firm club-starting process set up with the help of Scott Fetz ’14, starting and joining clubs will be a simple and efficient process, allowing students easy access to a wide variety of extracurricular clubs and activities. As leadership positions turnover and each class moves up to the next grade level, these beneficial changes, along with the continued focus on HPA traditions, will make way for a plethora of opportunities for HPA students as we move into the 2014-2015 academic year. ■

HPA Hosts Spring College Fair

Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy hosted the annual Waimea College Fair sponsored by the Hawai‘i Association for College Admission Counseling on April 7 in the school’s Castle Gym. The free event was designed for all Waimea-area students interested in pursuing higher education opportunities.

This year’s program featured a record attendance of 50 colleges from Hawai‘i, the mainland, and Canada. ■ MA KE KULA JULY 2014 19

Hawai‘i Teens Return from Vietnam Forever Changed by Experience

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our high school students from the state of Hawai‘i, including Sidney Vermeulen ’16 and Joli Ana Welch ’15 from Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy (HPA), were selected to take part in the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council’s (PAAC) Summer Study Abroad to Vietnam for three weeks in June 2014. HPA teachers Matt Piercy and Phillip Cheng traveled with the group. This program, the third annual service-learning based trip to Hoi An, grew out of a partnership between PAAC’s annual Summer Study Tour to Asia and GLocal Literacy Foundation, a non-profit organization started by Karen Chun, a teacher at Campbell High School on O‘ahu, who is one of PAAC’s Club advisors and global studies teachers.

This program gives students the opportunity to experience daily life in Hoi An and create bonds in the community while giving back through community service at a local elementary school.

Piercy, who teaches Middle School social studies, wrote a series of articles for the North Hawai‘i News about the group’s experience.

Here is an excerpt:

After sharing a week with kindergarteners at Trường MN Sơn Ca (“The Nightingale School”) private school, our Hawai‘i teens spent their mornings at Smart Tutoring English Center (STEC). This nonprofit venture began in 2011 by Campbell High School’s Karen Chun and her Vietnamese friend and partner, Chi. Similar to the first week, our students promoted English through literature and the arts.

Picture books included Corduroy, Minerva Louise, and more.

STEC’s vision is for students to be confident and competent citizens who are fully engaged in the global society. Student tuition is $25 a month and a holistic curriculum includes enrichment so students can ultimately utilize English for communication. Students range in age from pre-school to high school to working adults. The $25 fee might seem like a bargain, but in a country where the gross domestic product per person equates to $4,000, not a great deal of funds exist.

At HPA’s annual Pumpkin Patch, the Students Helping Students Club successfully raised money that unbeknownst to them at the time, would possibly change the lives of two Vietnamese girls. We provided two partial scholarships to the nieces of a humble and gracious woman we met named Hai. Understanding firsthand the 20 JULY 2014 MA KE KULA

By Matt Piercy

PHOTOS: Left: HPA’s Joli Ana Welch ‘15 reads The Big Orange Splot to an attentive class at Trường MN Sơn Ca, a private school in Vietnam. Middle: Farmers harvest sesame in Vietnam. Right: Making grilled calamari with lemongrass and chili (and served with mint leaves and homemade sauce!) at the Baby Mustard Cooking School. Pictured left, front to back: Chelsea Lautaha, Campbell High School; Joli Ana Welch ‘15, Phillip Cheng, Sidney Vermeulen ‘16; right, front to back: Thomas Guo, Campbell High School and Ho Thi Hai of Vietnam. Photos courtesy Matt Piercy.

importance of English, Hai was thrilled to contribute to the other half of the scholarships awarded to her two nieces, while already providing her son the opportunity to attend STEC. Outside the classroom, a different and more wide-angle perspective presented itself behind handlebars and two wheels.

Students commented on how the 20km bicycle tour to the countryside was their favorite activity.

Our guide’s parents generously shared a modest dinner with us at their home. The final leg of our journey was to cross the river by ferry, but not before passing by door-less and furniture-less “shells,” where generations kept air conditioned by being strewn across the cold concrete floors. Mopeds pass us by, carting three, four, and occasionally five people. When the customary “hello” does not ring out, a solemn and curious stare is palpable. Only occasionally does an onlooker ogle, the muscles of their face seemingly frozen up, unable or forgetting how to bend into a smile; their haunting past only to be imagined.

The three weeks in Vietnam passed much more quickly than anyone might have imagined. Students graciously offered their whole selves, in the classroom and throughout all cultural activities.

Though there was ample opportunity to serve, there was consensus that far more was given to us, leaving an indelible mark on each of our lives. We return with a renewed perspective, anxious to share pictures, stories, and enduring memories with our Big Island and O‘ahu friends, family, and communities! ■ To read more, visit the North Hawai‘i News website at http://north hawaiinews.com/sections/school-news/hawaii-teens-return-vietnamforever-changed-experience.html, or visit Phillip Cheng’s blog at http://pcheng.weebly.com/

Energy Lab Named Apple Distinguished Program The Energy Lab at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished Program for 2013–2015.

The Apple Distinguished Program designation is reserved for programs that meet criteria for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence, and demonstrate a clear vision of exemplary learning environments.

“The Energy Lab is a creative crucible for innovative students to have access to emerging technologies and tools,” said Dr. Bill Wiecking, director of the Energy Lab. “This learning space enables autonomy, mastery, and sense of purpose in our students, which are hallmarks of successful, creative people.

At the Energy Lab, students have access to 40 MacBook Pros, 30 iPads, 20 iMacs, and 20 Mac minis for their projects, helping to support the way they live and how they want to learn. All rooms have flat panel displays linked to Apple TV units for fluid presentation of iPad and MacBook screens.

Six Xserve servers in the building host educational materials and student projects that can be previewed by teachers throughout the campus.

All students also have file server connectivity with additional access to more experimental resources at the Energy Lab, including weblogs, iBooks, iTunes U, and student-created wikis.

HPA students are creating High-Dynamic-Range (HDR) virtual reality tours of Hawai‘i Island observatories, evaluating learning in elementary-age children using the Emotiv brain wave headset, designing and building a wireless sensor suite to study sleep apnea, working on DNA testing for fast- and slow-twitch muscle quality in runners, and working with the Tetris founders to study the brain’s activity while playing the game. In March 2014, six Upper School students attended the Green Schools National Conference in Sacramento and also presented their projects at Macworld/iWorld in San Francisco.

The 6,112-square foot Energy Lab opened in January 2010. In April 2011, the Interna-

tional Living Building Institute described the Energy Lab as “the world’s greenest K-12 school building” in its announcement of the Energy Lab’s Living Building Challenge certification. The Energy Lab, which also is the first building in Hawai‘i to achieve LEED Platinum certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Schools 2.0 rating system, has been recognized with numerous awards for design, engineering, integrated development, and building/technology.

For more information about HPA’s Energy Lab, visit www.hpa.edu/academics/energylab. ■

An International Affair The Upper School held its annual International Day on February 3. Students enjoyed a variety of morning workshops, which included Origami, Hanafuda, Calligraphy, Japanese Anime, Zumba, Diabolo, and Tinikling.

Students prepared a mouth-watering luncheon menu featuring dishes from their respective countries. The day concluded with international performances at Castle Gymnasium. ■ TOP LEFT: The “Eir” Band, led by Eugene Kao ‘14, was one of the talent show highlights. TOP RIGHT: The International Day luncheon featured dishes from around the world.

BOTTOM LEFT: Kaz Arakawa ‘14 and Hajime Matsui ‘15 prepare a dish for the luncheon. BOTTOM RIGHT: Joshua Patterson ‘15 and John Emmanuel Perry ‘15 play Hanafuda, a Japanese card game.

MA KE KULA JULY 2014 21

[student] voices

Learning and Growing in the Ulumau Garden

By Chris Chock ‘19

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he Ulumau Garden at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy’s (HPA) Village Campus is a sustainable and amazing place to be.

The garden’s name, Ulumau, means continuous growth and HPA’s garden is a growing and never-ending garden of learning.

The Ulumau Garden is run by Noah Dodd, K-8 garden coordinator, who teaches students how to live a sustainable and robust life.

“The Ulumau Garden is a place where plants continue to grow, and so do the students of HPA,” says Mr. Dodd.

In the Ulumau Garden, students have a blast while they experience the ways of planting crops without genetically modified organisms (GMO). There are no major poisons to eliminate the fruit flies and other destructive bugs, but there are minor ones, like soap and water.

Students harvest many different crops, ranging from sweet sugarcane to potatoes. Several classes harvested sugarcane, and created a breathtaking juice without adding anything but lemons! Each of the seventh graders took a sugarcane sprout home to start their own garden and make their own healthy drinks.

So far, the students have harvested three types of uala (sweet potato), which thrive in this garden—yellow, purple, and white. The smallest potato was about two inches, and not ready to eat. The largest potato was about the size of a football, but not as heavy as one. This large starch was overripe with insect holes all over it, so it could not be eaten.

Potatoes that are overripe, or too young, are used in “compost tea,” a mix of different ingredients, such as molasses, fresh compost, water, and more. Compost tea is used as an organic fertilizer, and Mr. Dodd hopes compost tea will change the world one day, since it is organic and Earth-friendly.

22 JULY 2014 MA KE KULA

The Ulumau Garden is a place where plants continue to grow, and so do the students of HPA. Ulumau Garden crops are distributed to several places around the Big Island. Lettuce, sweet potatoes, and many more delicious crops are donated to the Food Pantry in Waimea, Sodexo (HPA’s food service provider), and students on campus. The food distributed to the Food Pantry is then prepared to share with the community. The school’s cafeteria serves the lettuce, and sometimes the sweet potatoes are served, too. Students receive crops from Mr. Dodd and take them home to eat, just like the sugarcane. Our school’s crops go to many places!

HPA students say that the Ulumau Garden gives them a privilege to experience how to grow plants, and they enjoy being able to eat the plants they grow. Students also say they enjoy supporting the Earth and everyone else, by planting plants, and receiving vegetables as a gift from the Earth. The students enjoy learning about how each plant has a certain climate it can grow in. They also learn how the plants are affected through their genes, by people, and are turned into genetically modified organisms.

The Ulumau Garden is special to all the students, who will continue to learn and grow. ■ LEFT: Middle School students Zach Vermeulen, Zoe Ganley, and Chris Chock take instruction from Noah Dodd, HPA K-8 garden coordinator, before feeding baby vegetables probiotic compost tea. RIGHT: Zoe Ganley, Zach Vermeulen (background), and Chris Chock harvest elegance greens mix under the direction of Noah Dodd, HPA K-8 garden coordinator.

Students Present Groundbreaking Projects at Macworld, National Green School Conference, & Apple Headquarters

LEFT: Leila Morrison, Erina Baudat, and Jessie Ainslie at the Green Schools National Conference. TOP: Luigi Balbo Bertone Di Sambuy presents his project at Macworld/iWorld..

Under the leadership of Dr. Bill Wiecking, director of HPA’s Energy Lab, a diverse and talented group of seven students traveled to California during spring break to present their groundbreaking projects at three different locations. Jessie Ainslie ‘15, Luigi Balbo Bertone Di Sambuy ‘14, Erina Baudat ‘15, Bo Bleckel ‘14, Leila Morrison ‘15, Kenji Stinson ‘14, and Hannah Twigg-Smith ‘14 unveiled their work at the Green Schools National Conference in Sacramento, at the international Macworld /iWorld conference in San Francisco, and at the Apple Headquarters in Cupertino.

Ainslie and Morrison were part of a four-person group of HPA students, including Tori Greco Hironaka ‘15 and Ari Datta ‘15, who placed 10th among 2,000 other high school and college teams in Project Green Challenge, competition focused on environmental sustainability.

At this year’s Green Schools National Conference, Ainslie and Morrison discussed their experiences during the 30-day Project Green Challenge and proposed campaigns to improve the sustainability of the HPA campus. Morrison also presented a separate project at Macworld.

She described how she used a network of sensors linked to HPA’s telemetry system to create an energy monitoring and analysis toolset of the entire campus.

At the Macworld/iWorld conference, Balbo Bertone Di Sambuy spoke about how he created music using his brainwaves and the Emotiv headset and a program that creates and manipulates sounds. Stinson talked about working with the founders of Tetris to observe changes in brain activity while playing the game. Baudat presented her project, which looked at how music affects the brainwaves of older patients, focusing on those with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

“It’s always been known that music can be extremely therapeutic, but with the headset I can see how music affects certain parts of the brain, which is a major step forward,” said Baudat.

Bleckel and Twigg-Smith presented their work with Virtual Reality to create virtual tours of all 11 observatories on Mauna Kea and the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo. The students used High-DynamicRange (HDR) imaging, a technique that combines three pictures with different exposures for optimum detail and lighting.

L to r: Hannah Twigg-Smith, Dr. Bill Wiecking and his son, Matthew, Luigi Bertone Di Sambuy, Kenji Stinson, and Bo Bleckel at Apple Headquarters.

“The virtual tours are awesome because people can experience the observatories without driving up to Mauna Kea,” said Bleckel. “Most observatories don’t allow visitors inside due to safety reasons.”

Bleckel and Twigg-Smith hope to add an aerial layer to the tours using Phantom drones, another cutting-edge instrument available for use at the Energy Lab. Balbo Bertone Di Sambuy, Baudat, Bleckel, Morrison, Stinson, and Twigg-Smith were the first high school students to present their projects at Future Tech, a strand of the Macworld conference focusing on innovative solutions. Balbo Bertone Di Sambuy, Bleckel, Stinson, and Twigg-Smith also presented their work at Apple Headquarters.

The four seniors will go on to study at the University of California, Davis (Stinson), Bowdoin College (Bleckel), Olin College (Twigg-Smith), and Stanford University (Balbo Bertone Di Sambuy). Their innovative research earned them a place among leaders in their fields at Macworld and the Green Schools National Conference, but their work is just beginning as they embark on the next stage of their life adventure. ■ Editor’s Note: Melia Cavedoni ‘14 has been a frequent contributor to Ma Ke Kula. We wish her well in her next life adventure at the University of Miami!

MA KE KULA JULY 2014 23

Green Schools National Conference Inspires Students to Change the World Teagan Rutkowski ‘16

[student] spotlight Middle School Scientists Take Their Projects to State Science & Engineering Fair Five Middle School students participated in the Hawai‘i State Science & Engineering Fair held in April at the Hawai‘i Convention Center on O‘ahu. HPA participants and their projects were (l to r): Kealia Haitsuka, Cleaning Up the Ocean!; Gillian Winston, Smartphone Radiation Reduction; Corey Patton-Lossner, Temperature Rebound; Hayden Virtue, Organic Pesticides to Deter Pests on Eggplant; and Devyn Harmon, How Do Different Detergents Used In Graywater Affect Marigold Growth?

T

he fourth annual Green Schools National Conference, held March 27-29 in Sacramento, could be described in a single word: happy. Pharrell Williams’ Happy was even the theme song of the conference. This happiness invigorated us and made us ready to change the world.

The atmosphere at the Youth Summit was the same way. We met great leaders from organizations across the country, who weren’t just people to look up to; they are people who can help us, the youth, make a difference. Some of the speakers were youth themselves. Our youngest speaker was nine years old! How’s that for inspiring?

I presented my project, The Science of Water Technologies, which began as an independent study geared toward measuring HPA’s water use and using that data to find ways to conserve water and use this resource intelligently.

TOP: Teagan Rutkowski ‘16 (left) with fellow student presenters Kathryn Owens (center), and Rosalyn Lemmo at the conference center.

LEFT: Teagan Rutkowski ‘16 at the conference center with Ice Berg (Iceberg Lettuce) and Carin (Carrot) from Growums’ Garden in a Box.

This experience was unlike anything I have ever done. Although I had plenty of practice presenting my project, the experience of speaking at a national conference as a sophomore is indescribable. The room was filled with more people than I had ever presented to before.

I presented alongside another student, a senior from Escuela Verde, a charter school in Milwaukee. It was hard to live up to a presentation that ended with a rap about social justice. But the entire experience, not just the presentation, was truly amazing. I learned a lot at the conference and I am ready to do my part. First, I took on the challenge of water conservation, but using what I learned, I am sure I can do anything I set my mind to. ■ 24 JULY 2014 MA KE KULA

Patton-Lossner earned the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa College of Engineering Award. Congratulations to all of the participating scientists! Photo courtesy Laura Jim ‘91. ■

Berezney and Emmons Win “Inspired in Hawai’i” Awards Middle School students Haley Emmons (center) and Annika Berezney placed second and third, respectively, in the seventh grade category of the Fourth Annual “Inspired in Hawai‘i” contest sponsored by The Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation. Elise Kuwaye of Kaimuki Christian School on O‘ahu placed first in the seventh grade category.

The contest is designed to “inspire our children to dream big and help make Hawai‘i a better place” by expressing their ideas and vision with essays, posters, and videos (PSAs).

Emmons’ essay was titled, The Monster that is Marine Debris, while Berezhey’s essay was titled, The Action that Changes Everything.

The students attended a special awards ceremony in February 19 at the Kahala Mall on O‘ahu. The students are pictured with Raymond Tam (left), trustee and vice chair of The Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation, and George Engebretson, publisher of Watermark Publishing and one of the contest’s seven judges. ■

#BringBackOurGirls Event Raises Awareness of Kidnapped Nigerian Girls

Enjoying Summer at HPA Students from Hawai‘i and around the globe are enjoying summer at HPA, where there’s something for kids of all ages! Here’s a peek at what’s happening on campus this summer:

David Ovbagbedia ‘14 of Nigeria (kneeling, center) organized a special event with the help of fellow students to bring awareness to the plight of 276 Nigerian girls who were kidnapped from Chibok Government Girls Secondary School on April 14.

The event, held May 13 at the school’s Davies Chapel, featured student speakers, who provided statistics about violence against women and girls and information about how educating women and girls benefits communities and countries.

Ovbagbedia also addressed the group of about 200, which included students, parents, staff, faculty, and alumni.

“I find this really disturbing,” said Ovbagbedia. “These girls have fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, cousins; these girls have families.

The girls are suffering and their families are suffering.

“I want to raise awareness of this epidemic of violence against women and girls. This is not only going on in my country, it’s happening all over the world.”

Ovbagbedia asked attendees to pray for the girls and their families and the service concluded with a “candlelight” moment of silence. Attendees also were invited to make signs with the hashtag #bringbackourgirls and post them to social media forums. ■

Celebrating Earth Day at HPA The Third Annual Earth Day Family Celebration and Environmental Science Symposium was held on April 19 at the school’s Ulu Malama Terrace Farm, located at the Upper Campus.

The free community event featured nine workshops and activities led by HPA alumnus Ashley Goo ‘99, (pictured, above right) HPA students in the Environmental Science, Agro-Ecology, and Senior Research classes, and members of the school’s Service Learning Advisory Council (SLAC). Workshop and activities included Bokashi Composting, Healthy Snacks, Water Policy in Hawai‘i, Cooking with Methane from the Biodigester, bamboo construction tour, aquaculture system tour, and tree and u‘ala planting. A luncheon followed.

This was the final ‘Ohana Sustainability event for the school year.

HPA’s Ohana Sustainability events will resume in September. ■

Keiki enjoy friendly competition during Ka Makani Kids’ Makahiki Games.

Hoku A Aina student Chris Watanabe of Japan learns how to toss a pizza from James Angelo Pelosi, owner of Underground Pizza in Waimea.

Alessandro Recchia (left) and Massimo De Rivo of Italy determine lethal concentrations of road salts on lettuce and radish seed germinations in Dave Huntington’s Green Chemistry lab.

A jellyfish swims by Laura Jim’s EDventure class during a recent dive.

MA KE KULA JULY 2014 25

Savage and Gertsenberger are Winners in Creative Writing Competition

Caught in the Acts of Kindness

Seventh graders Tess Savage (center) and Ruthy Gerstenberger placed first and third, respectively, in the “Real Women” Creative Writing Competition for Grades 5-12.

The students are pictured with Stephanie David-Chapman, Middle School English teacher.

The competition was sponsored by the County of Hawai‘i Committee on the Status of Women in celebration of “National Women’s History Month.” Students wrote about a significant female who has influenced their lives. The essays were judged by representatives from many sectors of our community, including educators, politicians, business leaders, journalists, and retirees.

The winning compositions were compiled into a booklet and presented to the essay winners, their “Real Woman,” teachers, and principals at the recent awards luncheon, along with prizes and certificates.

Photo courtesy Stephanie David-Chapman. ■

The Lower School held its Random Acts of Kindness Weeks from February 14 to 28. During that time, any faculty member, student council representative, or staff member could “catch” any student in a random act of kindness and submit the student’s name in a ballot box.

Thirteen student names were randomly selected from the box and those students recently were recognized at the Random Acts of Kindness luncheon held at the Upper School’s Taylor Commons meeting room. Upper School Student Council members joined the Lower School students in celebrating their acts of kindness.

The Lower School students recognized were (front row, l to r): Nonokea Lindsey, Pemma Norbu, Maile Imonen, Sebastian SatulloYamashita, Skylar James, Robbie Shaver; (middle row, l to r): Sana Yamakawa, Bianca Brown, Krysti Chen, Lily Kassis, Jona Patig; (back row, l to r): Gabriel Kalama, Jack Jefferson, and Mariah Dodd. ■

Spring 2014 Student Art Show Draws a Large Crowd

Art Appreciation

Jordan Hayslip, Upper School art teacher, called it “the social event of the year,” and the Spring 2014 Student Art Show certainly lived up to that description. On May 13, students, faculty, staff, and parents filled the Gerry Clark Art Center and enjoyed the wonderful works of art on display, along with a great pancake breakfast, courtesy of Arati Clarry, director of student programs, and Kaz Arakawa ‘14.

The latest issue of Zephyr, featuring selected art and writing by Upper School students, also was unveiled. ■

Book Swap is a Huge Success!

More than 2,400 books were “swapped” at The Friends of the HPA Libraries’ Biennial Book Swap held April 10 and 11 at the Lynn Taylor Library. Students in grades K-8 participated in this highly-anticipated event.

“Many thanks to the volunteers who sorted books, set up the tables of books, manned the checkout table, constantly straightened out the books as classes came through, and stayed to put things back in order on Friday afternoon,” said David Giff, Village Campus library media specialist. ■ 26 JULY 2014 MA KE KULA

The K-8 Art Show was held on April 25, at the Village Campus. The annual art extravaganza, organized by art teachers Jane Taylor and Janice Gail, featured art from every student in grades K-8.

The event also included silk painting demonstrations and a student-designed Earth Day-themed mural to paint. It was a great evening for all! ■

36th Annual Olympic Games Unites Classes The 36th Annual Upper School Olympic Games opened on March 10 at Castle Gymnasium. For three days, four mythical clans—the Elves (freshmen), Wizards (sophomores), Orcs (juniors), and Sith (seniors) competed in a variety of events on and off campus. This year, each class also collected food for the Food Bank in a friendly competition to promote community service.

In the end, the Class of 2015 claimed victory for the second year in a row. ■ Photo courtesy Patrick O‘Leary.

The Class of 2015 shows their spirit during opening ceremonies.

HPAadmissions

Middle School Students Recognized at Waimea Arts Council Show

Joshua Clark, Director of Admission

Congratulations to the following Middle School participants and winners at the annual Waimea Arts Council Show for students in North Hawai‘i. This juried show is open to students in schools and homeschoolers from North and South Kohala and Hamakua in grades 6 through 12. Prizes are awarded for grade-level work.

Sixth Grade: First place: Paloma Field; Third Place: Mia Patig; Honorable Mention: Hikari Shaver & Jackson Freitas.

Eighth Grade: Second Place: Kate Gargiulo; Third Place: Chloe Garfinkle; Honorable Mention: Keanu Young. ■ Sixth grader Paloma Field won first place in the sixth grade division for this entry.

Walking for Charity The Class of 2018, along with faculty members and parents, participated in the 36th Annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk on May 10 at the Mauna Lani Resort. Members of the class also represented HPA well in the 3.5-mile run, with Will Savage taking first place overall, a first for HPA.

Other runners placing in their divisions were Griffin Head, first place (10-19 year old male division); Ada Benson, first place (10-19 year old female division), and seventh grader Joey Cootey, second place (10-19 year old division). ■ Photo courtesy Julie Camarillo.

Celebrating the 100th Day of School How would you celebrate the 100th day of school? Students in grades K-2 celebrated their 100th day of school on February 6 by participating in grade-level and mixed-level activities focused around a “100” theme.

Activities included building a 100-cup structure, making a necklace with 100 beads, building a 100-mini-marshmallow structure, putting 100 drops of water on various coins, painting a 100-year-old self portrait, making 100 thumbprints, jump roping 100 times, and more! ■

Skylar James (right) and Hannah Tran make necklaces with 100 pieces of cereal during the school’s 100th Day of School celebration.

World Peace Starts at HPA In her address at this year’s commencement, Rika Inaba made a statement that resonated with me. She told our graduates, “Because you attended HPA, your life will never quite be the same. When you read news about Nigeria, Italy, Russia, Canada, Germany, Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Lithuania, you will not just see the countries; you will see the faces of your dear friends, and you will recall some shared memories…

World peace starts right here, with you.”

Our international students contribute significantly in all areas of our school community and I am always amazed at the strong friendships made between our international, domestic, and local students.

Hide Akai ‘15 is the youngest of three siblings who attended HPA from Japan. Hide came to HPA as a sixth grader and has grown to be a stellar student, athlete, and leader who is well respected by his peers.

Hide is our Student Council vice president-elect, who contributed to the boys cross-country BIIF Division I championship and to the boys basketball team’s HHSAA Division II State Championship. He is this year’s recipient of the John L. Pricher Award and a Cum Laude (honor society) member.

Luigi Balbo Bertone di Sambuy ‘14 of Torino, Italy, originally came to HPA as a semester exchange student, but loved his experience so much, he extended for the full year and then a second year, so he could graduate from HPA. From the moment he stepped on campus, Luigi was a dynamo and much loved by his peers and teachers. He conducted earthquake and brain research at the Energy Lab and presented his projects at Macworld. He received this year’s Thomas Webb Mar Physics Award and was a member of Cum Laude (honor society), the golf team, and the electronic music club, among others. He will attend Stanford University this fall.

Cousins Alua Jumabayeva ‘15 and Alina Sabyr ‘15 hail from Kazakhstan and arrived on campus as freshmen. Alua is a dorm prefect, varsity tennis player, and a member of our Service Learning Advisory Council (SLAC). Alina is a senior dorm representative, varsity tennis player, Cum Laude (honor society) member, and recipient of this year’s Mount Holyoke Book Award; this fall, Alina also will conduct brain research at the school’s Energy Lab. David Ovbagbedia ‘14 came to HPA as a junior from Lagos, Nigeria.

In his first year at HPA, he wanted to play basketball, but didn’t get much playing time. David practiced mornings, evenings, weekends, and in the summer. By the time he returned for his senior year, he was a starter on the team that won the Hawai‘i High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) Division II State Championship. David, through the support of the coaches and his teammates, was voted the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. David also served as a prefect and mentor to the eighth grade boys in the residence hall. This fall, David will attend the University of Rochester.

These are just a few of our many outstanding international students. As you reflect on your HPA connections, think about how our international students had a positive impact on your life. I hope you will consider recommending HPA to someone who could benefit from such a wonderful experience. As Mrs. Inaba stated, “World peace starts right here.” ■ MA KE KULA JULY 2014 27

On Stage at Gates Performing Arts Center

Flowers for Algernon

Ka Makani Players presented David Rogers’ poignant Flowers for Algernon, February 27-28 and March 1. The cast featured Julian Sandulli as Charlie Gordon, Kimi Cantyne as Alice Kinnian, Churchill Crean as Professor Nemur, Curtis McMackin as Dr. Strauss, Colby Camero as Burt Sheldon, Wolfgang Brennan as Teenage Charlie, and 16 other supporting players. Upper School theatre instructor Marina Tichotsky directed, with set and lighting design by Jared Terpak.

Seventh Grade Performing Arts Final

An Evening of Song, Dance, and Music About Beginnings, Rainbows, and Love Under the direction of Upper School music teacher Marina Tichotsky, about 30 students presented a collection of songs, dances, and instrumental music on May 11. Highlights included a one-act musical, The Diary of Adam and Eve, an excerpt from the recent Prince Dance Company performance, and an instrumental number featuring the after-school ensemble directed by Phillip Cheng. ■

The Class of 2019 performs Rock and Roll is Here to Stay.

As part of Middle School music teacher Barbara Kopra’s yearlong performing arts course for seventh graders, each student chose a monologue, pantomime, or scene to demonstrate mastery of expression, character, and stage presence. On May 9, all of the students performed with tremendous poise and confidence! ■ 28 JULY 2014 MA KE KULA

Haley Hubbard (left) and Kaz Arakawa were among the featured performers in the Upper School spring production.

Miller White and Eliana Kaplan in a scene from The Diary of Adam and Eve.

One World, One Love, One ‘Uke The Twenty-First Annual ‘Ukulele Festival

More than 120 students from Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy, Kealakehe Intermediate School, and Waikoloa School performed at this year’s ‘ukulele festival on March 8 under the direction of Kuwalu Anakalea, Dagan Bernstein, Barbara Kopra, and Georgia Poláková (HPA); Gloria Juan (Kealakehe), and Lani ‘Opunui (Waikoloa).

To represent the universality of music, the ‘ukulele, and the people of the world, this year’s festival featured music, songs, and

dances from many cultures. Beginning in Hawai‘i, students took the audience on a journey into the Pacific through the Philippines, New Zealand, Japan, and moved on to Africa, Israel, Europe, South America, the Caribbean and North America. Highlights included Kawika, E Papa Waiari, Sakura, Greensleeves, Hava Nagila, and Tico Tico. ■

Ho‘ii Kahiki: Return to Our Ancestral Lands - A May Day Celebration

American Symbols!

The Lower School’s annual May Day program, held on May 2, honored the traditions and practices of early Polynesians, as the journey of Malama Honua begins and Hokule‘a begins her sail. The Lower School honored the Na Kalai Wa‘a ‘Ohana, who will be on the Tahiti to Samoa leg of the voyage. ■ Right: First graders perform Hokule‘a Aiha‘a.

Kindergarteners and first graders showed their patriotic side in this fun musical production that explored the origin, nature, and significance of many of America’s national symbols, documents, songs, and landmarks. Georgia Poláková, Lower School music teacher, directed the February 27 performance. ■ Presentation of the fifth grade May Day Courts: The Island Court and the Island Nations Court.

MA KE KULA JULY 2014 29

HPAohanaassociation Pamela Heitz, President pamelaheitz@sbcglobal.net

Tell me and I will forget, show me and I may remember, include me and I will understand. —Chinese Proverb The HPA ‘Ohana strives to ensure everyone at our amazing school, including parents, teachers, faculty, staff, and administrators, feels included and welcome to be active participants in decisions for our children’s best interest. We invite and welcome any and all newcomers to join us at our monthly meetings, volunteer your time, or become involved in the capacity that fits your schedule. We seek and value input from a wide spectrum of viewpoints and experiences. We understand and appreciate the school’s challenge of providing enriching experiences for our children while keeping costs balanced for these experiences. We feel pride in being able to help fund the extras that we hope contribute to the “HPA Experience.”

In 2013-2014 the ‘Ohana Association enjoyed another great year of relationship building and friend-raising, and service to the HPA and Waimea communities. Association funding supported student leadership, teacher appreciation gifts, promotion of safe graduation celebrations, helped with the Christmas Parade float, hosted our first annual Hot Chocolate get together at the Village Campus and awarded a grant for HPA’s pilot program World Leadership School! We were also given a grant thru the Kokua program which creates philanthropic opportunities for students!

We are now gearing up for the 2014-2015 school year. The ‘Ohana Association will continue with the same great traditions and hope to add some new ones as well!

■ Experience HPA (Friday August 15, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Taylor Commons, Upper Campus) is our annual social held right before the start of school.

This will be a great opportunity to meet and greet other students, parents, and teachers. We will have an “‘ohana barbecue” with a great relaxed atmosphere.

■ Pumpkin Patch (Sunday, October 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m) will continue as our signature event of the year. Designed originally to provide a venue for student groups, clubs, and teams to raise money simultaneously at one event, Pumpkin Patch has grown into the premier fall festival for the island of Hawai’i. This year we will strive to be a Zero Waste event, along with a focus on HPA’s Water Project! We will also continue to use local sources for our goods, providing the very best possible value for the community dollars spent, bringing the entire community together for a great day of fun!

We have many more things in store this upcoming year and invite all to lend a hand to the HPA ‘ohana as we continue our efforts to support exceptional educational and life learning opportunities for our children.

The ‘Ohana Association wishes everyone a fantastic summer and we look forward to renewing relationships and building new ones. Our fondest welcome to all new families! You are starting a great experience and we are eager to help it be a part of your new journey!

Mahalo nui loa! ■ 30 JULY 2014 MA KE KULA

Building Healthy Relationships Dr. Jill Murray, one of the country’s leading experts on teen violence, dating, and relationships, recently spoke to Upper School students about healthy and unhealthy relationships at Gates Performing Arts Center. HPA’s Health and Wellness Committee arranged the presentation.

Murray reviewed signs of unhealthy and abusive relationships and shared a story about teen dating violence from ABC-TV’s 20/20 news program. She also reviewed the signs of depression and encouraged students to seek help from a trusted adult.

“There is nothing in your life that can’t be solved,” Murray said. “Asking for help is a strong thing to do; talk to another adult.”

Murray concluded her presentation with two thoughts: “Love is a behavior; it’s the way someone treats you all the time.

You get to decide what love is; you’re in charge. If it doesn’t feel like loving behavior, it’s not.

Remember, you have control over everything in your life. You have one hundred percent control over the way you think, the way you act, and the way you react. This is power.”

For more information, visit www.drjillmurray.com. ■

Digital Tattoos: Real Ethics in a Virtual World “What you do on the Internet is permanent,” cautioned FBI Special Agent Arnold Laanui. Laanui, a vocal advocate of digital ethics, spoke to students on campus in April about today’s online environment and the unintended consequences of online behavior.

Laanui also offered a special evening presentation for parents.

Laanui educates thousands each year in high schools, universities, and police academies throughout the United States and overseas through outreach programs, print, radio, and TV. A past recipient of Hawaii’s Top Cop Award, Special Agent Laanui has received numerous local, state, and national honors for his authorship of crime prevention programs for youth and teens. ■

Happy Grandparents Day! Dana Lewis of Kailua-Kona works on a project with her grandson Zane Van Natta.

Kupuna from near and far recently spent the morning with their grandchildren at the Village Campus as part of the Lower School’s annual Grandparents Day. The school’s special guests visited their grandchildren’s classrooms, enjoyed refreshments, and attended a musical performance by the kindergarten and first grade classes at Gates Performing Arts Center. It was a wonderful day for the young and young-at-heart! ■

Coachescorner Stephen L. Perry Athletic Director

The Class of 2014 wraps up a successful school year with one more BIIF title… and some impressive personal achievements.

Taylor Wins Two HHSAA Titles

Boys Tennis Claims BIIF Team Title The boys tennis team claimed the BIIF team title with wins over Waiakea and Kealakehe during the BIIF team championships held April 12 at Mauna Lani. Led by Bryce Zeffert, JJ Minikata, Brendan Moynahan, and Wayne Tan, the boys wrapped up the second BIIF tennis title in a row for HPA. Team photo courtesy Yone Moynahan.

Van Pernis and Gillins Named Athletes of the Year Seniors Kristiana Van Pernis and Kellen Gillins were recognized by Ka Makani coaches as the 2014 Athletes of the Year.

Van Pernis had an outstanding year in cross-country, soccer, and track with her determined and focused work ethic.

Van Pernis finished her high school career with two HHSAA team championships (cross-county and soccer) and four HHSAA runner-up finishes. Van Pernis also set a new school record in the 3000m with a time of 10:43.2.

Gillins finished his two years at HPA with outstanding performances on the football field, basketball court, and track. Gillins helped lead the boys basketball team to an HHSAA championship, was an all-around on the track, and led the football team to the BIIF championship game. ■

Jeff Lewis Named Director of Rutgers Tennis Center

Sophomore Emma Taylor shined again at the Hawai‘i High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) track championships held May 9-10 on O‘ahu, this time winning two gold medals. Taylor defended her 2013 title in the 100m hurdles and added the 300m hurdles championship with a last-second surge! ■ Photo courtesy Tony McCafferty.

Jeff Lewis has been named director of the Rutgers Tennis Center at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy, effective June 1. Stephen Perry, HPA’s athletic director, made the announcement.

Lewis replaces Steve Campbell, who is relocating to Maui.

Lewis will oversee and coordinate all schedules and activities for Rutgers Tennis Center, including instructing recreational tennis and assisting with physical education classes for HPA students, assisting with tennis center membership, and coordinating lessons, clinics, tournaments, and camps for the local community. He also will serve as the head coach for HPA’s girls and boys varsity tennis teams.

Lewis, a certified tennis professional, has almost 20 years of experience teaching and managing tennis facilities, most recently at Tennissmith in Tampa, Florida. He also has directed many summer tennis camps with up to 250 children of all ages and abilities.

“Teaching children is my passion,” said Lewis. “I especially enjoy watching them grow into self-confident, capable players.”

HPA’s Rutgers Tennis Center is located on the school’s Upper Campus. The facility, which features four indoor lighted hard courts, has been recognized by the United States Tennis Association as one of the best facilities in the country in the 4 to 10 court category.

For more information about tennis programs at Rutgers Tennis Center, visit www.hpa. edu/tennis, or call 808-881-4037. ■ Photo courtesy Patrick O’Leary MA KE KULA JULY 2014 31

Super Bowl Champion Max Unger ‘04 Makes Surprise Appearance at Special Assembly HPA Retires Unger’s Number Mayor Billy Kenoi Proclaims April 2, 2014 Max Unger Day in the County of Hawai‘i

HPA Recognized with HMSA Kaimana Award Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy received the first place HMSA Kaimana Award in the Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) Division II category. The award— the school’s fifth first-place award—was presented at a June 14 ceremony held on O‘ahu. The award includes a unique crystal trophy on a lava-rock pedestal and a $1,000 check.

The HMSA Kaimana Awards Program recognizes and rewards excellence in athletics, academics, sportsmanship, and community service. The program promotes success and sportsmanship at Hawai‘i high schools, rewards achievements of student athletes, and helps support coaches’ education.

Schools in each division receive first-, second-, and third-place Kaimana Awards based on their students’ athletic achievements, academic performance, sportsmanship, and service to the community.

For a complete list of winners, visit www.hmsa.com/community/ awards/kaimana/winners.aspx. ■

Van Pernis Receives HMSA Kaimana Scholarships Super Bowl Champion and HPA alumnus Max Unger ‘04 made a surprise appearance during a special school assembly held in his honor on April 2, 2014 (see Alumni Profile on page 34). HPA retired Unger’s number (77) during a ceremony held in the school’s Castle Gym. Unger’s wife, Leah, and his parents, Keith ‘75 and Cynda ‘75, attended the event.

The ceremony included introductions by HPA Athletic Director Stephen Perry and Headmaster Lindsay Barnes. Robert A. Fitzgerald, deputy director, County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks and Recreation and Unger’s former coach, representing Mayor Billy Kenoi, proclaimed April 2, 2014 “Max Unger Day in the County of Hawai‘i.”

Tom Goodspeed, former HPA head football coach and Unger’s high school coach, flew in from California for the event and spoke about the All-American, All-Pro, and Pro Bowl-er.

“Max, you are amazing. You’re a great ambassador for yourself, for HPA, and for your family,” said Goodspeed, who currently is the athletic director at Chadwick School in California.

Goodspeed and Perry presented the 2004 graduate with a framed #77 jersey and senior Keenan Greenbaum, who most recently wore #77, helped unveil a new banner hanging in the gym with the retired number.

Unger then took the podium and thanked the students, his family, and his alma mater for their support, particularly all of his former coaches and teachers.

“I’m very lucky,” said Unger. “I’ve found something I’m passionate about; it’s easy to find something you’re passionate about.

The hard part is putting in the hard work.”

After the ceremony, Unger graciously answered questions, signed autographs, and took photos with students. ■ 32 JULY 2014 MA KE KULA

Kristiana Van Pernis ‘14 was named one of three Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) recipients and a Distinguished Recipient of the HMSA Kaimana Scholarship. Twenty-one seniors from across the state were recognized for the outstanding work in athletics, academics, and community service throughout their high school career. The awards were presented at a June 14 ceremony held on O‘ahu.

Van Pernis received $3,000 for college expenses and an additional $2,000 as one of five Distinguished Award Recipients.

Van Pernis participated in and captained the cross-country, soccer, and track and field teams. She and her cross-country team have won the BIIF championship four years in a row. In 2014, she won the BIIF Individual Girls Cross Country title and her team took second at the state championship. She’s participated in an NOAA program that studies endangered sea turtles and is vice president of the Animal Rescue Club, which raises funds for a nokill animal shelter in Kohala. Van Pernis will continue competing in cross-country and track and field at Brown University, where she will study biology and genetics.

HMSA Kaimana Scholarships are awarded to student athletes who uplift and inspire fellow students with their physical skills, sportsmanship, academic success, and service to their communities.

Applicants must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75, participate on one or more league-recognized sports teams during their high school years, and graduate at the end of their senior year. ■

DuPont and Sarwar Receive Bieni Kohler-Johnson ‘83 Scholarship

Diaz, Higgins Recognized with Coaching Excellence Award

Noor Sarwar ‘15 (left) and Tania DuPont are the recipients of this year’s Ulrike Katharina Bieni Kohler-Johnson ‘83 Scholarship. Johnson’s son, Ryan, and Liz Noetzel, founder of the Bieni Kohler-Johnson 5K Run/Walk, made the presentation during the Upper School Awards Ceremony held May 12 in Castle Gym. Sarwar and DuPont each received $1,000.

Kohler-Johnson, who graduated from HPA in 1983, passed away in June 2009 after a valiant battle with breast cancer.

The next Bieni 5K Fun Run and Dog Walk will be held on Sunday, September 28, at HPA’s Upper Campus. All proceeds from the event fund the annual high school scholarship established to recognize and support an HPA scholar-athlete who inspires others, demonstrates sincere commitment, and goes the extra mile. To register, visit https://flpregister.com/102. For more information, contact the race coordinators at hparace@gmail.com. ■

Lupe Diaz (right) and Kimo Higgins ‘86 received the 2014 Ka Makani Booster Club Coaching Excellence Award “for their excellence over the past years leading the way for their teams to succeed both on and off the course or field.” Athletic Director Stephen L. Perry presented the award during the Upper School Awards Ceremony on May 12.

“Both coaches have shown their passion for sports, while always displaying true sportsmanship and always preparing their teams for competition,” said Perry. “Whether working together in the fall with our boys crosscountry team, or in the spring with the baseball and track teams, these two coaches represent their teams, their school, and themselves with class and with a positive attitude and energy.” ■

HPA Sports Awards Recipients Announced HPA coaches recently honored this school year’s outstanding student athletes. Student receiving awards were: GIRLS VOLLEYBALL: Tiana Reynolds, Most Valuable; Courtney Barro-Kilmede, Coach’s Award; Anna Juan, Most Improved; Gabbie Ewing, Most Outstanding.

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY: Michael Spetich and Nate Ladwig, Most Valuable; Jake Lai and Juan Miche Rosales, Coach’s Award; Jacob McCafferty and Hide Akai, Most Improved.

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY: Mariah Haight, Kelly Ulrich, and Veronica Ladwig, Most Valuable; Kristiana Van Pernis, Coach’s Award; Sabrina Disney, TELSAF Award.

FOOTBALL: Koa Ellis and Mike Nakahara, Offensive Back Award; Sioni Moniati, Offensive Lineman Award; Blake Hooser and Li‘i Purdy, Defensive Back Award; Josh Ching, Defensive Lineman Award; Colin Renfro, Most Improved; Kellen Gillins, Coach’s Award; Bobby Lum, Holi Bergin Award.

GIRLS SOCCER: Gabbie Ewing, Dani Grainger, and Nanea Tavares, Most Valuable; Teia Knoll and Kristiana Van Pernis, Coach’s Award; Morgan Monahan and Kaui Taylor, Most Improved.

BOYS BASKETBALL: Kalan Camero, Most Valuable; Kenji Stinson, Coach’s Award; David Ovbagbedia, Most Improved.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Ula Brostek, Most Valuable; Tiana BertelmannTabac, Coach’s Award; Kawena Lim-Samura, Most Improved; Veronica Le Suer, Honoring the Game Award.

BOYS TRACK: Joey Kailimai, Most Valuable; Nate Ladwig, Coach’s Award; Alexandro Siordia, Most Improved.

GIRLS TRACK: Emma Taylor and Kristiana Van Pernis, Most Valuable; Nani Welch Keliihoomalu, Coach’s Award; Savannah Cochran and Kaui Taylor, Most Improved.

BOYS TENNIS: Wayne Tan, Most Valuable; JJ Minakata, Coach’s Award; Oscar Winsa Henderson, Most Improved.

GIRLS TENNIS: Mackenzie Langmade, Most Valuable; Alua Jumabayeva, Coach’s Award; Jordan Virtue, Most Improved.

BOYS SWIMMING: Jake Anderson, Most Valuable; Kenny Christie, Coach’s Award; Tyler Alt, Most Improved.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL: Noah Schenk and Kenji Stinson, Most Valuable; Colin Yates, Coach’s Award; Tucker Higgins, Most Improved.

GIRLS SWIMMING: Taylor Doherty, Most Valuable; Hadley Beach and Kaili Yuen, Coach’s Award; Sarah-Nicole Elliott, Most Improved.

WATER POLO: Lei Bostock, Most Valuable; Louisa Duggan, Coach’s Award; Taylor Doherty, Most Improved.

BOYS WRESTLING: Keenan Greenbaum, Most Valuable; Cannon Greco-Hiranaka, Coach’s Award; Russell Laros, Most Improved.

GOLF: Luigi Balbo Bertone di Sambuy, Most Valuable; Bo Bleckel, Coach’s Award; Katie Jefferson, Most Improved.

GIRLS WRESTLING: Kaiya Casuga, Most Valuable; Lokelani Ching, Coach’s Award; Madison Inman, Most Improved.

BASEBALL: Mike Nakahara, Most Valuable; Ian Rice and Li‘i Purdy, Coach’s Award; Koa Ellis and DJ Sekiya, Most Improved.

BOYS SOCCER: Blake Hooser, Most Valuable; Justin Perry, Coach’s Award; Keisuke Anzai, Most Improved.

SOFTBALL: Tiana Bertelmann-Tabac, Most Valuable; Taimane Kamaka, Coach’s Award; Malia Byram, Most Improved.

MA KE KULA JULY 2014 33

[alumni] Profile

DESPITE BUCKETS OF GLORY, SUPER BOWL CHAMPION MAX UNGER STILL A REGULAR GUY LIVING LARGE

34 JULY 2014 MA KE KULA

ABOVE, Max Unger 60, is ready to block for Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson a split second after hiking the football in the NFC Division Playoff against the San Francisco 49ers on Jan. 19, 2014.

LEFT: Max Unger celebrates after the Seahawks defeated the 49ers 23-17 in the NFC Division Playoff game. Photos copyright Rod Mar/Seattle Seahawks 2014, used with permission.

Even though he’s 6’5” and 305 lbs, Seattle Seahawk center Max Unger has found the ideal position to talk to a third-grader. He kneels, looks directly into his eyes, and waits quietly until the child finishes asking his Max Unger ‘04 question. Unger then answers in a soft voice that’s light years removed from his aura as a Super Bowl champion Story and scary-big guy with a beard and brush cut.

Andrew Perala ‘72 “I remember all the NFL players I’ve met in my life,” Unger told Ma Ke Kula at the end of May. “And the players I met when I was a young kid made the biggest impact on me. I really looked up to them.”

On April 2, in a ceremony in the Castle Gym at HPA’s Upper Campus, the 2004 graduate became the first Ka Makani athlete to have his playing number retired (see story on page 32).

A red and white banner with Unger’s name and number—77—now is displayed permanently on the east wall of the gymnasium with the school’s team championship banners.

The number-retirement ceremony included the concurrent announcement of “Super Bowl Champion Max Unger Day” by Hawai‘i County Mayor Billy Kenoi. Along with his family and numerous others, the HPA event saw the return of Unger’s former Ka Makani football coach, Tom Goodspeed, from the mainland to honor Unger – a surprise visit that Unger deeply appreciated. Special guests: the HPA third-grade class sitting in enthralled attendance.

After the ceremony, the youngsters walked up to Unger to meet and shake hands.

“It was kind of overwhelming, all the attention,” Unger said.

From his freshman year at HPA, “when I sat out most of the season on the bench because I had no idea how the game was played,” to his position as starting center and anchor of the offensive line for the Super Bowl champion Seahawks, Unger’s rise to success has been as extraordinary as his explosive athletic ability.

All the perks are in place. There’s the multi-year, multi-million dollar contract that’ll keep him with the Seahawks at least until 2017. There’s the team’s full-time nutritionist— “Anything you can think of that will make you play better, the team will get for you,” Unger said. For away games, there’s the private chartered jet with supersize seats. And since the Super Bowl victory, there’s the constant adulation of fans everywhere who walk up to Unger, shake his hand and offer, “Congratulations!”

CONTINUED ON P.42

MA KE KULA JULY 2014 35

[alumni news]

T

here is a wall on the landing staircase in the Perry Fiske Hall (formerly Anna’s Dorm Upper Dorm), that has a mirrored cutout flanked by owls, that says, “Be You. Be True.” While touring alumni through during the glorious 2014 summer reunion, an alumna giggled saying, “Maybe that sign needs to come down next year, with all the boys living in the dorm.” I smiled and mentally countered that although the sign probably will be removed (along with the almost offensive amount of decorative butterflies), the message “Be You. Be True.” is in everything we strive to do at HPA, everything we are, and everything we become. It’s what we experience in the literal leader of the band Headmaster Lindsay Barnes, the adventurous English teacher Jaime Johnson, the gracious accounting angel Charlynn “Tita” Taniguchi, the firecracker housekeeper Marilei Lindsey, and the effervescently efficient security manager Tami Cline. It’s in the old (we mean “young”) timers, the stead fasts, and the newbies.

It’s in what we see our students embrace wholeheartedly in their academic schedules, community service projects, friendships, extra-curriculars, and college decisions-it’s obviously reflected in the student council

members: Kimi Cantyne ’14, Eliana Kaplan ’15, Catherine Gussman ’16, and Sabrina Marvin ’17.

It’s what makes the mark of an HPA alum; the deputy attorney general/chef extraordinaire Steve Muni ’69, the Costco executive Jeff van Burkleo ’74, biotech innovator Tito Jankowski ’04, and Kanu o ka ‘A–ina kindergarten teacher/ HPA jv volleyball coach Maya Chong ’09. Their paths are all different, but all brilliant, articulate, dedicated, hard working, and wonderful.

With great pride and gratitude, we thank all those who contributed to this wonderful year in the life of our school and encourage your efforts and continuing participation. ■ _ No ke aloha o ko ka kou kula For the love of our school

SANDY SALISBURY’S ’63 (aka Graham Salisbury), newest book HUNT FOR THE BAMBOO RAT, will be published in the fall of 2014. This will be the fourth book in his World War II series called “Prisoners of the Empire.” Around the same time, the first book in the series, UNDER THE BLOOD-RED SUN, will be released as an independent feature film. Anyone interested in following the progress of the film can visit the facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/redsunmovie) and check out the trailer. For anyone with elementary age kids, nine Hawaii-centric Calvin Coconut books await (www.grahamsalisbury.com)!

Arati Clarry ’96 Director of Alumni & Student Programs aclarry@hpa.edu

Class of 1964 50th reunion.

Eric von Platen Luder ’75 Alumni Association President eric@huggos.com

P.S. We are also actively encouraging alumni who are interested in envisioning, planning, implementing, and contributing to the alumni programs, services, and reunions to serve on our HPA Alumni Association Board. All those interested, please e-mail alumni@hpa.edu.

If you haven’t been receiving our alumni newsletter Ka Makani, please e-mail us at alumni@hpa.edu.

Please Save The Dates / May 27 - May 31, 2015 2015 HPA Alumni Reunion / Special Reunion Years ending in ‘0 and ‘5 Celebrating the 50th Reunion HPA Class of 1965 If you haven’t received our alumni e-newsletter Ka Makani, please e-mail us at alumni@hpa.edu 36 JULY 2014 MA KE KULA

1960s

PETER CANNON ‘64, FROSTY YARDLEY ‘64 and MARK HUBBARD ‘64 were very busy this Spring getting ready for the 50th reunion.

Peter’s hard word paid off, with a huge attendance of ‘64 grads. Frosty planned an unforgettable Friday night party. Mark was the reunion banker and although according to him, provided just “a little support,” helped bring an incredible reunion together. The class was expecting at least 22 of the still living 31 members of the class, but we had 24 members join, resulting in 75% attendance. Our 50th reunion was a great affair. Sadly, 6 classmates are no longer with us – BRUCE FAYE ‘64, ROBBIE PEACOCK ‘64, KIT SPALDING ‘64, GERRY TANIOKA ‘64, JOE TULLY ‘64, and most recently PETER “LAKA” MORTON ‘64.

TOM STEVENS ‘64 recalls, “I was struck by how accurately Laka caricatured some of us.

His yearbook drawings revealed more about us than did the photos or accompanying list of achievements. He also was the creator of the windblown “school tree” that later morphed into HPA’s iconic school logo. He has sadly passed on, but his artistic legacy lives in every HPA t-shirt, ball cap and official letterhead. Auwe, Laka Morton.”

The 50th Reunion class also flew in their choir teacher, Mr. Dave Kaynor, to help them practice and share a stunningly beautiful rendition of Hole Waimea. Their choir practice is available at: http://vimeo.com/97580519

Class of 1969 45th reunion.

1970s IN MEMORIAM

VANCE KAMEHAMEHA “KAM” FAWCETT ’72 12/30/1953- 04/23/2014

The HPA 1972 Ohana is sad to report the loss of classmate KAM FAWCETT ‘72. He passed away on the Big Island on 4/23/2014, surrounded by family and friends. Kam had a profound effect on many of us. His kindness, generosity, joy, humility, and helpfulness was evident to all. We share comfort in knowing that Kam is no longer suffering, and wish prayers and blessings on all. The following are some excerpts from many of his classmates and friends. His memorial services are available at: https://vimeo.com/96396497

Class of 1972 with Kam Fawcett, 2012 HPA Alumni Reunion.

ANDREW PERALA ‘72, “This is so hard to accept. Kam told me a few years ago what he meant by his yearbook quote. “Live fast, die young, leave a beautiful corpse,” he said. We laughed, really laughed. Not long ago we had a more serious talk. But we still laughed.

“You gotta laugh,” he said. Yeah, Kam. That is so true. I just wish you could jab me in the shoulder one more time, and I could hear you laugh again.” GREG RAND ’72, “Kam was one of the coolest, nicest, & most authentic friends I’ve known: his news feels devastating. I miss him deeply already. Even though he was in a lot of pain and had lost about 25 pounds, he really looked more GQ and composed than ever when I took him from Queens Hospital back to the Honolulu airport about 12 days ago. I’ll be dedicating by best efforts in each of activity of my day today toward him in remembrance.” PIERCE REYNOLDS ’72: “I’ll never forget the time I ran into Kam, by chance, on busy Kalanianiaole Hwy on Oahu, spring break ‘69. We must have both just gotten our licenses, because I don’t think we were older than 15--9th grade--and first in line to drive. Not knowing at first who was stopped beside me, I caught the eye of a teenaged, cool dude, stopped at a red light, in a new, decked out, Ford Ranchero, two-toned brown, wood paneled, chrome wheels. And me? . . . behind the wheel of a ’68--flared fendered--Ford Mustang. After a double take I immediately tapped the horn and extended my “shaka brah” greeting. He returned the ohana gesture with that “E-Zay, hang loose” smile and glean in his eye: Kam’s trademark. The light turned green, Kam stoked his V-8 modestly, thrust the shifter into first, and off he and his cherry utility-coupe went, into Honolulu traffic. What a cool, yet modest, self-effacing guy, I was to enjoy at our recent 40th Reunion, Kam was. Fawcett was the epitome of Mr. Polish. We’ll all ride off into the sunset one day, but few of us will peel-off with quite the wink and the smile--and genuine humility--Kam

could. “ CHERI ATKINS ‘72 -.I really believed I would always have Kam to grow old with me... and all of us. I had not seen him in over a year but we always kept in touch. He seemed so happy with his life…Kam was always there for me and whenever we talked or saw each other it was as if no time had gone by….we just picked up where we left off. We had a 40 year friendship like no other….and I know in our own special way we both loved and respected each other. Did you know that April 23 was my birthday? I just can’t think of anything to say that expresses how I feel….just sadness… he was such a sweet crazy funny guy….with a heart of gold.” EDIE KAWAI’72 “Thank you so much. As a female day student, perspectives were quite different. I do agree though, Kam was cool! Not sassy..cool…Like he’d just gotten away with something and could hardly stifle a laugh. Don’t think I ever saw him sad or down.

I’ll always remember the smile in his eyes…always. I am so happy that Kam was with those he loved who could celebrate his life with him, who could lift him up. Me ke aloha”

Class of 1979 35th reunion.

1980s DEBBIE SMITH Shanahan ’82 and husband, Michael Shanahan’s business, Low Know Press, recently earned inclusion in the Green Business Program. It is the third printing facility in the Sonoma County to earn this designation and the first sole proprietorship in Cloverdale to be approved as a Green Business. Their achievement was highlighted in MA KE KULA JULY 2014 37

the Cloverdale Reveille News, http://www. sonomawest.com/cloverdale_reveille/news/ cloverdale-s-low-knob-press-certified-asgreen-business-through/article_1a51eb0e2c7a-11e3-a215-0019bb2963f4.html

1990s

Ku‘umomiokeawala‘i Marie Pickard (nickname: Momi) was born at 9:27 p.m. at 5lbs 7oz and 19.5 inches in length. We can’t wait to introduce Momi and Maka to all of you!” Congratulations to the Giffin Packard family for their beautiful blessings!

Class of 1984 30th reunion.

LISA HALL-ANDERSON ’84 shares, “I still live in Massachusetts with my husband and two daughters (11 and 13 yrs). I’ve worked at the University of Massachusetts Medical School since 1999 and am an Assistant Professor here, and my husband is a Professor at MIT in Cambridge. My husband is a scientist at MIT, and I do both research in the lab as well as teaching human medical genetics to the first year medical students here at UMMS. I’ve discovered I REALLY love teaching, but I also love doing research because it’s puzzlesolving (trying to figure out what your data is trying to tell you) and is on the cutting edge of science. We are studying all the newest and coolest stuff that you read about in the science sections of magazines, which is totally energizing. I think if you had told me in high school that I was going to end up being a science nerd and also a teacher like my dad, I’d have laughed in your face. I was the soccer jock who was going to become an air force pilot, and definitely NOT an “academic”! I think my ADD and learning disabilities also probably played into my non-academic stance back then. It’s amazing all the small turning points in your life that can lead you down very unexpected paths. I’m really happy with how things turned out, although it would have been way cool to have become an astronaut (which was my dream at one point in high school).”

MATT HUDDLESTON ’90 shares “Hope you guys are well. I’ve moved back to Kula, Maui about 4 years ago with my wife and 4 kids after fifteen years in Boston/New York. We are loving it and it’s great to be home. I’m working for a wealth management company out of San Francisco. I oversee Hawaii for the firm, dream job. Hope everyone is doing well.

I spoke with Shinji a couple of years ago and he is doing well.

CLARE O’MALLEY ‘94 had two articles published in the Holistic Moms Network quarterly newsletter.

Class of 1994 20th reunion.

Class of 1989 25th reunion.

38 JULY 2014 MA KE KULA

KIM GIFFIN PACKARD ’94 shares, “Aloha Family and Friends, We are overjoyed to announce the birth of our beautiful baby girls, who were born on Saturday, May 24 at Kapiolani Hospital in Honolulu. Leimaka‘ohawai Jeanne Pickard (nickname: Maka) was born at 8:54 p.m. at 6lbs 1oz and 20 inches in length.

CHRIS MONS ’96 shares, “I’m still in Atlantic Beach, Florida working as a harbor pilot with Coach Bryson’s brother. It’s an awesome little beach town. Work is great on the river, and action packed. I’m stoked, I still get to surf plenty. My 8-year-old daughter (Maile) is loving drum lessons and I coach my 5-year-old daughter’s (Lanea) soccer team! They are super rad! My lovely wife Jenny is a health coach, so we are feeling good, ha! I’m playing a lot of ukulele still, recording a CD and having fun with a little band playing at surf movie premiers, surf contests, and local places. Can’t wait to get back to the big island and see everyone! Much Aloha to you all!!!”

Cranes From HPA

E

By Dana Csige Maldonado ‘98

2009

VERY CHILD WHO GREW UP IN HAWAII remembers the story Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr. For many, it was our first non-fiction story and our first exposure to mortality. The protagonist, a little girl named Sadako, is struck with leukemia due to radiation from the bombing of Hiroshima and is inspired to fold 1,000 paper cranes by a myth that those who who do will be cured by the gods. Sadly, Sadako passes away before she reaches her goal, and although it is a story of hope, it was the first story I read as a child that did not have a happy ending.

At 29, much older than Sadako, I was informed that I had cancer, and that it had already migrated from my breast into my neck. When you are first diagnosed, you have a lot of time to think: in doctors’ waiting rooms, in MRI machines, in cars on the way to appointments, while you are receiving chemo, while you are staring at your hair sliding down the drain in the shower, and I thought of Sadako and her positive attitude, and her cranes. But I didn’t fold any.

In February 2009, not long after I had lost all my hair and the weight had started peeling off my frame, I remember receiving a large, but light, box on my doorstep. It had come from Kamuela, Hawaii. I grabbed a knife, slid it through the tape and slowly opened the box.

I was confused. It was full of brightly colored paper and string.

I lifted up the end of one string. It had been carefully threaded with origami cranes. Hundreds of them. I pulled out strand after strand, each laden with carefully folded paper birds. There was a letter, and I opened it, and saw that it had been signed by the HPA ‘Ohana, in hopes of my good health.

I pulled the garlands out, one by one, and realized that spread out on my dining room table were approximately 1,000 cranes. Some had been folded hurriedly with notebook paper, perhaps in between classes, and some had been folded with ornate gilded paper with the exact sharp edges and precision of someone who had done it many times before. Many bore signatures and graduation years. Some were names I recognized, teachers of mine that still gave their dedication to HPA a decade after I had graduated. Some were the little sisters and brothers of schoolmates of mine, with graduation dates ranging from 2009-2015.

But many were anonymous. Young men and women, sitting in a school in the hills that I knew as home in the middle of the Pacific, none having ever met me and never would know me, dedicated their time, their energy, their thoughts, their aloha, to my health.

I didn’t cry when I was diagnosed. I didn’t cry when I told my parents. I didn’t cry when I found myself retching into the porcelain. But as I fingered each crane, the tears fell. I knew that each folded crane was someone’s hope for me.

Time passed. My cancer shrunk. And shrunk. And finally disappeared. We waited with bated breath, as months grew into years. The cancer stayed silent. We moved. The 1,000 cranes were packed carefully in storage boxes. My hair grew, another summer passed, and we looked forward.

The doctors then told me that the chemo had taken my ability to bear children, and yet we tried anyway, the optimists that we are, full of hope, and soon the ultrasound showed a heartbeat. And I remembered all those cranes, folded by all those HPA students, and I knew that I wanted my son to be surrounded by all that hope, that aloha, from all of those young adults who were well on their way to fully discovering themselves. So in honor of all that love from all the people who did not know me, and did not know my son, I decorated his nursery with those cranes.

I painted the walls an elephant gray to show off the color of the cranes, drew a tree, and found a real tree branch, and perched many cranes on that branch, and then created an illusion of them taking off, flying away around the perimeter of the room, so that my son would be surrounded with the hope and love of the HPA ‘Ohana.

Thank you to those students who filled me with hope, and I look forward to telling my son about his HPA ‘Ohana, and the school filled with with young men and women, who do live the true spirit of aloha.

MA KE KULA JULY 2014 39

2nd Lieutenant in the Marines, and in December he will go to basic training. DAISY MARDIAN ’11 has also been having a ton of fun in Italy this semester studying communications and fashion and trying to learn Italian.

2000s ANA YARAWAMAI ’00 started her second voyage on the Hokule‘a this May, following in her father’s, MAX YARAWAMAI ‘78 footsteps aboard and journeying her own course for the Hawai‘i- Tahiti segment.

Class of 2009 5th reunion.

2010s JULIA BROTMAN ’11 shares, “Four years ago, the class of 2010 left HPA to face the real world and try to start being grown-ups. Four years later, I am happy to report that we seem to be succeeding! Some of us received diplomas together for a second time, like DESIREE SEID ‘11 and CHIAKI OSAKI ‘11 who graduated from the University of San Francisco.

Ana & Mileka

MILEKA LINCOLN ’02 continues to shine as Hawaii News Now’s Reporter. Her reporting is stellar, as are the special connections she makes for and with our HPA alumni, by highlighting their achievements and incredible stories. Mahalo for all your awesome efforts!

MAILE ROBERTS- LORING ’02 Maile was recently featured in several articles about her family business, Salt Lick Barbeque http://camillestyles.com/entertaining-2/entertaining-with-maile-roberts-loring/?slide=1 http://www.kitv.com/news/famous-texas-restaurant-has-roots-in-hawaii/25827374

GRAYSON GRAHAM ‘11 graduated from the University of San Diego, KAT TENNANT ‘11 just finished up at the San Diego Art Institute, and together they will return to Hawaii to get married this October! They aren’t the only ones with wedding bells in the future; LYNN SMITH ’11 got engaged to Joshua Tucker in February, and after she graduates from Eastern Kentucky University with a B.A. in History Education, they will live in Kentucky to be close to their families.

ERIKA CARDINALE ‘11 nee CUSHNIE married Anthony Cardinale on the Big Island in December, and they live happily in Colorado where she works as a realtor.

Last year ZACH HOPSON ‘11, his wife Shelby, and their eighteen-month-old daughter Mailey moved back to Waimea.

TEDDY LEDERER ’11 is moving to Washington, D.C. to start a Communications Fellowship for Transportation for America.

Class of 2004 10th reunion.

MAIA CAMPBELL ’08 shares, “Gearing up for my second (and thankfully final) year of my Masters in Social Work out on the East Coast.”

40 JULY 2014 MA KE KULA

MINDY CAMPBELL ’11, MARIE DONAHUE ’11, JJ HIGGINSON ’11, and BRIDGET WALKER ’11 all graduated from Colorado State University.

In the fall, MINDY CAMPBELL ‘11 will begin a two-year Master’s in Nutrition and Dietetics Internship program at Boston University.

With a degree in Natural Resource Recreational Tourism and a Business minor, MARIE DONAHUE ’11 will be working at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch in Beaver Creek Colorado as a Guest Relations Agent. On June 13, JJ HIGGINSON ‘11 will be commissioning as a

A little closer to home, KEKAI CLARKE ’11 is working on a double Math and Computer Science degree from Lewis and Clark College, and this summer he will be doing an internship with Makani Kai Tech on Maui.

And a special thanks and congratulations to JULIA BROTMAN ‘11, who graduated from Willamette University with a degree in Sociology, and has accepted a Fellowship with the Center for Intellectual Property Law at Whittier Law School in California this fall.

Justin Sandulli & Duke Production Team.

JUSTIN SANDULLI ‘12 just completed his sophomore year at Duke, yet he has completed 23 or 32 courses required for graduation ~ virtually an academic senior. On May 6, 2014 Justin was informed by Duke that he is still ranked #1 academically in his class at Duke having received only straight As since matriculation. Coincidently, the notification came on his 20th birthday. His family and HPA ‘Ohana are all very proud of him!

LEIOMALAMA TAMASESE- SOLOMON ’12 competed in the Miss Aloha Hula Competition and danced with the Beamer-Solomon Halau in the 2014 Merrie Monarch Festival, joining new alumna KAWENA LIM-SAMURA ’14, and current student, Hana Haitsuka ‘16. Broadcasting the festival was MILEKA LINCOLN ’02. Video links of the festival are available at: http://www.k5thehometeam.com/category/ 281345/2014-merrie-monarch-festival

Class of 2014 1st week reunion.

[ ALUMNI WEEK / 2014 ]

MA KE KULA JULY 2014 41

LIVING LARGE FROM P.35

Despite the glamour and attention, Unger is no slave to glitz; there’s no parade of bling around his 20-inch neck.

This guy doesn’t even know the color of his full-size four-door Ford pickup truck. “Uh, brown? Just a sec…” he says. Max and his wife, Leah, are on a three-hour drive from Seattle to his sister’s home in Portland. Unger looks out his driver’s side window, double checks the outside rear-view mirror. “Brown metallic? I don’t really know.”

It’s the only moment of uncertainty Unger reveals. There’s something about winning the Super Bowl that brings out a measure of confidence and protective camaraderie. Like the media controversy that erupted during the playoffs over the off-the-cuff comments made by some of his teammates.

“We have a lot of confident guys on our team,” he said. “You just try to control it and use it to your advantage. We want confident football players.”

And yes, he said. “It’s been a weird year.”

One of the biggest post-season events for the team was the private meeting with President Barack Obama on May 21 (a perk first granted to champion teams in 1865, when President Andrew Johnson reportedly played host to the Brooklyn Athletics baseball team).

At the White House, Unger stood with the rest of his teammates – all with grins so wide they could have all still been in high school on the eve of their first prom – and listened as Obama cracked wise, lauded the Seahawks “12th Man” (the home crowd decibel level is loudest in the NFL), then praised the team’s achievements before shaking the hands of all the players. Obama noted that Russell Wilson, the Seahawks quarterback, “has won more games through his first two seasons than any quarterback in history.”

Champion quarterbacks like Wilson might get the big contracts and lion’s share of the glory.

But no quarterback would be successful without the perfectly timed snap from center that launches each offensive play. During the entire season, Unger fumbled only one snap (which he recovered), an extraordinary stat. The center’s hiking the ball requires absolute synchrony with the quarterback’s field sense, as well as the pitch and range of the quarterback’s calls at the line of scrimmage. Depending on the defense arrayed against them, the quarterback can change the play in a heartbeat.

Unger has to hear everything the quarterback says at the line, and know without thinking how the play will unfold. That can be tough with the loudest crowd in the league. Having twitch vision in your periphery helps a lot. Few athletes can scope out the entire field of opponents set to attack. Unger has superior vision.

There’s another layer of added responsibility as well.

“We’re both kind of in charge of the (offensive) line,” Unger said.

After each play, if necessary, “Russell and I talk to each other,” Unger said. “There’s no gray area of communication.”

Despite the season’s initial 75-play game book—a book that will grow and morph with each game—and the complexity of his range of tasks, Unger says he only really has one thought as he snaps the ball: “Who do I block? And, How do I block him?” He makes it sound easy.

Except for all that other stuff. And the fact that even at 6’5” and 305, Unger is the smallest guy on his offensive line and often the smallest lineman facing off against opposing lines as well. So, go ahead, suit up and spend a couple hours on a Sunday on an NFL line. There’s a ton 42 JULY 2014 MA KE KULA

Seattle Seahawks center Max Unger 60, playing against the Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 17, 2013. (Photo copyright Rod Mar/Seattle Seahawks 2013, used with permission.)

Seattle Seahawk center Max Unger with his wife Leah (left), and parents Cynda ‘75 and Keith Unger ‘75.

of reasons why 99.99995 percent of Americans do not qualify for the NFL. Those four guys want to rip your head off on every play.

Succeeding in the NFL takes superior skill, and hard work to pull off.

“There’s no getting around hard work,” Unger said.

Full team practices for the 2014-2015 season began the Tuesday after Memorial Day. The practices were helmets only, no pads, for the first week. And they only ran from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

“It’s to get us back into the football mindset,” Unger said.

The possibility of advancing to the Super Bowl this next season is not something that is overtly discussed, Unger said. But it is in the back of everyone’s mind.

“We’ll have to keep doing the things we’ve been doing and do them well, and just try to replicate the way we went about winning football games this last season.”

When on the Big Island in early April to retire his HPA jersey, Unger visited with his parents Keith ‘75 and Cynda Salley ‘75 Unger and also visited several local elementary school classes. Although Max and Leah Unger do not yet have children of their own, visiting with youngsters is a team outreach activity he clearly enjoys.

“Visiting with the kids really gave me the gift of awareness,” Unger said. “It’s a little hard to get used to, but just knowing who you are—I’m a little bit lower profile (on the team)—so I just try to be what I saw in an NFL player when I was their age; I try to serve as a positive role model for the kids.”

Editor’s Note: Freelance writer and editor Andrew Perala ‘72 lives in Waimea with his family. He is a co-winner of the 1989 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service.

[on campus] Lower School

Diamond Beamer comes from a family of cooks and she has always enjoyed cooking. Her parents owned the former Waimea Kitchen, which was located behind Ace Hardware.

“My mom did more of the prep work and my dad was the cook in the family,” recalled Beamer. “My dad never referred to himself as ‘chef,’ although he was a chef.”

Beamer currently prepares breakfast, lunch, and dinner for more than 400 Upper School students. “The students really love our exhibitions, which are “add-ons” to lunch or dinner,” she said. “We have a French fry bar, taco salads, omelettes, and an ice cream bar on Fridays.

They also go through a LOT of pasta and they LOVE our desserts!”

Beamer is always looking for ways to improve the menu for HPA’s diverse student population. “Having students from around the world challenges me to go outside of my comfort zone to meet their needs,” she said. “I try my best to bring what they want to the table.”

Beamer kindly shares a special recipe for a dish that she often cooked with her late father.

“There are many steps, but if you are patient, the end result is really ONO” she said. Enjoy! ■

August 15

Francis Beamer’s Sweet and Sour Pork Spareribs

October 20

4-1/2 c.

1-1/2 c.

2 c.

6 c.

1/2 c.

1/8 c.

4 lbs.

3 T. 3 T. 1

November 14

1

packed brown sugar low sodium Aloha shoyu apple cider vinegar water cornstarch water frozen pork spareribs kosher salt oil carrot peeled and thinly sliced (submerge in ice water) raw daikon peeled and thinly sliced (submerge in ice water)

In a non-stick frying pan add oil and heat on medium-low. Fry spareribs until brown on all sides. Avoid crowding spareribs. Repeat until all spareribs are done.

Put spareribs into a large pot and cover with water. Add salt and boil for two hours. Watch water level and add when needed to keep spareribs covered. Spareribs are done when a fork can be inserted with ease. Strain and rinse lightly to remove any small bones.

In another large pot add brown sugar, shoyu, cider, and six cups water. Cook on medium-low

Middle School

August 15 August 18

Upper School New boarder registration, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. New family orientation, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Senior Parent Coffee Talk, 5-6 p.m. Boarding Orientation, 7-9:30 p.m.

Experience HPA, 5:30-7 p.m.

Intake conferences with teachers

MS Parent/ Student Orientation 8:30-10:30 a.m.

August 19

Intake conferences with teachers

Classes begin, 7:50 a.m.

August 20

Classes begin, 7:55 a.m.

Required class retreats All students check in with their advisory, 8 a.m.

Classes begin, 8:40 a.m.

September 1

Labor Day holiday – no classes

September 8

‘Ohana Association Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Faculty Work Day (student holiday)

September 19

Faculty Work Day (student holiday)

‘Ohana Association Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

October 13 October 16-19

Parents Weekend Class visits

Class visits

October 17

Parent Conferences (classes in session)

Parent Conferences (no classes), 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Parent Conferences (no classes), 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

October 18

Parent Conferences

Parent Conferences, 8 a.m.-noon

Parent Conferences, 8 a.m.-noon Required PSAT testing for juniors (mandatory), 8 a.m.-noon

October 16

October 19 November 10 November 25 November 26

‘Ohana Association’s Pumpkin Patch, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Upper Campus Parents Weekend holiday ‘Ohana Association Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

K-12 Faculty Work Day (student holiday) Thanksgiving break begins, 2:45 p.m.

Thanksgiving break begins, 3:10 p.m.

Thanksgiving break begins, 5:30 p.m.

K-12 Faculty work day 43rd Annual Soccer Classic

November 28-30

November 30

Boarders return

December 1

Classes resume

December 4-6

HPA Girls Basketball Tournament

December 9

‘Ohana Association Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

December 12

Last day of school Winter break begins, mid-day

January 5-6

K-12 Professional Development Days Boarders return

January 6 January 7

Classes resume

Copy deadline for the December 2014 issue of Ma Ke Kula is Friday, October 31, 2014.

All dates are subject to change without notice. For the most current calendar, visit our website (www.hpa.edu).

heat, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved.

Mix cornstarch with 1/8 c. water and add to sauce to thicken.

Add spareribs to sauce and simmer for 30 minutes. While spareribs simmer, peel carrot and

daikon and thinly slice. Submerge in ice water until curly, about 20 minutes. Transfer to paper towel and blot dry.

When ready to serve, garnish with carrots and daikon. Serves 5-10.

MA KE KULA JULY 2014 43

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID

Honolulu, HI PERMIT NO. 9434

65-1692 Kohala Mountain Road Kamuela, Hawai‘i 96743-8476 Change Service Requested

The Class of 2014 with kindergarten teacher Karen Forestier (right) and resource teacher Randee Golden.