VOYAGER ISLAND SCHOOL EST. 1977
RETURNING HOME
ANNUAL REPORT 2020-2021
Island School Parent Association
Voyager Booster Club
Matt Hall, President Darlene Brosamer, Vice President Corey Dobashi, Treasurer Catherine Harrison, Secretary Lisa Macko, Hospitality
Glenn Ebesu Anthony Valentino Stephanie Valentino Pepe Trask Lisa Berry Michelle Jona Milo Spindt
Communication Network: Nathaniel Evslin, Staff/Admin Rep Jamie Prem, Elementary Rep Mahalo to all Class Parents representing each grade at Island School and coordinating class activities. Email ispa@ischool.org to connect with the organizaiton, share your ideas, or if you are interested in getting involved.
To become a sponser of Voyager Athletics, or to become a member of the Booster Club, contact Athletic Director, Jerry Jona, at jerry@ischool.org.
Island School Alumni Association Peter King Bianca Mendoza Share your ideas on alumni events or programs by emailing alumni@ischool.org or join the ISAA board.
Administration Kate Conway, Head of School Brian Pearson, Business Manager Katie Magoun, Executive Assistant & Registrar Sean Magoun, Director of Institutional Advancement Nathaniel Evslin, High School Division Director Dr. Jeff Kozak, Academics Director Stephanie Achuara, Middle School Division Director Cristy Peeren, Elementary School Division Director Jerry Jona, Athletic Director
Development Jamie Prem, Bianca Mendoza & Genevieve Foster Voyager 2
Contents 4
Letter from Our Leadership
6
Financial Report
8
Campus Expansion
9
The Virtual Experience of Theater
12
Our Graduates: Class of 2021
14
The Voyager Fund
19
2021 Auction: The Time Traveler’s Ball
22
Donor Spotlight: Erin & Jed Gushman
23
Volunteer Spotlight: Dot Schmidt
24
Kauaʻi Our Home: Conservation vs Utilization
28
Voyagers Returning Home
Our Mission “Educating the mind, inspiring the heart. Preparing Kauaʻi’s youth to lead lives of significance.” Island School, founded by 7 women in 1977, is the only accredited independent nonprofit college preparatory school for grades Pre-Kindergarten - 12 on Kauaʻi. We provide, and have since 1977, a challenging curriculum that integrates social-emotional-learning with traditional practices and Hawaiian values. Island School is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), and is accredited by the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (HAIS), the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Island School Board of Directors Katherine G. Richardson, President David W. Pratt, Vice President Laura Cushnie, Vice President Samuel W. Pratt, Treasurer Charles G. King, Assistant Treasurer Sonia Topenio, Secretary Christine Ing, Assistant Secretary Colby Ayonon Debra Blachowiak Tanya Gamby James Guerber Jed Gushman Cynthia Hannah-White Alan King Wade Lord Janet Mayfield Teri Peers Laura Ryan Will Summerhays Marc Ventura Directors Emeritus Lindsay Kamm David W. Proudfoot
A Letter from Head of School, Kate Conway & Board President, Kathy G. Richardson
Katherine G. Richardson President, Board of Directors
Kate Conway Head of School, Island School
Aloha Island School ‘Ohana and Friends, When we returned to campus in August of 2020, we hoped that we would be able to remain on campus for at least a few weeks, and maybe even the first quarter before having to transition to distance learning. Due to the efforts of the whole community, we remained open for the entire 2020-2021 school year! During the 2020-2021 school year, we focused on social-emotional learning and executive functioning skills, COVID mitigation, and maintaining our existing excellence in academics. Faculty and staff rose to the challenge and took on additional responsibilities. Families stepped up to take extra precautions. Students assumed the responsibilities of wearing masks, distancing, and still achieving academic successes. We all came together in lokahi - the value of teamwork- to understand and uphold our kuleana - personal sense of responsibility, and be the true Island School ‘ohana that we are. The 2020-2021 Annual Report is a celebration of our generous donors, partners, and foundations whose efforts increased even in the midst of a pandemic, to support the efforts of our students, families, faculty, and staff. So many supporters rallied to ensure that Island School could continue in our mission of “Educating the mind, inspiring the heart. Preparing Kaua‘i’s youth to lead lives of significance.” We deeply appreciate all who gave! While athletics and activities were greatly impacted by COVID regulations, we still managed to achieve the following: Voyager 4
● Provided a Distance Learning Option for students who could not physically attend for short or long term ● Continued our partnership with Kamehameha with a continued increase of Native Hawaiian students attending Island School ● Continued our partnership with Kauai Community College to provide a model of excellence in Early Childhood Education ● Held engaging Learning Voyages on campus ● Upheld traditions during COVID (Birthday, Prom, Graduation, May Day, etc.) ● Created a beautiful May Day video and celebrated May Day by engaging in a day of cultural activities and learning involving numerous community members ● Recieved recognition for numerous student artists and local and state competitions ● Streamed 3 plays (see article on p. 9) ● Presented Senior Capstone live for students and online for family and friends ● Participated in National History Day - our team advanced from district to state, and one group won the WURST FAMILY FOUNDATION: MARTIN F. WURST AWARD for an outstanding project related to transportation or machinery and its impact on history. Island School teacher Pat Gegen received the Hawai’i Council for the Humanities and Matson Giving, Outstanding Hawai’i History Day Teacher Award (Junior Division) ● Participated in two Model United Nations virtual conferences this year and our students received 3 awards of recognition for their work as Best Delegate (x2) and Honorable Mention Delegate ● Participated in Mock Trial state tournament in the Hawaii Young Lawyers Division where Island school was awarded the 2021 Professionalism and Civility Award ● Participated in club sports: ISV Varsity boys and girls JV and Varsity volleyball teams took the Kulea Club Championship. The boys soccer team won the HYSA/KSA U19 Club League Championship. We had one individual boys champion for the Kauai Community Youth Tennis Tournament. Our Varsity boys basketball team was runner-up in the Last Dance Basketball Tournament ● SAT Scores Math: 591 Reading: 613 ● Invested over $27,000 in our faculty and staff for professional development ● Held a successful online auction ● Built outdoor learning spaces ● Completed the first phase - grading and site preparation - of the New Classroom Building ● Began construction of the baseball field ● Improved the faculty and student parking lots ● Partnered with the Booster Club to construct an imu and refurbished the garden in that area to create a beautiful outdoor venue and learning area that produces delicious food All of this was possible due to generosity in time, effort, and financial support. IS is rooted in the full definition of ‘ohana and that is deepened by the sense of malama - the value of stewardship that each of us hold for our community. To serve, honor, protect, and care for - these values and maintaining our sense of kuleana, are what bind us together on our voyage through each year of school. Thank you for allowing us to instill these values in Kaua‘i’s youth and remain accessible to our community. The generosity of donors is what allows us to keep our tuition low and quality of education high. Thank you to the Board, administration, staff, faculty, students, families, community partners, donors, and foundations for all that you do to support our mission and vision for our Voyagers. Mahalo,
Kate Conway Head of School
Katherine G. Richardson President, Board of Directors
www.ischool.org 5
Financial Report Our Financial Report presents the allocation of our 2020-2021 operating income and the distribution of our gifts and fundraising dollars. All contributions to our school fund our operating budget, campus improvements and expansion, and special projects, which include class activities and field trips, clubs and athletics, and extracurricular activities for our students to enjoy. Your donations also provide for the plannning and development of the future of Island School. Thank you for your continued support of our misison!
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Thank you for supporting the Island School ʻOhana through your donations and gifts, as well as in class and club fundraisers throughout the year!
Balance Sheet Assets
Liabilities & Net Assets
Cash & Cash Equivalents
$4,817,974
Accounts Receivable
$3,228,887
Inventory
$4,813
Investments
$137,468
Other Current Assets
$82,371
Prepaid Expenses
$39,373
Endowment Funds
$1,599,987
Total Current Assets
$9,910,873
Accounts Payable Deferred Revenue Accrued Payroll & Related Liabilities Total Current Liabilities Long Term Liabilities Total Liabilities Net Assets Total Liabilities & Net Assets
$169,345 $5,137,823 $304,319 $5,611,487 $1,143,600 $6,755,087 $12,426,163 $19,181,250
Fixed Assets (net of accumulated deprecation)
$9,270,377
Total Assets $19,181,250
Operating Income Operating Expenses
Operating Revenue Tuition & Fees Program Fees Investment Income Fundraising Grants & Donations Facility Use Rental Revenue Other Revenue Total Operating Revenue
$4,492,020 $334,190 $1,940 $156,977 $942,844 $27,068 $2,883 $5,957,922
Compensation & Benefits Pupil Services Instructional Materials Student Activities Institutional Advancement Plant & Maintenance Administration Total Operating Expenses
$4,026,086 $183,784 $113,652 $38,758 $32,564 $556,487 $268,875 $5,220,205
Total Contributions Auction Income $156,977 Class & Club Donations $8,933 Voyager Fund $110,654 Tuition Aid $74,258 Endowment $53,322 Capital Campaign Donations & Grants $500,550 Restricted Grants & Donations $88,574 Donated Assets $45,925 Total $1,039,193
www.ischool.org 7
Campus Improvements New Classroom Buildings: Over the summer, we were able to put the finishing touches on our two newest classroom spaces. Supporting our Middle School and High School, Hau and Niu are located next to our Main Administration Building on the western portion of campus. With these two additional classrooms, we were able to expand our elementary school and offer two 5th grade sections, increasing enrollment for all divisions. Thank you to everyone who supported the project and the continued growth of Island School! We wish to thank the many hands that have assisted in making this new space a reality, including Grant and Vindi Wells of Wells Custom Homes, Marc Ventura, Burke Braun and Eric Braun of ElectraTech, Ralph and Laura Cushnie of Cushnie Construction, Colby Ayonon of Kauaʻi Air Conditioning, and Kikiaola Construction, along with Island School staff Rodney Ochoa, Daniel Bicciche, Vanesha Morey, Kehaulani Kaiwi, and Sachiko Kalima, and other parent volunteers who helped paint on the finishing touches during our Family Work Day.
A New Kiln for Ceramics: After more than a year without being able to fire their beautiful works of art, our middle school and high school students are able to enjoy sculpting with clay again. The new kiln was installed and fired up during the summer and art teacher, Penny Nichols, was able to start her first middle school class off with this favored activity. In the interim, Penny Nichols was able to substitute her usual clay curriculum with aluminum sculptures and paper mache, igniting the creativity of her students. We look forward to seeing what our Voyagers will dream up in the art studio this year. Improved High School Lounges: Island School Maintenance staff was busy this summer expanding both our 9th grade and 10th grade lounges. The 9th grade lounge roof was replaced, and the seating space was improved to accommodate our growing high school student body. The 10th grade lounge is now doubled in size with an additional covered space for our students to safely spread out during breaks. Both spaces provide additional outdoor learning environments that will allow our classes to expand outside of the traditional classroom as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Voyager 8
The Virtual Experience of Theater Coming Together, Navigating Social Distancing, and Virtual Musical Theater with Rebecca Hanson If, in 2019, you had told Rebecca Hanson that in one year’s time she would be directing Island School’s plays to be performed on iPads to an audience of empty chairs, she would have been appalled. Rebecca Hanson, Island School’s theater teacher, is not one to shy away from a challenge. A COVID-19 school year, however, is a challenge that no one could have prepared for. Rebecca grew up in Minnesota, where she entered the world of theater in high school, through set design and technical production. It wasn’t until her second year of college, getting her degree in Theater Arts, that she performed as an actress in her first play. After college, Rebecca worked as an Assistant Company Manager for My Little Pony Live, and a performer on a production of Sesame Street Live. Her first teaching job was as a tap-dance instructor for three year olds, where her first thought was, despite the anxiety that comes with one’s first year of teaching, “I’m meant to do this.” Rebecca discovered that teaching was her passion, “I thought to myself, if I can teach three and four-year-olds how to tap-dance, I can do anything!” Rebecca first came to Kauaʻi in 2011. She left in 2012 to pursue her Elementary Education degree while returning each summer to work with Hawaii Children’s Theater. She returned to Kauaʻi for good in 2016 and, when the opportunity arose to teach theater at Island School, filling the shoes of Founding Mother and drama teacher Peggy Ellenburg, she knew it was where she was meant to be. Rebecca puts on three major plays each year, one each for middle school, high school and 5th grade. It is safe to say that no one was prepared for the adaptations required to teach during COVID-19, especially not a theater teacher, where in-person participation, large group settings and close collaboration are all integral parts of the curriculum.
With so many outside factors, such as copyright licensing and ever-changing COVID-19 restrictions, Rebecca was unsure if she would be able to host a performance or transition her students into online production. Our students were looking to her for solutions she didn’t yet have. Due to copywrite laws, Rebecca had to wait while production companies slowly released their scripts with rights to be streamed online.
A play called Mirror, Mirror, which chronicles the story of Snow White, was released in 2021 and written specifically to be performed on Zoom. The play could be live streamed via a private YouTube link, which enabled families to tune in and watch. It was the perfect option for her Fifth Grade play. She also found streamable plays for middle and high school, The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet and Clue, and was able to get to work producing them. The Fifth Grade students began rehearsing for their play on Chromebooks, which most of them had used previously for classwork. Originally, Rebecca was going to create her own sets from scratch, but realized quickly that it was much too large an undertaking, as this was already a performance more complicated than usual. On Zoom, digital backgrounds can be created and utilized, which seemed like a perfect solution to this obstacle. However, virtual Zoom backgrounds cannot be utilized on Chromebooks, creating yet another obstacle for Rebecca. She acquired iPads on which her students could rehearse and perform, which solved the problem of digital sets, but also meant that her students had to learn a completely different form of technology halfway through rehersals. “Not only was I teaching [my students] about projection, stage presence, blocking and lines, I was now also teaching them how to mute and unmute themselves, and how to turn their cameras off at the right times.”
For each bump in the road, there were people and resources along the way to help. Rebecca was able to attend an online class that taught theater teachers how to direct musicals on Zoom, which discussed lessons such as teacher control of the screen versus student control, and writing technical cues (“mute” or “unmute” for example) into the students’ scripts. The middle school play, The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet, and high school play, Clue, were both streamed by a company based in Colorado called Broadway on Demand, which was generous with their assistance. Representatives from Broadway on Demand were in constant contact with Rebecca throughout all performances, standing by four hours later in Colorado, just in case technical difficulties arose. Rebecca was able to recruit help filming her middle school play from Chiem Ma (a parent of Island School student, Phoenix Ma ‘27, who was an actor in the play). High School Division Director, Nathaniel Evslin, helped set up switchers and assisted with tech in all three plays. In, Mirror, Mirror, two students helped with lighting cues, fifth graders Kaia Haugh and River Summer. This was important, Rebecca said, because it allowed these students to explore their interests in theater outside of stage performance. As a student of all aspects of theater herself, Rebecca believes in the celebration of each component, and encouraged these students to be a
part of the team behind the scenes. Haugh and Summer were thrilled to have had the opportunity to contribute to their class while also exploring their own interests. Traditionally, actors get their energy from the audience’s reactions. If the crowd erupts into laughter one night, each performer feels the high of that reaction, and takes it with them into the rest of their performances. The casts were worried that they would sense this lack of energy, and tried hard to not let it affect their performances. This worry, it turned out, would be for nothing. Each of these plays were streamed online, which meant that anyone with access to the link could tune in and watch. Two of the middle school students had family members in Europe who tuned in, and one high school student received a text message from family on the mainland with a photo of their big screen TV. His family had linked the streaming service to their TV at home, and were watching the performance of Clue from an ocean away. Knowing this energized the entire cast. To picture themselves on a television in someone’s living room would never have been a possibility without this streaming service, and thrilled each and every student. With the help of faculty and parents, each cast was able to perform to a larger audience than would have been possible with their most packed in-person audience. The resiliency of the students, Rebecca, and the families who helped these productions come to life allowed our Voyagers to exceed their own expectations of what could be done in theater. This process allowed students to explore their theatrical interests outside of the stage, thus learning more about their own strengths and interests. Moving forward, Rebecca hopes to keep the streaming element to her plays, allowing extended family members and friends to tune in and support our Voyagers from all over the world. § www.ischool.org 11
Class of 2021 Ethan Alderete, California Institute of Technology (Physics) Amber Asuncion, Pepperdine University (Biology, Pre-Med) John Bancroft, University of California, Santa Barbara (Psychology) Ella Beck, Gonzaga University (Environmental Studies & Journalism) David Carlsson, San Diego State University (Computer Engineering) Asa Chelius, University of Colorado, Boulder (Mechanical or Civil Engineering) Justin Darnbrough, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (Business) Jaden De Souza, St. Mary’s College of California (Allied Sciences) Paulina Do, University of California, Irvine (Civil Engineering) Maile Fernandez, Metropolitan State University of Denver (Criminal Justice) Trevor Goodman, California State University, Los Angeles (Business) Connor Hall, University of California, Davis (Environmental Studies/Sustainability) Cameron Hubler, University of Texas, San Antonio (Business) Ethan Inanod, Kauai Community College (Electronics Technology) Sydney Jona, University of California, Irvine (Environmental Studies) Titus Kanehe, University of Hawaii, Manoa (Business) Braydon King, Lewis and Clark College (Art) Alexa Lauryn, University of California, Los Angeles (Biology Pre-Med) Bonnie Lee, University of Hawaii, Hilo (Aviation) Bryce Leonard, Northern Arizona University (Construction Management) Olivia Luktevich, US Naval Academy (General Science) Wailana Marvin, University of Colorado, Boulder (Biology, Pre-Med) Foster McLychok, Santa Barbara City College (Architecture) Kainoa Merano, Colorado State University (Environmental Horticulture) Taylor Mielke-Suizu, Hawaii Pacific University (Business) David Kaimana Moraes, Columbia University (Biology, Pre-Med) Tiago Morgado, University of Utah (Computer Science) Anais Offley, University of San Francisco (International Relations & Cognitive Science) Abigail Katherine Polzin, Willamette University (Criminology) Wanbli Primeaux, University of California, Irvine (Business) Sophia Riley, Lewis and Clark College (Comparative Literature) Heidi Roach, Hawaii Pacific University (Biology) Andrew Sclafani, University of Hawaii, Manoa (Finance) Justice Snyder, Kauai Community College (Electronics, Technology) Callista Yavinsky, Colorado State University (Psychology)
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Class Profile • The Class of 2021 received 175 acceptances to 71 colleges and universities in 19 different states. • 32 of these graduates are attending 4 year colleges or universities, and three are attending community colleges. • The geographic distribution was far-reaching, with students headed to California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Utah, Maryland, and New York. • Students are interested in a variety of majors, ranging from physics, engineering, and electronics technology to environmental horticulture, journalism, international relations, and cognitive science. • Even during the year of COVID-19, the class of 2021 found time to perform over 2,000 hours of community service over their four years of high school. • This class was the 16th at Island School to complete senior capstone projects. Presentations ranged from Building an Aquaponics System, Health Diplomacy, Traditional Polynesian Navigation, and Ultramarathon Running to the History of Military Aircraft, Improving Native American Reservations, and Designing and Building a Surfboard. • In total, this senior class was offered over $1,400,000 in meritand need-based scholarship money per year from all of their schools of acceptance, including 5 full ride offers or awards. • Average SAT score: 1210 • Average GPA: 3.5
www.ischool.org 13
Join the Voyager Fund
We are honored to recognize all who make unrestricted donations to the Voyager Fund as part of their yearly charitable giving through Gift Clubs. Membership is open to individuals and couples, businesses, and foundations who give one or more unrestricted gifts to the Voyager Fund during the fiscal year (July 1-June 30). A special mahalo goes out to individuals who make Island School a beneficiary of their annual charitable giving contributions each year. Corporate matching gifts may be applied to qualify for membership. THE PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE The President’s Circle recognizes Island School’s most generous contributors, those who exemplify and inspire leadership and giving. Gifts of $5,000 or more qualify donors for membership. THE CORNERSTONE CLUB The Cornerstone Club honors those who help to establish the foundation of financial support necessary to sustain the school’s commmitment to academic excellence. Gifts of $2,500-$4,999 qualify donors for membership. THE CHALLENGE CLUB The Challenge Club reflects the special effort displayed by Island School students, teachers, and parents throughout the year. Gifts of $1,000-$2,499 qualify donors for membership. THE CHAPTER CLUB The Chapter Club acknowledges that each student’s experience at Island School marks an important chapter in his or her life. Gifts of $500-$999 qualify donors for membership. THE CIRCLE CLUB At Island School, Morning Circle is a tradition where students gather to welcome visitors, make announcements, celebrate achievements, and join in song. Gifts of $100-$499 qualify donors for membership. FRIENDS OF ISLAND SCHOOL Friends include all who support excellence at Island School through a gift of any amount.
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THE PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE Jed & Erin Gushman Thomas King, Jr. Joan Maas David & Carol Pratt Wayne & Katherine Richardson, III THE CORNERSTONE CLUB Alan & Monica King Charlie & MaryBea King Dorothy Shaw Patricia Sheehan Antone & Dionne Teves THE CHALLENGE CLUB Kurt & Arlene Bosshard William & Amy Clise Patrick & Rosalind Debusca Grove Farm Company Giles & Catherine Harrison Daniel & Alexis Hazen Chet & Tish Hunt In honor of Conor & Mason Hunt Alan & Christine Ing Keola Keahiolalo Curtis & Jamie Law David & Lynne Leung Wade & Kimberly Lord Janet Mayfield & Walt McCoy James Munroe In honor of Candy, Sawyer, Stewart & Jim Matthew & Teri Peers Sam & Robin Pratt Thomas & Teita Reveley Dot Schmidt Peter & Hannah Sirois Marc & Audrey Ventura Bob & Sally Weist Kyle Oshima & Kari Yamashiro THE CHAPTER CLUB Mychal & Darlene Brosamer Gavin & Kate Conway Ralph & Laura Cushnie Diana Dahl George A. Dempsey, Jr. In memory of Gwynne Dempsey Matthew & Marlene Doyle Randall & Joan Evans Michael & Michelle Fitzgerald In memory of Mark Domingo Fitzgerald Kevin & Enny Glick Mark & Barbara Hubbard Greg & Lindsay Kamm In honor of the Founding Mothers Kauaʻi Badminton Club Tyler Kim
THE CHAPTER CLUB CONTD. Mike & Sheree Latif In memory of Margo Latif Stewart Munroe Christopher Ordonez & Sequoia Ferry James & Ruth Parker In memory of Tina Marie Carney Oyler William Pratt David & Darnney Proudfoot Philip Steinbacher & Jason Blake Times Supermarket Ipo Haumea, Jr. & Stacy Waikoloa Howard & Ahava Wills Cindy Wortmann THE CIRCLE CLUB Archie & Stephanie Achuara John & Christina Alderete Jon & Elana Anderton Ross & Alicia Asuncion Jason & Rachelle Asuncion Aunty Lilikoi, LLC Autodesk Foundation Colby & Maja Ayonon Catherine Barale Jeffery Stewart & Valerie Barko Hobey & Marau Beck Jason & Lisa Berry Ernie & Debra Blachowiak Christopher & Lovena Calio Elpidio & Lori Cardenas Jose & Cira Castillo Sheldon Clark Jerilyn Cook Brooke Dela Cruz Renato & Marjorie DeSouza Glenn & Linda Ebesu Royce & Helen Ebesu Ehren & Leah Edwards Kevin & Kate Egan Nicholas & Stephie Ellenburg In memory of William Ellenburg Lance & Lorrie Eto Claudia Evanoff In honor of all Island School teachers George Evanoff In honor of Philip Steinbacher Luke & Sokchea Evslin Scott & Andrea Fiorovich Jesus & Rodalita Galiza Tanya Gamby Pat Gegen & Marghee Maupin
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THE CIRCLE CLUB CONTD. Martin Steinhaus & Lissa Lang Albert & Catherine Stiglemier William & Karen Summerhays Paul Mycynek & Hiroko Tanaka In honor of Misa Mycynek Robert Tiechman & Geri Young Eddie & Sonia Topenio Kilipaki & Mehana Vaughan Joel & Brity Punzal Presley & Colleen Wann Kathleen Watanabe Devlin & Jasmine Yukimura John Wehrheim & Jo Ann Yukimura In honor of Peggy Ellenburg Gary Zanercik Alexandria Zanger
Mahalo
THE CIRCLE CLUB CONTD. John Harlacher In memory of Quinn Bernard Bradley Hirano In memory of Hobey & Nancy Goodale Yaeko Holmes MaryBeth Hurley In honor of Lucas McSweeney Wayne & Sharon Inanod Kristopher & Yukiko Johnson Jerry & Michelle Jona J. Rochelle Karter Mary Kass Eliott & Joann Ke Peter & Kori King Maui & Jody Kjeldsen Kavika Knight Jeff Kozak Edward & Bonnie Lake Marina & Robert LaMadrid Timothy & Leticia Lee Lee & Megan Liddell In honor of Moana Liddell Chiem & Kristen Ma Sean & Katie Magoun Thomas Makanani Jim Mayfield Kauaʻi Nursery & Landscape Joe & Ruth Marvin Mark & Fran McDonald Michael McSweeney & Marisa Hurley Sheri Mihaylo Mokihana Pest Control Blake & Erika Moura Guy & Shirley Moriguchi R. Craig Netzer Penny Nichols Sherry & Mike Niethammer Joshua & Alice Pajela Fred & Cadice Pascual Ron & Cristy Peeren Kymry Perez Jennifer Pomroy Jamie Prem Princeville Chiropractic Joel & Brity Punzal Cheryl Ringler Stan & Tami Rollins Chris & Annie Sadler Rick & Joan Shaw Toshiaki & Akiko Shindo Milo & Amy Spindt Bob & Leinani Springer
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FRIENDS OF ISLAND SCHOOL Tom & Paula Abbott Andy & Mary Alfiler American Online Giving Foundation, Inc Mark Andrews Sky Asio Daniel Bicciche Blake Braun Kennedy Braun Kate Brown Nola Brown Reed Brown Samantha Brown Anne Champlin Stephen Clark Joseph Corbo & Andrea Healey Jackie Cortopassi Nathaniel & Marissa Evslin Mckenna Fitzgerald Richard Randolph & Joyce Flagg Sara Graves Steve Greco Jim Guerber Guy White & Cynthia Hannah-White Rebecca Hanson Logan Ing Zachary Ing Jessica Joyce Caitlin Ka’aihue David Gregson & Connie Kakalia Sealei Kaleiohi Sabra Kauka Avani Keahiolalo Tevah Keahiolalo Abigail Laase Melonie Lambdin Peter Roach & Jenny Lewis
FRIENDS OF ISLAND SCHOOL CONTD. Sean Lottermoser Alika & Tiare Luka Sue Macklin Mary Magoun Thatcher Magoun Russell & Susan McCluskey Bianca Mendoza Keliʻi & Heather Morgado Jia Nochole-Orozco Daniel & Keana Oliveira Izabella Orozco John Patterson & Katalin Terdik Wade Albert & Janet Powell Aria Prem David Reynolds Valerie Rivera Laura Ryan Paul Schmitz Renate Seldon Sara Shaw Kara Swink Emily Thomas Anthony & Stephanie Valentino Joe Walch & Stacey Reeh Jennifer Winn
Restricted Giving ISLAND SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Peter and Kori King ATHLETICS/BOOSTER LCUB Hobey & Marau Beck Jason & Lisa Berry Daniel Bicciche Kurt & Arlene Bosshard Mychal & Darlene Brosamer Mark & Shawna Burger Gavin & Kate Conway Debra Debusca Glenn & Linda Ebesu Diane Fukuyama Harry Funamura
ATHLETICS/BOOSTER CLUB CONTD. Grove Farm Company Barbara Ichimasa Jerry & Michelle Jona Gary & Andrea Katayama Alan & Monica King Charlie & Mary Bea King Nancy Koga Jerry Kubota Sean & Katie Magoun Joe & Ruth Marvin Edwin & Marian Nakano David & Carol Pratt Sam & Robin Pratt ProBuilt Hawaii Wayne & Kathy Richardson, III Target Corporate Foundation Jackie Tokashiki Stephanie & Anthony Valentino CLASS/CLUB FUNDS Josh Brown-Clay & Jill Eriksson Dwayne & Glynis Camat Peggy Ellenburg Elsie H. Wilcox Foundation Jennifer Fairchild Randall & Judith Figueroa Jed & Erin Gushman Hawaii Association of Independent Schools Roger Jacobs Brendan Lagather & Agnieszka Pinowska Eric Lottermoser & Anna Maria Borondoi Mable I. Wilcox Foundation Trust Christian Mihaylo Eric & Margaret Pendleton National Marine Society Foundation Aria Prem Valerie Rivera Erin Wilson Karen Youra SPECIAL PROJECTS Elizabeth Peck Project Lead the Way ENDOWMENT Richard & Karen Goodale Lina & Roy Skinner
www.ischool.org 17
KOKUA Atlas Benefit Consulting Mason Chock & Shyla Ayau Cushnie Construction Danny’s Concrete Pumping Marjorie & Renato Desouza ElectraTech Services, LLC Jed & Erin Gushman Bro Halff & David Feather Kalani Construction Kauaʻi Concrete & Rock Kauaʻi Nursery & Landscaping Sandra Lewis M. Tanaka Store Probuilt Hawaii Joel & Brity Punzal Rick & Joan Shaw Philip Steinbacher & Jason Blake Marc Ventura, AlA, LLC TUITION AID Braden Beck Hobey & Marau Beck Cavanagh Charitable Fund Sheldon Clark G. N. Wilcox Trust Kamehameha Schools Mike & Sheree Latif In honor of Margo Latif McInerny Foundation Guy White & Cynthia Hannah-White Andrew & Renate McMullen Jonathan Rosenthal Presley & Colleen Wann
CAPITAL Bank of Hawaii Foundation Daniel Bicciche Cades Schutte LLP Cooke Foundation G. N. Wilcox Trust Goodale Family Fund Garmar Foundation Jed & Erin Gushman Palmer Hafdahl In honor of Jim Guerber Hale Kauaʻi, Ltd. J. Rochelle Karter Kosasa Foundation Leburta Gates Atherton Family Foundation Joan C. Mass Candice McCaslin McInerny Foundation James Munroe, Jr. Joan C. Pratt In honor of David & Carol Pratt Waimakua Mary Rice Wayne & Katherine Richardson, III Laura Ryan S. W. Wilcox Trust Eddie & Sonia Topenio Mel & Pauline Ventura Gaylord & Carol Wilcox Yukimura Family Fund
On February 27, 2021, guests traveled through space and time to virtually attend Island School’s 42nd Annual Gala Auction. The auction is a tradition that dates back to Island School’s earliest years. Proceeds benefit Island School students’ Tuition Aid Fund, as well as provides enhancements to on-campus programs. This year, through the generousity of our sponsors, donors and attendees, we were able to raise $112,146.20 for our school. We would like to extend a huge mahalo to our volunteers and our auction committee, who worked tirelessly for months to ensure that this event was flawless. Thank you to auction chair Laura Ryan, our auction committee, sponsors, volunteers and donors. Your support has the power to change the lives of our Voyagers.
AUCTION COMMITTEE
ACQUISITIONS TEAM
ACQUISITIONS TEAM CONT.
Kate Conway Debra Debusca Jill Herczog Alan King Jamie Prem Kathy Richardson Laura Ryan, CHAIR
Carla Baker Valerie Barko Marjorie DeSouza Linda Ebesu Jill Eriksson Kendra Inanod Kori King Vindi Wells Kathryn Ledesma Hannah Lerman Megan Liddell Lisa Kahn Macko Heather Singleton Leilani Smith Amy Spindt Martin Steinhaus Dionne Teves Claudia Trask Kilipaki Vaughn
Biba Velickovic Jack Viohl James Warrack Brendan Young
CUSTOMER CALL CENTER Nathaniel Evlsin Jeff Kozak Sue Macklin Renate McMullen Katie Magoun Sean Magoun Bianca Mendoza Brian Pearson Cristy Peeren Janet Powell
DATABASE Kelly Raybuck
MASTER OF CEREMONIES Ron Wiley
PARTNERS AV Kaua’i Contemporary Flavors Catering Flowers Forever, LLC Hanalei Spirits Distillery Corp. Kaua’i Printing Solutions, Inc. www.ischool.org 19
PLATNUM SPONSORS
EVENT SPONSORS
Keller Williams Kauaʻi
GOLD SPONSORS
Arthur J. Hurley Company, Inc. The Pratt Family Custom Cooling
SILVER SPONSORS
UHA Health Insurance Charlie & Mary Bea King Kauaʻi Dental Care Bank of Hawaii
BRONZE SPONSORS
King Auto Center Curtis & Jamie Law ʻOhana Motors Niu Pia Land Company Wilcox Health
A Simple Mind Archie & Stephanie Achuara, Jr. aFeinberg Gallery Aloha Ginger Beer Andaz 5th Avenue Jon & Elena Anderton Aspire Furniture Aunty Lilikoi, LLC Peter & Linda Baldwin Banana Patch Studio Barre Soul Kauaʻi Hobey & Marau Beck Carol Bezy Robert & Heather Biedermann David & Carla Bissell Ernie & Debra Blachowiak Blue Ocean Adventures Eric & Juliet Braun
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AUCTION DONORS Brennekes Beach Broiler Bronca Adam Brown & Erin Rose Bubbah’s Toy Box Lovey Calio Cane Field Clothing Mary Carmody Ching Young Village Sheldon Clark Jerilyn Cook Cushnie Construction Company, Inc. Custom Cooling Kauaʻi Patrick & Rosalind Debusca DermaCare Diamond M. Private Chef Services Catherine Daligdig Renato & Marjorie Desouza Dog Fanciers of Kauaʻi Kanoa & Marlene Doyle André Huss Eriksson & Nina Ronsted Lance & Lorrie Eto
Luke & Sokchea Evslin Expert Exterminators Inc. Jennifer Fairchild First Hawaiian Bank Fragrances of Aloha Tanya Gamby Goldsmith’s Kauaʻi Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi Resort and Spa Green Massage Kauaʻi Rhyan & Erica Greenleaf Dr. Thomas Grollman Jim Guerber Jed & Erin Gushman Jeremy Harris & Victoria Yi Hanako Hawaii Hanalei Spirits Rebecca Hanson Ipo Haumea, Jr. & Stacey Waikoloa Hawaii Adventure Center Hawaiian Gold Mustard Jill & Ed Herczog
AUCTION DONORS CONTD. Hokuala Golf Yaeko Holmes HUBBOARDS Matthew Hurley Island Ride Kauaʻi Island School Board of Directors Island School Class of 2021 Island School Class of 2022 Island School Class of 2023 Island School Class of 2024 Island School Class of 2025 Island School Class of 2026 Island School Class of 2027 Island School Class of 2028 Island School Class of 2029 Island School Class of 2030 Island School Class of 2031 Island School Class of 2032 Island School Class of 2033 Island School Na Pua Keiki JO2 Restaurant Kalaheo Dental Group Kalaheo Wellness Center Greg & Lindsay Kamm Kalanakila Kaohi & Natasha Suzuki Mary Kass Kauaʻi Air Conditioning & Refridgeration, Inc. Kauaʻi Beer Company Kauaʻi Chiropractic & Wellness Center Kauaʻi Design Kauaʻi Ferments Kauaʻi Kookie Kauaʻi Living Walls Kauaʻi Restoration & Cleaning Kauaʻi Safaris Kauaʻi Style Vacations Kauaʻi Wood Turners Denise Kaufman Sabra Kauka
Kenji Burger Keoki’s Paradise Kiakaha Kiko Kauaʻi Kilauea Bakery & Pizza Charlie & Mary Bea King Peter & Kori King Thomas King, Jr. Kipu Ranch Adventures Adam & Ashley Kircaldie Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort Koloa Dance House Koloa Rum Company Kong Lung Trading Kukuiʻula Developmet Company Kukuiʻula Realty Kula Kalo O’ Kauaʻi Lambert Bridge Winery Lamby & Bunny Stephen Lerman Dr. Robert & Mrs. Celene Long Lord’s Electric Wade & Kimberly Lord Sue Macklin Keoni & Lisa Macko Magic Dragon Toy & Art Supply Sean & Katie Magoun Thatcher & Nina Magoun Maile Maka Imports Mana Grande’s Gems Mark White Lures Ken & Jan Martinez Janet Mayfield & Walt McCoy Mokihana Pest Control Jay & Corrine Murata Na ‘Aina Kai Botanical Gardens Penny Nichols Andy & Cheryl Nickles Nukumoi Surf Daniel & Keana Oliveira Ono Pops Kauaʻi Oskar’s Boutique Outer Reef Jewelry Pacific Media Group KONG Radio Ron & Cristy Peeren Kymry Perez Jamie Prem Prestige Jewelers Princeville Chiropractic
Professional Automotive Service David & Darnney Proudfoot Punua Insurance Agency, Inc. Punzal Vision Michael & Leah Pytel Red Dirt Pearls Wayne & Kathy Richardson, III Cheryl Ringer Valerie Rivera Robin McCoy Fine Arts Royal Sonesta Kauaʻi Chris & Anne Sadler Salty Wahine Savage Shrimp Rick & Joan Shaw Patricia Sheehan Sheila Bradley Books Shoe Envy Joanne Smith Snap-On Tools Warren Sparks & Erin Carrington Studio 203 Sudz Car Wash Will & Karen Summerhays The Cliffs at Princeville The Healdsburg School The Kauaʻi Marathon The Right Slice The Tasting Room The Wine Shop Jacob Thorp & Darcie Yukimura Timbers Kauaʻi Tire Warehouse Kauaʻi Eddie & Sonia Topenio Daniel & Melissa Tuers Two Frogs Hugging Vaughan ‘Ohana Verde Restaurant Vitality Kauaʻi MedSpa Jack & Hilary Viohl Tom & Victoria Virag Wailea Beauty & Design Collective Terry & Carole Wells Jennifer Winn Work It Out Cindy Wortmann YWCA Z Spa
Donor Spotlight: Erin & Jed Gushman Erin and Jed Gushman were the Parent Chairs of the Voyager Fund for the 2020-21 school year, and are continuing their roles for the 21-22 school year. They have two children at Island School, Ava (‘35) and Hendrix (‘33), and a deep history with the school. Erin Gushman, then Erin Shaw, attended Island School for seven years, and her sister, Sarah, for twelve. Erin graduated in 2002, as one of ten students in the third graduating class of Island School, a long way from the 35 graduates in 2021. Erin’s mother, Joan Shaw, worked at Island School from 1994 to 2018. The Gushmans, now parents of two Island School students, have been a part of the school for a total of 28 years. Erin was born and raised on Kauaʻi, and her family has deep roots on the island that date back to the early 20th century, when her greatgrandfather worked as an engineer for Grove Farm. After graduating from Island School, Erin went to University of San Diego. After college, she moved to Oʻahu to work in marketing and real estate, but always knew she would one day return to Kauaʻi. In 2014, Erin and Jed welcomed their first child, Hendrix, and Erin, by chance, was offered a job on Kauaʻi. The young family was thrilled to have an opportunity to return home. “We are so grateful to call Kauaʻi home, we love the slow pace of life, enjoying all the wonderful outdoor adventures and activities the island has to offer, and being close to our family.” As the Gushman family grew, they decided to send their two children to Island School, a school that had such a positive impact on Erin herself. “We are so happy that our children have the opportunity to not only receive an exceptional education, but also to be a part of such a wonderful, enriching and nurturing environment where they can learn and grow. We love the small class sizes, the dedicated Voyager 22
teachers and staff, and the amazing resources and learning opportunities provided by Island School.” The Gushmans believe in the importance of supporting and giving back to their community, especially to programs that help educate and nurture the children within that community. Island School is exactly that for the Gushmans. Island School has given this family so much opportunity, has allowed them to grow and evolve, and is now nurturing their children as they themselves grow and evolve. Erin explains that her family has seen firsthand how much hard work and dedication it takes to make Island School the incredible place that it is. “Over the years we have been fortunate enough to have worked alongside many amazing volunteers and have seen the school grow and thrive as a result of the incredible generous donations of parents and community members. Now, as parents of Island School students, we feel an added responsibility to be active participants in supporting the school.” The Gushmans donate to Island School because they believe in the mission and purpose of the school, and in the futures of our Voyagers. §
Volunteer Spotlight: Dot Schmidt
Dot Schmidt volunteers in the Kindergarten classroom, helping Miss Shantelle Shimogawa and Miss Rachelle Asuncion. She has been donating her time and energy to Island School’s Kindergarten class for ten years, after volunteering in both Connie Kakalia’s Second Grade class and Cristy Peeren’s First Grade class, and has been invaluable to the success of the program. With 21 students in the Kindergarten class, it is deeply important to have as many helpers in the classroom as possible in order to ensure that each student gets the attention, support, and guidance that is vital at such a young and impressionable age. To assist a class of 21 Kindergarten students, coming in each and every day as a voluteer, takes a very special type of person, and Miss Dot is exactly that. As a volunteer, Dot dedicates her time to these students without any expectation of reciprocation or reward, and has for the past ten years. When asked about the reason behind all of her volunteer hours, Dot explained that, “[the students] are more of a blessing to me than I am to them.” “They are more a blessing to me than I am to them.”
Teaching is an extremely rewarding endeavor. It is a powerful thing, Dot explains, to watch children grow and learn, experiencing the world through fresh eyes. Dot volunteers with the Kindergarten class each year, which means she also gets to watch previous students grow into bright, curious and engaged elementary school students. Through her generous volunteer work with the Kindergarten class, Dot Schmidt’s positive impact on our keiki has been immeasurable. From greeting Kindergarten students at the door on their first day at Island School, welcoming them with a smiling face, to leading students on their annual Rainbow Day scavenger hunt, Miss Dot ensures that each student in the Kindergarten class is seen, taken care of, and honored for who they are on their learning journey at Island School. Miss Dot, along with Miss Shantelle and Miss Rachelle, creates a sense of home away from home for some of our youngest students, making school a safe place for them to learn, explore and build bonds that will last a lifetime. §
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Kauaʻi Our Home & Community: Utilization vs. Conservation Middle School’s Interdisciplinary Project with Stephanie Achuara
during this course, through the use of research, reading and writing to produce an argumentative essay for Mrs. Roxanne Pearson’s English class. Students also integrated Technology skills by creating digital infographics after each guest teaching visit, culminating in a virtual portfolio. During this unit, guest speakers who discussed different ways in which both visitors and
In the 2016-2017 academic year, Stephanie Achuara began the middle school interdisciplinary project: Kauaʻi Our Home. For the last four years, with the exception of the 2019-2020 school year, Stephanie has worked on this interdisciplinary project to provide her seventh grade Life Science students with an immersive, hands-on, and engaging learning experience. She does this to create a way for students to immerse themselves into communities outside of the Island School campus, and to gain a deeper understanding of what they have learned in class. Kauaʻi Our Home: Utilization vs. Conservation was the theme of this five week collaborative unit in 2021, in which students cultivated scientific knowledge through the exploration of topics including conservation and preservation as they relate to land on Kauaʻi. These explorations were made through on-campus connections and resources, as well as visits from outside community organizations. In addition to their Life Science curriculum, students integrated English and Language Arts skills Voyager 24
residents of Kauaʻi can responsibly utilize this land while also practicing conservation. The objective was to connect students with place, as well as to reach an understanding of the natural and cultural dynamics at play on Kauaʻi. Stephanie worked closely with these speakers to map out each lesson, ensuring that they were in line with at least one of five domains, 1. Conserving and Protecting Biodiversity; Natural Resources. 2. Cultural Protection of Environment and Restoration; Collaborative Conservation Efforts 3. Human Impact; Understand the Effects of Human Activities on Species, Communities, Ecosystems and Environment. 4. Local Issues and Efforts. 5. Hawaiian History and Culture. During each of these lessons, which existed under one or more of the five domains, students pondered two guiding essential questions, 1. What is the balance between utilization and preservation of the land? 2. How do human actions impact Kauaʻi’s natural resources? Visitors included U’i Banmann, who taught students about the significance of Hawaiian Music and Language; Pepe Trask, who shared
his knowledge on Hawaiian History and Culture, focusing on Place Names, Physical Attributes, and Storytelling; Haylin Chock, an Educational Specialist with the Kauaʻi Invasive Species Committee, who taught students about the impact of invasives on watersheds; Dustin Wolkis from the National Tropical Botanical Gardens, who presented on Plant/Seed Preservation; Aaron Swink, an education specialist with the Department of Land & Natural Resources, who hosted a Q&A on how the state and county government should move forward in terms of managing post-COVID tourism; and Barbara Wiedner, Vice Chair of the Surfrider Foundation Kauaʻi Chapter, who gave a presentation titled Marine Debris: Understanding Human Impact on Ecosystems and the Environment. Students were also visited by experts within Island School. These experts included Peter King, who gave the first presentation of this interdisciplinary project on April 5th, talking about the importance of place, and Pat Gegen. Pat took Stephanie’s seventh graders and his high school Sustainability class on a walking tour of Island School’s campus, using graphic information system (GIS) technologies to map and explore United States Geological Survey (USGS) benchmarks and ahupuaʻa boundary lines. On May 11th, at the end of the five week
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project, the Life Science class took a culminating field trip to Alekoko Fish Pond. There, they worked in collaboration with Mālama Hulēʻia, a local nonprofit that “advocates, educates, and leads community efforts to remove red mangrove along the Huleʻia river, re-establishes native wetland ecosystems, and creates an environmental stewardship program honoring Hawaiian values.” On this field trip, students had the opportunity to make connections with what they had learned during their classroom visit by Peleke Flores, who visited their class the week prior to teach a lesson titled Restoration & Preservation of Alakoko Fishpond.
Of the field trip, student Makalapua Blake said, “I very much enjoyed this field trip and I’m so happy we had the opportunity to go down and at least help a little to restore our centuries old fishpond. I want to go back and do this one more time.”
Linnaea Ellis said, “I find this kind of work very fulfilling and loved learning more about how fishponds work. I’m very grateful for the opportunity my class had to go on a field trip this year. I am also very grateful to my teachers and the people with Mālama Hulēʻia for making this possible and special. I look forward to doing more activities like this.” Although Stephanie no longer teaches seventh grade Life Science, she is making sure Kauaʻi Our Home lives on. She was named Middle School Division Director for the 2021-2022 academic year, where she coordinates events, meets with and supports students, teachers, and parents, and makes sure events and Voyager 26
classes are running smoothly. Stephanie hopes that the interdisciplinary project will become a Middle School tradition in which students are able to get outside of Island School’s campus and engage with local Hawaiian cultures and people on a larger scale. Pat Gegen and Roxanne Pearson will take over the interdisciplinary project in the 2021-22 academic year as a part of their Social Studies curriculum. §
Island School Est. 1977 Save the Date Giving Tuesday November 30, 2021 Island School’s 45th Birthday January 21, 2022 5th Grade Play February 26, 2022 - March 7, 2022 Annual Gala Auction April 2, 2022
The Annual Voyager Fund: In order to keep the cost of tuition down, 15% of Island School’s budget depends on donations from generous supporters like you. Donations to The Voyager Fund help teachers continue to create innovative curriculum, provide new and improved indoor and outdoor classroom spaces, as well as provide COVID-19 mitigation measures as we contine to navigate these uncertain times. www.ischool.org/giving
Middle School Play April 29, 2022 - May 1, 2022 May Day May 6, 2022 Beach Blast Off May 27, 2022 Graduation May 28, 2022 @islandschoolhi
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Voyagers Returning Home We began the 2021-22 academic year by welcoming back to campus four Island School alumni who have returned to work as faculty and staff. We welcome Allison Culliney ‘15 as a high school Math teacher, Genevieve Foster ‘15 as our Development and Communications Associate, Teddy Rose ‘12 as a Computer Science and Technology teacher, and Justin Pajela ‘16 as our IT Administrator. We sat down with each of them to talk about their lives away from Island School, and why they chose to return.
Left: Allison Culliney as an Island School Na Pua Keiki student in 2001. Right: Allison Culliney on her first day as an Island School teacher in 2021.
Allison Culliney, Class of 2015 What years did you attend Island School? I was a student at Island School from Pre-K until 12th grade. I graduated in 2015. What do you currently do at Island School? I teach high school math: Geometry, Algebra II and College Algebra. What did you do after Island School? Where did you go, what did you study, how many years were you away? I spent a semester at Virginia Tech, realized it wasn’t for me, and spent my second semester at Kauaʻi Community College. I then transferred to University of Puget Sound where I got a B.S. in Geology and a minor in Mathematics. Halfway through my last semester of senior year, I got stuck in New Zealand due to COVID-19, and ended up graduating remotely from New Zealand in May of 2020. I took the next year as an unintentional gap year working odd jobs and traveling around New Zealand and Australia. What brought you back to Island School? What do you find special or unique about Island School? It was hard being away from my family throughout the pandemic, especially as we lost a few family members over the course of the year. I enjoyed working with students in my previous positions, so when I saw the opening at Island School, I thought it would be a great opportunity to dive into the world of teaching while getting to spend more time with my family. I didn’t fully appreciate all of the experiences I had at Island School until after I had graduated from high school, but looking back, I am so glad to have grown up in such a nurturing and caring community. It’s truly a unique environment, and I’m happy to be a part of it again!
Genevieve Foster, Class of 2015 What years did you attend Island School? I went to Island School from Fourth Grade through 12th, and graduated in 2015. What do you do at Island School? I am the Developement and Communications Associate at Island School. I write and design our weekly and monthly newsletters. I create all of the ads for Island School that appear in The Garden Isle and Midweek Kauaʻi, created the video announcement and brochure for the Voyager Fund, among many other things. What did you do after Island School? Where did you go, what did you study, how many years were you away? I went to Whitman College on the mainland for four years, where I majored in Anthropology and Creative Writing. In college I became a long distance runner, the president of Whitman’s poetry club, and a poetry judge for my school’s arts and literature journal. I came home after college thinking I would stay for a year before heading to the mainland again, but along came COVID. I spent time working part-time marketing and copywriting jobs, knitting, and taking online creative writing classes until this wonderful opportunity arose at Island School! I read the job description and was thrilled to find something that would allow me to be creative at work, as well as stay close to home during this scary moment in time. What brought you back to Island School? What do you find special or unique about Island School? I have always felt like Island School was a sort of second home for me. My twin brother and I grew up at this school. Some of my best friends to this day are the kids I went to Island School with, and we find ourselves reminiscing on our school memories often. I love that this feeling of home continues as an employee of Island School, as I have now become coworkers with some of the people who taught me as a child, and who helped raise me. I feel very fortunate and privileged to be here. Left: Genevieve Foster and Allison Culliney, classmates from Fourth through 12th Grade, walking into their Island School graduation ceremony together, 2015. Right: Genevieve Foster and her father, Charley, 2019.
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Teddy Rose, Class of 2012 How many years did you spend at Island School? I was at Island School for two years and graduated in 2012. What do you currently do at Island School? I am the Computer Science and Technology teacher. What do you do at Island School? Where did you go, what did you study, how many years were you away? After Island School, I went to college in British Columbia, Canada, and studied Education and Political Science. I stayed to work in education for three years after graduating while teaching myself coding and website design on the side, becauase I was always a bit of a geek at heart. I slowly transitioned into the tech field for a few years, working in Berlin, the Bay Area, and remotely. What brought you back to Island School? What do you find special or uinque about Island School? COVID planted me back on Kauaʻi after eight years abroad, and made me think about how I could use my teaching and technology background to give back to the island. I also really missed the intellectual stimulation and dialogue you can get in big cities and on the mainland, so the idea of being around such a diverse goup of coworkers with their own expertise got me really excited. Working at Island School was the natural answer to these goals.
Left: Teddy Rose in Koke’e as an Island School student, 2012. Right: Teddy Rose in Koke’e, nine years later, as an Island School teacher, 2021.
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Right: Justin Pajela in 2004, an Island School first grader.
Justin Pajela, Class of 2016 What years did you attend Island School? I spent 7 years at Island School from Kindergarten through 6th grade. I graduated from Kamehameha Schools Kapālama in 2016. What do you do at Island School? I am currently the IT Administrator. I assist students, faculty, and staff with their technology needs on campus. What did you do after Island School? Where did you go, what did you study, how many years were you away? I attended Kamehameha Schools Kapālama on ‘Oahu as a boarder from 7th grade through 12th grade. After graduating from High School I then moved back to Kaua‘i and attended Kaua‘i Community College and received my Associate of Science in Creative Media. Before coming back to Island School I worked as a fashion photographer, digital marketing consultant, and graphic designer for clients on Kaua‘i, ‘Oahu, and the West Coast. What brought you back to Island School? What do you find special or unique about Island School? I came back to Island School as a way to be a part of a community that has given me an abundance of opportunities. Island School provides unique learning experiences that cultivates both academic and creative students while also preparing them for their future.
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Island School
3-1875 Kaumualiʻi Highway Lihue HI 96766 Phone: 808-246-0233 Fax: 808-245-6053 Email: info@ischool.org