Centers Distinctions

Distinctions can be earned by students who demonstrate focused study, passion and mastery aligned to the Punahou Centers. With the support of a mentor, students begin work on Center Distinction requirements and a reflective portfolio early in their Academy experience. The Distinction process is a valuable opportunity that recognizes outstanding achievements in knowledge, skills and dispositions aligned to the Centers.

All students are strongly encouraged to express interest during Grade 9 or Grade 10.

Distinction in Global Education: Wo International Center Wo International Center serves as a beacon for educational practices, discussions and learning through a global perspective. The Center supports programs, curriculum and pedagogy to promote globally competent learners who know their world, skillfully interact with their world, and have a disposition for action. For more information about the Distinction in Global Education please contact: Paula Arias parias@punahou.edu and Dr. Robyn Vierra at rvierra@punahou.edu.

Distinction in Design Technology and Engineering: Design Technology and Engineering Center The goal of the Punahou DT team is to build and maintain a student-centered, school-wide environment designed to empower the development of the socialemotional skills, technical abilities, design thinking and growth mindset needed to translate the Punahou Aims into positive and purposeful action in the real world. For more information about the Distinction in DT please contact: Taryn Loveman at tloveman@punahou.edu. Distinction in ‘Ike Hawai‘i: Kuaihelani Center Hawaiian Studies brings to life the vibrant culture, history and storytelling traditions of our Islands. The program, housed in Kuaihelani Learning Center, assists K – 12 faculty with integrating ‘o¯lelo (language), mele (song), oli (chant) and protocol into existing curriculum. The program’s content-based approach imbues students with an appreciation for Hawaiian cultural values and for the School’s lands, a historic gift from the ruling ali‘i. By reconnecting children to the ‘a¯ina, the program encourages the mindset to embrace Hawaiian cultural values in their lives. For more information about the Distinction ‘Ike Hawai‘i please contact: Kealohi Reppun at kreppun@punahou.edu.

Distinction in Student Entrepreneurship: Case Accelerator for Student Entrepreneurship Center In a world of accelerating change everyone benefits from the entrepreneurial mindset. Whether a student goes on to work in government, for a nonprofit, as an intrapreneur within a larger corporation, or if starts a business they’ll need to use the entrepreneurial mindset and invent new paths forward. For more information about the Distinction in Student Entrepreneurship please contact: Mark Loughridge at mloughridge@punahou.edu. Distinction in Public Service: Luke Center for Public Service Distinction in Civic Education: Luke Center for Public Service The Luke Center for Public Service embraces community service, service learning and social entrepreneurship for grades K – 12, contributing to the school’s public service and sustainability initiatives. The Center for Public Service is committed to communicating about service, creating meaningful service opportunities, and convening service-related conversations for students and teachers. For more information about the Distinction in Distinction in Public Service please contact: Daniela Goddard at dgoddard@punahou.edu.