KEAUKAHA

Malia Puka O Kalani Parish

The people of Malia used Hawaiian symbols to depict the O Antiphons in anticipation of Christmas. (Reported by Father Joe Hennen)

HAWI

Sacred Heart Parish

Our annual Christmas Pageant, always held before the children’s Christmas Mass, was narrated by the Confirmation students and performed by our elementary students. Pictured with religious education coordinator Mary Lou Ignacio are Jessie Diaz as Joseph; Gabrielle Bartolome as Mary; Hokani Maria, Curtni Maria, Nathanielle Picalde and Mikayla Pasco as angels; Jadelyn Alonzo and Angelu Ramos as shepherds, and Mycah Gonsalves and Michael Bartolome as the kings. Missing from the picture are angels Shelly Keawe and Keahou Aguiar, shepherds Naomi Keawe and Caylah Caravalho, and king Kainan Paro. The children’s Mass is the first of four Christmas Masses. After the Midnight Mass, the parishioners enjoyed fellowship and Emma Faisca’s awesome soup. On Christmas morning we celebrate Mass at 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. (Reported by Lee Rivera)

PAPAIKOU

Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish

We ended November by distributing to the homebound Thanksgiving baskets prepared by the Activities Committee with donations from parishioners. … A busy December started with the celebration of Deacon LeRoy Andrews’ silver jubilee, Dec. 6. Attending was a heartwarming number of about 200 of his family and friends. The Catholic Men’s Ministry prepared the food and the Activities Committee did the decorations and served. It was a festive and memorable evening. We hope to be blessed with Deacon LeRoy’s presence for a very long time. … Our annual Christmas party, Dec. 13 in the parish hall, had delicious main dishes, salads and desserts prepared by those who came. Yummy the Clown did a “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer” dance and Lillian Tavares’ religious education class did “The Stone Soup” skit. There were lucky number drawings and Santa made an appearance bringing goodie bags. … Six trees were blessed during a Dec. 22 tree-lighting ceremony on the church lanai, coordinated by Marie Matsumura. Each tree was lit by a member of the ministry that decorated it — Sacred Hearts Ladies, the Catholic Men’s Ministry, the Activities Committee, the High School Youth Ministry, the Religious Education children, and the Filipino Catholic Club. Pictured making the “Stone Soup” are the three “monks,” from left, “Siew” Austin Takemoto, “Lok” Cody Pinzon and “Hok” Joey Smith. (Reported by Pat Phillips)

HILO

St. Joseph Parish

Before Christmas, our community celebrated Simbang Gabi, a series of Masses over nine consecutive days. Each Mass, also called Misa Aguinaldo, is offered as a special gift to the Lord on his birthday. This year’s theme was “Faithfulness of Christ ... Faithfulness of the Priest.” Each night had a secondary theme based on the readings and reflections for the Advent season. Families donated food each night for the food pantry. (Reported by Karen Hotniansky)

PAHOA

Sacred Heart Parish

As we begin 2010, we again start the wheels rolling with our religious education program. Here is a photo of our Children’s Mass. (All the little ones are in the front pews.) Any Catholic would agree that one of the most important endeavors in a parish is religious education. As parents, we must initiate our children at an early age to the mysteries of our faith. The children’s Mass is a small part of their education. How many times have you heard parishioners ask, “What can I do to make a difference in our parish?” Well, here are people who are making a difference, our 2009-2010 catechists: religious education coordinator Debbie Bulosan; kindergarten, Jan Malinowski; grade 1, Vina King; grade 2, Anna Manalo; grade 3, Maila Naiga; grade 4, June Krupfelder; grade 5, Lorri Ann Hayes; grade 6, Barbara Chow; grade 7 and 8, Kimo Chow; pre-Confirmation, Suzanne Cole; Confirmation, Marc Pomerleau; young adults, Bill Cesaletti; RCIA, Nancy Robbins and Sharon Cariho; and aides Brittany Cole and April Eisen. As parents and parishioners, we thank these people for their commitment. Let us all pray for the youth and with the youth. Pray for your beloved parents and ask your priest and parents to pray for you! (Reported by Steve Torres)

KOLOA

St. Raphael Parish

Adult and youth volunteers gathered at the church hall on Dec. 16 to assemble bags and boxes of food for Kauai’s homeless and needy during the Advent season. Volunteers included women from Shioi Construction and Kukuiula Development. The youth ministry and food pantry directors Joe and Tina Brun distributed the food to beaches, parks and areas where the homeless are known to stay. They covered the island from Waimea on the far west end to Anini Beach on the north side. This effort takes place three times a year — Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas — while the food pantry is open every day of the year. We are thankful to all who help throughout the year giving money, food and time. (Reported by Jackie Contrades)

WAILUKU

St. Anthony of Padua Parish

There will be a commitment ceremony of Lay Marianists during the Eucharist in the Church Center on Jan. 22 at 5 p.m. when the Marianist religious of Maui are celebrating Chaminade Day. At least 20 persons are expected to be the first inductees and should be responding to the church Rectory by Wednesday, Jan. 20. … The parish has initiated “Young LIFE,” a new ministry for high school parishioners. Among its goals is to increase active participation in the Eucharist, promote interest in the church, institute activities that foster camaraderie and unity, and strengthen one’s faith in God. LIFE stands for Living In Faith Experience. Pictured is the core team. Front row from left, Joveline Oller, Abby Okazaki, Kristine Felix, Jordan Moracco and Clarissa Pacubas. Standing, Sister Eva Mesina CSJ, Maddie Clark, Heidi Cocson, Alex Guerrero, Cheynna Meyer-Tanner, Mahea Kekuewa, Alex Pacubas, Tyler Alfante and Greg Correa. Missing is moderator/advisor Art Fillazar (who took the photo), Shawn Ricardos and Christian Tabbay. (Reported by Miriam Kahalekai; photo by Art Fillazar)

LANAI CITY

Sacred Hearts Parish

Christmas season was a joyous and exciting one. It began with Misa de Gallo, Dec. 16-24, with many making a daily sacrifice to attend the 5:30 a.m. Mass. In place of Father Rex’s homilies, each ministry recited their love and thank you to the Lord as their offering to Jesus. Breakfast and fellowship followed each Mass. On Christmas Eve, at the 6 p.m. children’s Mass, the religious education students presented the Nativity, ending by singing “Happy Birthday to Jesus” and “I Love You, Jesus” — a chicken skin moment. After Mass, Santa visited and gave out goodies. A Midnight Mass, the teens from youth ministry depicted Mary and Joseph entering Bethlehem. At a special Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve Mass, Father Rex said that when we make our resolutions we should remember to make our personal resolutions to God. After Mass, we had a get-together and fireworks until midnight. … Our special holiday guests were Dr. Romero and Dr. Solidad Pira, the parents of our own Father Rex, visiting from Cabriago, Philippines. … A special mahalo to Dr. Nora Harmsen and her staff for decorating our church so beautifully for the holidays. … Pictured are hard-working parishioners who helped make our Misa de Gallo celebration a success. You can always count on Diane Ribucan, left, and Jean Sumagit. New Year’s greetings from our parish to yours. Hauoli Makahiki Hou! (Reported by Eleanor Ozoa)

WAIHEE

St. Ann Parish

Precila Peros for many years has been an example to us in her unfailing energy reaching out to the less fortunate. At Thanksgiving, through the efforts of Precila and the generosity of parishioners, expectations were exceeded! Thirteen families — 29 adults and 19 children — received Thanksgiving baskets overflowing with non-perishables. Turkeys and Makana gift cards were also included. The religious education children made cards wishing these families a most Happy Thanksgiving. Let us be reminded to remember each other. Regardless of what you may see on the outside, it is often what is needed on the inside that counts the most. Offer a smile, an attentive ear, a gentle touch of reassurance, or the simple question, “How are you doing?” As stewards of God’s will, do not let the holidays be the only time of good cheer, but the beginning of your own ministry to reach out. God Bless. (Reported by Frances Asuncion)

LIHUE

Immaculate Conception Parish

Volunteers pause while barbecuing chicken at a parish fundraiser for parishioner EJ Resinto in the Bedroom Warehouse parking lot on Jan. 9. EJ is a seminarian studying at Mt. Angel Seminary in Oregon. (Reported by Laura Goodrich)

PALAMA

Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa

Our social ministry volunteers provided a Christmas dinner of baked ham and roast turkey to the residents of the Kakaako Homeless Shelter on Dec. 17. The residents received a surprise visit from Santa who brought gifts and holiday treats for the children. The parish choir sang carols, the youth ministry made crafts, and there were door prizes and pictures with Santa. Social ministry volunteers have provided meals at the shelter monthly for three years. As in years past, this Christmas included the Giving Tree project which gave a gift to each child at the shelter. (Reported by Lynette Seto)

PAUOA VALLEY

Blessed Sacrament Parish

In celebration of Epiphany, members of the Legion of Mary gathered at the home of Sue Jones in Waianae, joined by our pastor Father Khanh Pham-Nguyen and Father Rey Lim, administrator of Sacred Heart Church, Waianae. A big pot of delicious chili warmed the hearts of all and an array of entrees and yummy desserts satisfied everyone’s appetite. The evening’s fellowship also shared the “manao” of good thoughts of our host Sue and good ol’ songs serenaded by Father Rey. Everyone had a great time in wonderful company. Pictured, from left, are Lei Kondo, Mario Orbito, Sue Jones, Father Nguyen, Elizabeth Lum and Father Lim. (Reported by Lei Kondo)

KAHULUI

Christ the King Parish

Our parish threw a welcoming and surprise birthday party on Dec. 28 for Father Adondee. Everyone brought a favorite dish. Entertainment was provided by many parish organizations, from the Spanish group to the youth group, which Father Adondee joined and danced to the song “I Will Follow You.” Everyone had a wonderful time. … At 7 p.m. on Jan. 1, our parish hosted the musical celebration concert, “With Grateful Hearts,” starring diocesan and religious priests and women religious. The concert was divided into three vocation themes: “Call, Consecration and Mission.” (Reported by Carol Ursua and Jasmine Higa)

HANA

St. Mary Parish

In December, youth ministry coordinator Vicki Richards and religious ed director Esse Sinenci coordinated efforts and distributed about 30 gifts donated by parishioners participating in the Angel Tree Program for children of prisoners. … Preparations are being made for another Youth Praise and Worship Rally to be hosted here in Hana on Jan. 22, 23 and 24. (Reported by Vicki Sawyer)

KULIOUOU

 Holy Trinity Parish

Congratulations to the children in our First Sacrament class. They received the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Saturday, Jan. 9. Please keep the children in your prayers as they continue their journey with Jesus to the Eucharist. (From the parish bulletin)

WAIKIKI

Sts. Peter and Paul

In the parish bulletin for Sunday, Jan. 10, the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the pastor, Father Dave Travers, wrote a message on infant baptism which he said is unfortunately being put off later and later after birth. He gave the example of how his own baptism had been scheduled within a few days of his birth, but was delayed a full week because his mother died in childbirth. He also wrote that last January he baptized 34 Micronesian children of all ages who were prepared for the sacrament by a Micronesian lay leader. “I am trying to do the same this year,” he said. “The major difficulty is to get a priest from Micronesia to do it.” (From the parish bulletin)

WAHIAWA

Our Lady of Sorrows Parish

As part of its 70th anniversary celebrations, on Dec. 12 our parish honored 65 parishioners, 70 and older who have served the parish for the past seven or more years in various ministries and organizations. Vicar general Father Marc Alexander presided at the Mass and attended the banquet. The honorees were served by parish leaders including Father Edgar Brillantes (pictured) and Msgr. Thaddeus Mercado. Also attending were former pastors, Msgr. Alan Nagai and Father Larry Fisher. (Reported by Janice Vannatta)

EWA BEACH

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish

S.C.R.O.O.G.E. — Savior, Christ, Redeemer, Our Only Guide Everyday — is the title of the third annual musical presented by the youth and young adults on Jan. 3. This joyous and delightful event took place after the over-crowded Sunday 5 p.m. Mass. In addition to sharing their time and talent with the community, the youth and young adults incorporated social justice into their project by collaborating with the parish’s Social Outreach Ministry. They provided 12 gift baskets to 12 needy families in the area. Pictured is the cast of SCROOGE with the gift baskets. (Reported by Julia Torres)

AIEA

St. Elizabeth Parish

What’s the real meaning of Christmas? Our energetic youth ministry pooled their talents for a Christmas musical on Dec. 19 in our parish hall. The 24-member cast and crew put on an eight-act play that pondered … what is Christmas all about? Rejecting food, presents and Santa Claus, the real meaning of the Christ child and his purpose for our life, of course, is the real meaning of Christmas. Each act was supported with a special song and skit. Some excellent and brave soloists offered songs such as, “Merry Christmas with Love,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “O Holy Night.” However, the most fun song was probably “The Twelve Meals of Christmas.” The musubi, manapua, baby-back ribs theme probably got the audience hungry! The 150-plus crowd enjoyed every minute and spent a lot of time shaking the confetti out of their hair after the final act! (Reported by Linda Cacpal; photo by Dorna Kubota)

WAIPIO

Resurrection of the Lord Parish

On Nov. 15, our beloved pastor Father Paul Minchak, with his sister Claire and his cousin Jeanne from Massachusetts, were at the head of our surprise potluck celebration commemorating his 40th sacerdotal (priestly) anniversary. We all took great care planning the celebration so as not to reveal the surprise. Like mischievous little kids, we giggled and tiptoed around Father Paul while getting ready. On that night, an array of aromatic food and rich desserts lined our lanai, and the tables were all beautifully decorated with tropical flowers and ti leaves. Providing entertainment were enchanting hula dancers, a talented ukulele-playing youth singing songs he composed, and another youth playing a soothing piece on a keyboard. All were our own young parishioners. Then there were speeches testifying how fortunate we are to have such a loving priest. The evening ended with a beautiful slide show prepared by Bob Mace showing Father Paul from past to present. Included were photos of him from his time of ordination, looking the same as now, slim and youthful. Our parish put our forces and talents together to show Father Paul how blessed we are to have him as our counselor. With grateful hearts, THANK YOU very much, Father Paul. (Reported by Nobuko Fushimi; photo by John Wheeler)

 WAIANAE

Sacred Heart Parish

Parishioners attended an Advent retreat, Nov. 27-29, at Our Lady of Keeau. Our pastor Father Lim talked on Friday evening, Father Lane Akiona spoke about St. Damien on Saturday morning and Sister Marion Kikukawa gave a talk on Blessed Marianne Cope on Saturday afternoon. The weekend was filled with, spa activities and learning different kinds of prayer — journeying, guided imagery and labyrinth — movie time, and lots of fellowship. (Reported by Linda Jose)

NUUANU

St. Stephen Parish

The proceeds from charitable events held Oct. 10-11 at our parish and our cluster parish of Blessed Sacrament honoring the canonization of Father Damien were donated to St. Damien Church on Molokai to continue St. Damien’s work. The garage sale, food booths, country store, bake sale and wine tasting raised $9,024. Frank Jordan, a member of the Damien canonization committee, presented a check for that amount, plus another for $76 donated by a parishioner, to Deacon Michael Shizuma of St. Damien Parish at the end of Mass. Also present were the deacon’s wife Leoda and her mother Lorraine Higa. Deacon Shizuma assisted our pastor Father Khanh Pham-Nguyen at the Sunday morning Mass. This charitable celebration was made possible by many parishioners and hardworking volunteers of our parish and Blessed Sacrament and all our sponsors and donors. Pictured, from left, are Frank Jordan, Lorraine Higa, Leoda Shizuma, Deacon Shizuma and Father Pham-Nguyen. (Reported by Ginny Jordan)

EWA

Immaculate Conception Parish

The religious education students celebrated the birth of Our Lord with an Advent Christmas play for our parish community on Dec. 20 in the parish hall. The audiences were amazed as they watched the children portray the night Jesus was born. Many thanks to our students, parents and teachers, especially religious ed teacher Michael Esquibil who worked hard coordinating the entire program! Mr. Esquibil sacrificed his time and talent making sure the children practiced their parts. It all paid off in the end. The joyful singing, acting and narration surely helped everyone in attendance remember our reason for celebrating Christmas ... Jesus Christ! Thanks to all who helped make this night a success!” (Reported by Alison Harney)

WAIALUA

St. Michael Parish

The inaugural Foundation for St. Michael Golf Tournament is scheduled for March 26, Kuhio Day, at noon at the Makaha Country Club. The event is a fundraiser to improve the preschool playground. Applications are available in the church office. Call Mat D’ascoli at 637-6239 or Dr. Art Kobayashi at 622-4121 for more information. (From the parish bulletin)

ENCHANTED LAKE

St. John Vianney Parish

Molokai’s Deacon Michael Shizuma preached at the 11 a.m. Mass last weekend and offer his thanks for our parish’s participation in the Thanksgiving food drive for Molokai. … This weekend is the parish quarterly fellowship weekend, during which the parish will celebrate Deacon Walter Yoshimitsu’s 25th anniversary of ordination as a deacon and his 25 years of ministry here in our parish. (From the parish bulletin)

HILO

St. Joseph High School

Students in Beth Andrade’s theology classes are shown with assorted student donations of school bags, toiletries, towels, etc. that were given to children in need during the holidays. Congratulations and mahalo for your donations and on a job well done! (Reported by Rowena Austria)

HILO

St. Joseph Preschool

One of our pre-school students practices her veterinarian skills while trying to inoculate a teddy bear on All Saints Day. This was part of a veterinarian clinic teachers held at the pre-school on “Taking Care of Our Pets.” (Reported by Rowena Austria)

HILO

St. Joseph Elementary School

Our 2010 National Geographic Bee championship rounds were held recently in the elementary school library. Two seventh graders, Nathan Ducasse and Sarina Wyrick, and sixth grader Conor See competed for a chance to take a written qualifying test to earn the opportunity of representing the school at the State Geographic Bee in April in Honolulu. Pictured with the students is Jan Malinowski, school librarian and contest coordinator. The contestants had to name the state where the presidential retreat Camp David is located (Maryland), identify the location of Saguaro National Park (Arizona), and which island country generates the most nuclear energy after the U.S. and France (Japan). Nathan and Conor made it to the championship round, and Conor emerged as the school champ. Congratulations to Conor and to all who participated. The contest culminates with the National Geographic Bee in May in Washington, D.C., hosted by TV’s Alex Trebeck. (Reported Rowena Austria)

MAKAWAO

St. Joseph School

Our parish has been blessed with eight new altar servers who participated in their installation Mass on Dec. 6. Congratulations and thank you to Pono Wagner, Katherine Stenger, Kiana Jacinto, Austin Phillips, Carmen Sauer, Emiliano, Alejandro and Eduardo Walker and their families for following God’s call to serve his people. Mahalo to Father Eric Castro, Dario Rinaldi, Earl Labadoria and the senior altar servers who gave their time, support and encouragement! (Reported by Helen Souza)

WAILUKU

St. Anthony Jr./Sr. High School

With the coming of banquets, proms and graduation, the school held a special guidance period on the dangers of drinking and driving, and reckless driving. The guest speaker was Andrea Fukushima, the mother of a former St. Anthony student, “Sumo,” who was killed in a traffic accident when he was 15. The Maui Police and Fire Departments also had exhibits. The presentations had a great impact on the students. … On a lighter note, student Frank DeFeliccia won the Gromet Foundation Scholarship, which is based on academic achievement, extracurricular and service activities, honors and awards, and a financial need. Frank received the mainland university award of $5,000 per year, renewable for four years, providing he maintains a 3.0 GPA. (Reported by Janice Pruett)

KAHULUI

Christ the King School

Fifth graders observe and care for their class guinea pig Pierre in conjunction with their science curriculum. (Reported by Dawn Quinabo)

HONOLULU

Cathedral Catholic Academy

Fourth graders honored Mary on Dec. 11, the eve of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. After seventh grader Jacqueline Bassett gave fourth grade teacher Lei Kondo a banner of Our Lady of Guadalupe about three months before the feast day, the gift inspired the special celebration. The banner was carried in procession into the school hall where children brought beautiful roses. The banner motivated Ms. Kondo to teach the children about the miraculous event in Mexico in 1531 through a play starring her fourth graders. All 19 students had parts. The story culminated with the special song, “Lady of the Roses,” and prayerfully closed with a meditative rendition of the Ave Maria. A quiet and peaceful spirit was felt by all who attended. All week the class shared the play with other classes. Parents and grandparents came for the last showing on the last day of school. Everyone was touched by the love story of our Blessed Mother to Juan Diego. Because of the many performances, two sets of actors played the Blessed Mother and Juan Diego. Pictured here are Vivian Nguyen and Wesley Phelps. The other set was Megan Wilson and Noah Chun. (Reported by Cathedral Catholic Academy)

HONOLULU

Holy Family Catholic Academy

Chores for Charity is a unique year-round program in Mrs. Gibo’s third grade class that raises funds for community service projects. Money is raised by doing chores at home, for a relative or even a neighbor. During the holidays, these students used their Chores for Charity earnings to buy new books for the children’s wards of local hospitals. Students also used their funds to purchase boxes of crayons or colored pencils to be distributed with student created coloring books. (Reported by Jocelyn Burch)

 HONOLULU

Holy Trinity School

Our students were blessed with a fantastic gift from the Sisters of St. Francis. Each student received a container of “Stay Healthy” antibacterial wipes. Thank you Sisters of St. Francis for helping us keep the flu out of our school! (Reported by Colleen Nakama)

HONOLULU

Maryknoll High School

The school’s Robotics Team 2441 recently finished 22nd out of 83 teams in the Pan Pacific Robotics Tournament at the Hawaii Convention Center in December. The three-day competition featured a game called “overdrive” where teams have to place balls of various sizes over a divider onto the opponent’s side of the field. The students are preparing for their next big tournament — the First Robotics Competition in March. The “Spartechs” started three years ago with two teachers and just a few students. Today, the team has 26 students. (Reported by Stephen Florino; photo by Maryknoll Photography Club)

EWA BEACH

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School

One of the ways our school teaches its students to be active Catholics is to show them how to recognize and respect diversity. So the fourth graders were told to pick a country or ethnic group and share one of its traditions. Presentations ranged from food preparation, the flag and its meaning, and wedding preparations and celebrations. One Filipino tradition students liked was making the star-shaped parole, or lantern. Each student made at least one star, complete with “tails.” Filipino legend tells us that carolers used paroles to light their way as they brought Jesus from house to house singing Christmas carols. Well, these fourth graders brought the meaning of Christmas to a local business establishment — one of our partners in Education — American Savings Bank, by donating several paroles. Pictured are the students holding their paroles. (Reported by Remedios Cabrera)

 HONOLULU

Sacred Hearts Academy

Our Lancer Robotics Teams participated in the VEX East Oahu Qualification Tournament at Iolani School on Nov. 11. Students from the Robotics I and Advanced Robotics classes competed against 38 teams, finishing third overall. … Lancer Robotics hosted 225 students for the island-wide FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Lego League Tournament at our school. Our team went on to compete in the FIRST Lego League State Tournament at the Neal Blaisdell Arena in December. Robotics helps students discover the rewards and excitement of science, technology, engineering and math. Caption: Pictured is the 2009 VEX team: in front, Jasmine Pang, Rayna Munos, Adria Fung and Fathima Lau; in back, Keri Wakumoto, Lindsay Sanborn, Dominique Vacca-Farley, Jennifer Tran and Amanda Ceislak; not pictured, Tyler Martinez and Helena Medeiros-Cansana. (Reported by Hayley Matson-Mathes)

HONOLULU

Sacred Hearts Academy Lower School

Our school was proud to host astronaut John Herrington and author Andrew Chaikin for Aerospace Week. The lower school student council coordinated the assembly. The visitors shared inspirational words about the future and the endless career possibilities available to the students. They encouraged the girls to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects. Astronaut John Herrington joined NASA in 1996. In 2002, he flew on Space Shuttle Endeavour logging over 330 hours in space. Science journalist and speaker Chaikin is an internationally renowned authority on space exploration. His books include, “A Man on the Moon,” the basis for Tom Hanks’ Emmy-winning HBO miniseries, “From the Earth to the Moon.” Pictured are astronaut Herrington, students Breanne Fong, Colby Rosado, Kaui Hoopii, Ji Won Ha and author Chaikin. (Reported by Hayley Matson-Mathes)

KANEOHE

St. Ann Early Learning Center

On Jan. 8, the Early Learning Center children were treated to a winter wonderland! As a part of the science curriculum, the students have been learning about hot and cold. Snow Day was the perfect opportunity to experience “cold” firsthand! Twelve tons of snow were delivered early Friday morning on the grassy lawn, outside the school gates. After parents helped level the icy mound, the children started making snowballs and snow angels. While some of the classes were in the snow, other classes were relaxing inside with cups of warm cocoa with marshmallows. The children came dressed for the chill in jeans, jackets, caps, scarves and, of course, gloves or mittens. It was a wonderful winter experience enjoyed by all! Pictured are principal Clarie Thompson and her 4-year-old daughter Madeleine. (Reported by Kuulei Halemano)

MANOA

St. Francis School

During the Honolulu Marathon, our Japanese language students volunteered as interpreters in the medical station. In addition to having fun and cheering on the runners, they got a chance to practice their Japanese. Pictured in the front, from left, are Tokuda Sensei, Allurie Eliazar, Kelsey Phillips, Kiana Jones, Karen Dulatre, Ching Mak Yuen, Gha Yoon Jeong and Emma Chang. In the back, from left, are Ryohei Hashimoto, Ashley Silva and Saori Tanigawa. (Reported by Karen Curry)

HONOLULU

Maryknoll Grade School

Maryknoll’s director of development Yvonne Morris, left, and Lucile Mistysyn pose with a statue of Our Lady of Maryknoll after it was blessed in December. The statue rests in the Maryknoll Sisters’ Garden, outside the Maryknoll Community Center. The garden was built on the site of their convent and is dedicated to the sisters whose faith and determination built Maryknoll School. They taught their students the importance of our school motto “Noblesse Oblige” by their selfless example. The statue was donated by Mistysyn and procured by Doug Ferreira. (Reported by Stephen Florino)

HONOLULU

Star of the Sea School

When he was Capt. Louis Kealoha, he promised his fifth grade daughter Kristina that he would personally come to her Star of the Sea fifth grade class to conduct a DARE anti-drug program. And he didn’t let a little thing like being named the 10th Chief of the Honolulu Police Department keep him from honoring his commitment. A promise is a promise. (Reported by Keith Haugen)

KANEOHE

St. Ann’s Model Schools

The school held its annual Christmas program, “The Mystery of Simon Shepherd,” on Dec. 17. Students at all grade levels rehearsed under the tutelage of our music teacher Mandy Brown. The grand production featured performances by “Vegas showgirls,” shepherds and sheep, “gangsta” rappers and some very cool angels. Of course, the message and spirit of Christmas was not lost, as our grand finale, featuring the entire student body, was the backdrop to our live nativity. (Reported by Kuulei Halemano)

WAIPAHU

St. Joseph School

Our classes from kindergarten through sixth grade participate in the Book It program, which encourages children to read. In the sixth grade, students read 10 minutes each day, with a goal of 300 minutes a month. Book It is sponsored by Pizza Hut. If you read 300 minutes, your teacher gives you a coupon for a free personal pan pizza. The Book It program is something all schools should have to encourage students to read. Pictured are sixth graders Joshua Baysa, Kala Ahuna and Josiah Acuna. (Reported by sixth grader Maysen Agbayani)

HONOLULU

Chaminade University

New student orientation leader Kuldip Shergill, John Pinpin and Geri Geronimi welcome 70 new students to spring semester with a mime of “The Gift” during which all attending were shown the value of sharing one’s gifts of generosity. (Reported by Kay Stone)