WAIMEA
Annunciation Parish
Twelve children received our Lord for the first time on May 9. Pictured are pastor Father Bob Schwarzhaupt and religious ed teacher Lisa Winborne, Dutchie Ahana, Kekoa Ahana, Rebecca Ahana, Sharlene Bala, Lyle Coffee, Josiah DeLuz, Kassadie Hurney, Brooks Kaniho, Luke Kaniho, Koa Miche, Leiana Rose Stout and Ikaika Ward. It was another joyous moment of life in our parish! (Reported by Mary Erickson)
PAHOA
Sacred Heart Parish
A question was asked by a youth of our parish. What is Confirmation? A simple explanation is that Confirmation gives you a chance to think about your baptism and what it means to be a Christian, and to put your own “personal signature” on your parent’s decision to baptize you. On April 18, vicar general Father Marc Alexander confirmed nine of our young adults, who endured two years of preparation, diligent study of the faith and service to their community. They are Matthew Cruz, Christopher Felipe, Bradley Gantala, Eugene Ganiron, Rhomel-John Hernando, Anjenette Nicolas, Tyler Pitpit, William Wong Jr. and Sharon Jackson (not shown) Their teacher Marc Pomerleau explained how they received the laying on the hands and the anointing with chrism, sealing them with the gifts of the Holy Spirit so they may be better witnesses of Christ Jesus in their community and the world. Our parish honors these young adults and says thank you to Marc Pomerleau for his dedication and commitment. “There are many people who can do big things, but there are few people who will do the small things.” — Mother Teresa. (Reported by Steve Torres)
KEAUKAHA
Malia Puka O Kalani Parish
Our tabernacle has a new koa table, the work and donation of parishioner Chris Graper who dried the wood, cut it, treated it, and fashioned it with love for the Blessed Sacrament. He is now making a koa procession cross which will be ready in a couple weeks. We also want to thank Pete and Laverne Costa for donating the koa cross over the altar. (The corpus on this cross was originally donated by Frieda Lee). You will also notice that the other significant sanctuary furniture is also made of koa: the altar, the presider’s chair, the ambo and the holy oil table. With the processional cross, the refurnishing of the sanctuary will be complete. It is liturgically correct and created with pride of Hawaiian wood. (Reported by Father Joe Hennen)
HILO
St. Joseph Parish
My sincere thanks to all the catechists of our parish for your cooperation in the faith formation of our kids! You have toiled hard, made lots of sacrifices with love and patience. You were there always to support, guide and lead the kids in the path of the Lord. God bless you all. (Reported by Sister Marykutty Kottuppallil, MSMHC)
HAWI
Sacred Heart Parish
Aloha and mahalo La Salette Father Maurice Cardinal. When he arrived in August, 2000, Father Maurice made himself available to anyone, anytime, day or night. For the past 10 years, he has done everything from writing a weekly letter for the bulletin (10 years x 52 weeks = 520 letters and then some), to church repairs, painting, yard work, and cleaning the rectory and St. Damien hall. An avid walker, Father Maurice walks miles daily praying his rosary. His generosity is endless. Our parish has been blessed. The parish will celebrated his 60th anniversary of priesthood and retirement with a Mass on June 19. Father Marc Alexander will preside and several guest priests will participate. A parish reception will follow. As we send him into his well-deserved retirement, we know he will be well taken care of and will continue to be active in this new chapter of his life. We love you, Father Maurice. You will be truly missed. God bless and keep you. Father Maurice is pictured with Patrick and Rita Kauina. (Reported by Lee Rivera)
KAILUA-KONA
St. Michael Parish
Father Marc Alexander is pictured with confirmandi at our parish, the North Kona Catholic Community, and Sacred Heart, Hawi. (Reported by Shirley David)
PAPAIKOU
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
At our annual crowning of the Blessed Mother, May 22, a large handmade rosary was carried by members of the Sacred Hearts Ladies Society, Filipino Catholic Club and the Catholic Men’s Ministry. As the rosary was recited, songs were sung after each decade. Parishioners brought flowers and leis to the statue and choir director Winona Kekela had the honor of crowning Our Lady. … The East Hawaii Vicariate Grateful Hearts Concert, pictured, at the Hilo High School auditorium on May 7, featured priests and religious from the diocese. The event, which promoted vocations, had three segments: The Call, The Consecration and The Mission. Everyone, including yours truly, enjoyed the music and especially the choreography. There is much talent among our religious. Our administrator Father Michael Scully and our Deacon LeRoy Andrews went on stage to participate in the “Call for Vocations.” The finale ended with a standing ovation. Job well done! (Reported by Pat Phillips)
KAHULUI
Christ the King Parish
On May 16, Father Efren Tomas celebrated a special Mass at 4 p.m. for 64 children receiving Communion for the first time. Children read the first and second readings and the Prayer for the Faithful, and brought up the gifts. The children each made out of felt a cup of wine and host and pinned it to a white cloth hanging in front of the altar. Father Efren’s homily lesson was that God is “love,” a word he spelled out by tearing a piece of paper. Before the mass ended, the children performed sacred gestures to a song. After Mass, refreshments were served in the parish hall were the children received their certificates and gifts. Congratulations to all and may they share the presence of God each time they receive Communion. Pictured: The children share the presence of God in the sanctuary as Father Efren consecrates the hosts. (Reported by Carol Ursua and Jasmine Higa)
LAHAINA
Maria Lanakila Parish
Residents, staff and volunteers at Hale Makua nursing home in Kahului celebrated the crowning of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth on May 11. The May crowning occurred at the fifth Glorious Mystery during recitation of the rosary before Father Adondee Arrellano of Christ the King Parish, Kahului, celebrated Mass. Vivian Poese, left, from our parish brought the statue of Our Lady of Fatima, made the crown and is shown assisting resident Helen Oliveira crowning the Blessed Mother. In the background, Caroline Espirito sings “Bring Flowers of the Rarest” with the assembly. (Reported by Jim and Margy O’Brien; photo by Charlene Yamashiro)
MAKAWAO
St. Joseph Parish
At our 2010 St. Joseph Feast, Father Eric and Trini Kaopuiki Clark presented our 2010 Honorees with plaques in appreciation for their dedication to parish and school. It is a parish tradition to honor a few volunteers at our annual feast. They are community treasures. Here are this year’s special people. Michael and Maxine Balderas are the leaders of the 9 a.m. music ministry. They have volunteered in the feast’s Sweets and Treats booth for countless years. They are also Maui County’s Engage Encounter leaders. Audrey Glassen, a school alumna, serves on the school board, holds a seat on the pastoral council and is very active with the feast, rodeo, Christmas craft fair, baking bread and malassadas. Clarence, Madeline and Corey Ferreira are a family who works together. Clarence and Corey are the backbone of the set-up and take-down of the feast and Madeline volunteers in the office. Clarence and Corey are ushers and Corey is a eucharistic minister. Bruce Fevella, one of the founders of the St. Joseph School Alumni Association, helps in school and church fundraisers and is a great baker of malassadas, bread and cookies. Jackie Souza is the head of the monthly malassada crew. Her contributions have generated lots of “dough” for the parish and school. James and Carol Stenger send all their seven children to St. Joseph School and have supported the school for many years, assisting in all of its fundraising endeavors. Paula Tavares is a catechist and a very active volunteer making sweetbread, malassadas and the Portuguese soup for the feast. Preston Tavares is an outstanding youth volunteer who every month helps make sweetbread, is a catechist and assists with repairs around the church. Patrick and Sandy Ulep have been the feast’s cotton candy king and queen for over 30 years. Both are in the 9 a.m. choir and cook for the homeless monthly. Sandy helped found the Thrift Shop. … The top feast scrip seller, Nainoa Ripani, had the honor of adorning Mary with flowers and a crown. She also received $100 cash and $50 in scrip. In second place, Kaleikaumaka Roback received $75 cash and $30 in scrip. Third place winner Kaylee Miguel received $50 cash and $20 in scrip. (Reported by Dona Pico; photo by Rosy Tavares)
HANA
St. Mary Parish
On May 15-16, Bishop Larry Silva came here for his pastoral visitation. On Saturday night, he met with our parish community to discuss our progress and needs. On Sunday, he confirmed 25 youth, assisted by deacons Stan Franco and Hiram Haupo as well as MC Taufa Samisone and Father Jose Macoy. Some of the confirmandis were the readers and cantors. Both events were followed by potluck dinners. Mahalo nui loa to all who helped prepare our confirmandis and congratulations to them! (Reported by Vicki Sawyer; photo by Tim Sawyer)
LANAI CITY
Sacred Hearts Parish
Many exciting events have been happening here. On April 20, the With Grateful Hearts Concert opened with Bishop Larry Silva and featured priests and sisters from various orders performing beautiful songs. Parish members also entertained us. … On May 1, Father Marc Alexander confirmed 19 of our youth: Kimberly Viloria, Alexis Haban, Jaymark Etrata, Kent Taal, Ashley Cabrito, Kevin Tan, Victor Divina Jr., Ann Mariesse Butay, Shanalynese Pascua, Mathew Barsatan, Mark Corre, Bowe Ebding, Nathan Samonte, Gretchen Rendon, Traci Ige, Dominique Dameng, Diane Dannug, Megan Amby and Charles Vila. May the Holy Spirit always remain in their hearts. … May 9 was also a special day for the 11 parish children who received their First Holy Communion. Pictured here praising the Lord with Father Rex Pira are Henry and Tyra Costales, Geo and Nikki Pellejero, Kolina Tolentino, Nyssa Barfield, Brooke Belista, Chastity Bescado, Dian Ozoa, Dalybel Locquio and Delurie Dameg. Thanks to their religious education teacher Diane Irons for all the hard work. (Reported by Eleanor Ozoa)
KEKAHA
St. Theresa Parish
Twelve Waimea High School students, pictured here with the pastor La Salette Father Danny Galang, attended this year’s baccalaureate service on May 23. It was quite an impressive group with valedictorians and summa cum laude and magna cum laude honorees. We ask God to bless them and their fellow classmates as they journey on to colleges, universities, the military and jobs. It is our prayer that they will be successful and productive citizens, keeping their faith alive as they grow on life’s journey. We are very proud of all their hard work and efforts! (Reported by Chantal A. Duarte)
KULIOUOU
Holy Trinity Parish
Donations of paper goods (plates, bowls, forks and spoons) are needed for our Waikiki homeless ministry. We help feed about 30 homeless at Queen’s Beach every Saturday at 6:30 am. (From the parish bulletin)
WAIKIKI
Sts. Peter and Paul
The Friday Night Prayer Group will resume the Stations of the Cross on Friday, May 28, at 5:45 p.m. Deacon Abel, when he is not required at work, will lead us in the Stations of the Cross. Benediction will follow. This is the beginning of our third year. (From the parish bulletin)
WAIPIO GENTRY
Resurrection of the Lord Parish
On May 15, children preparing for their First Holy Communion gathered with their parents for a retreat. The day started with a healthy breakfast. The students then created posters expressing how they felt about the Sacrament. They used words like “Amen,” “Peace” and “I love Jesus,” and colored pictures to depict the Eucharist. During the retreat, the youths received a narrative tour of the church. “My favorite part of the tour was learning about the different color robes Father Paul uses.” said Nelson Weyl. The retreat ended with a heartwarming prayer. Thank you to Yuko Ornellas for coordinating this event. (Reported by Marlene Tamayo-Ishikawa)
WAIANAE
Sacred Heart Parish
On April 30, a parish group attended HA, a show at the Polynesian Culture Center in Laie. The group, representing different ministries and organizations, came together to build community by just having a good time. Pictured are members of the youth ministry and religious education: Fita Paolo, Joanna Dingle, Cynarra Sana, Ilysia Sana, Alva Sana, Tina Sooga, Spirit Sooga, Michael Fanning, Mark Dannog, Nunu Tauai and Richard Medeiros. (Reported by Richard Medeiros)
MOLOKAI
St. Damien Parish
Our parish honored Saint Damien’s Feast Day by gathering for a rosary and Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Church (built by Father Damien in 1873). Father Clyde Guerreiro’s homily discussed Father Damien’s profound ability to see Jesus and the goodness in all the people he encountered. Through our own selfless service to others, we also learn to see the face of Jesus in all we encounter and thus build the kingdom of God here on earth. After Mass, the community enjoyed an ono potluck dinner. (Reported by Maria Sullivan)
PEARL CITY
Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish
On May 15, our parish celebrated the traditional Flores De Mayo (flowers of May) in honor of the Virgin Mary. In a beautiful floral decorated grotto, Josie Advincula crowned our Blessed Virgin Mary and parishioners offered flowers and leis while singing “Flowers of the Rarest.” After the rosary and hymns, Mass was celebrated. Father Pascual Abaya, our pastor, commented that most events honoring our Virgin Mary seem to be blessed with rain. This Flores De Mayo was no exception. Roland Advincula and Nonito Panen spearheaded this event. (Reported by Julia Cabatu; photo by Nonito Panen)
AIEA
St. Elizabeth Parish
This year’s Peace and Forgiveness Day was coordinated and hosted by Manette Kokubun, retreat team, teachers and parents. Thirty-six children made their first Reconciliation on April 24, and celebrated God’s blessings of peace and forgiveness. There were five stations: At one they learned how to properly receive the Holy Eucharist and practiced music for their First Holy Communion Mass. The other stations had crafts, such as making faith bracelets, decorating a personalized cross, creating a “Lamb of God” photo frame, and designing a theme T-shirt. (Reported by Rose de Vera-Javier)
WAIPAHU
St. Joseph Parish
Our parish hosted the first of nine vicariate Grateful Hearts Capital Campaign Mahalo Tour evenings on May 11. About 170 people came from leeward Oahu parishes. The evening kicked off with a welcome from campaign chair Irene Sandry and a thank you video. Cynthia Lallo, diocesan director of Development and Stewardship gave a campaign update and Bishop Larry Silva shared inspiring words of appreciation to campaign volunteers and parish representatives. The group enjoyed refreshments prepared by the development team and the hosting committee, led by Father Gregorio Honorio. The evening finished in style when leeward Oahu priests took the stage and sang! It was amazing to see the parishes come together and share, laugh and celebrate. (Reported by Irene Sandry)
MILILANI
St. John Apostle and Evangelist
Congratulations to the young men and women confirmed by Bishop Larry Silva on May 2 at the 6 p.m. Mass. It was wonderful to see the brilliant light of Christ in the faces of the 57 young men and women as they prayed, sang and participated fully in the celebration of Mass. Liturgical dancers opened the Eucharistic celebration. The spirited 6 p.m. Mass choir, led by Nolet and Amie Quiason, energized the assembly. The Word of God was proclaimed reverently by Jeffrey Sanchez and Brianna Daranciang. Brittany Browning sang the responsorial psalm beautifully. Before the dismissal, our pastor Father Manny Hewe prayed a special blessing over the bishop as we acknowledged his 35 years of priestly ordination. Pictured are the smiling faces of the confirmandi with the bishop and others who participated in the Mass. (Reported by Gwen Mitsui)
KAPOLEI
St. Jude Parish
Since January, we have plunged into a diversity of activities — the annual parish Christmas party, Road Map appraisals, singing priests and nuns concert, a parish ministry coordinator, pastoral council retreat, SHWAY (Youth & Young Adult Ministries) rosaries and retreat, Religious Education Congress in L.A. (11 attended and Father Joe Diaz’s first trip to the mainland), widows retreat, fish fry, golf monthly outings and quilting projects. We had an exciting catechetical year. Stanley Benedicto’s class raised over $300 for Haiti selling donated baked goods. Catechism students prayed the Stations of the Cross on the outdoor trail. The eighth grade class, “was a great group of teens who actively participated in Mass, always eager to learn about Christ and our Catholic faith,” said Connie Cadiz. The Holy Spirit blessed us through RCIA on April 3 with six adults and three children baptized and 12 others received into full communion. Twenty six were confirmed on May 12, and 42 received First Eucharist on May 15. At First Eucharist, two hand-quilted banners, pictured in the background, were used in the celebration. Mrs. Caren Argenzia’s First Communion kids said, “How awesome it was to ‘Get Jesus.’” On Sunday, May 16, staff, teachers, teacher’s aides, students and families, together with Mrs. Lana Vargas and Father Joe, enjoyed their catechist year-end lunch and took a group picture in front of the altar of sacrifice. Praise God, we have been given in abundance and our hearts are called into action! (Reported by Genara Buza-Campos; photo by Ed Campos)
WAIALUA
St. Michael Parish
The month of May was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. All were welcome to join the daily rosary was recited by the children May 10-14 at 8:15 a.m. in our parish. (From the parish bulletin)
WAIMANALO
St. George Parish
Congratulations to our high school youth confirmed by Father Marc Alexander at a special Mass on May 8. They are Ariel Campo, Celso Campo, Dominique Chang, Kirstin Holbrook, Jennie Kealoha, Justin Larobis, Kaihoku McMillan, Tresor-Lei McMillan, Charla Paoa and Kevin Wilson. Our blessings and prayers are with you. Pictured is Ariel Campo being confirmed by Father Alexander. (Reported by parish; photo by Anthony De Motta)
ENCHANTED LAKE
St. John Vianney Parish
The Sodality of Our Blessed Lady will end its year with the annual installation of new officers for 2010-2011: Prefect Melinda Zisko, vice prefect Ethel Arola, secretary Gail Browne, treasurer Mary Sauvageau. Welcome to new members Kathy Dean and Mary Sauvageau. (From the parish bulletin)
KALIHI-PALAMA
Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa
This is a photo from the April 23 Confirmation Mass for the class of 2010, celebrated by Father Marc Alexander, concelebrants Father Marvin and Father William, assisted by Deacon Roy. (Reported by Brandon Akiona)
HILO
St. Joseph Elementary School
Vice-principal Sister Lisa Chettri checks in on the boys from our May Day Royal Court as they put the final touches on their outfits. Pictured from left are Cole De Silva, Daniel Honda, James Matsumoto, Micah Yokomizo, Jayden Villena, Ethan Henley, Dylan Balga and Nathan Faletoi. Great job boys! (Reported by Rowena Austria)
HILO
St. Joseph High School
When ninth grader Tomomi Arikado sat down to write a letter to the school of her choice for her “snail mail” school project, little did she know she was in for much more than just a simple response from the seventh grade English class at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans. Tomomi choose the school because her favorite basketball team is the New Orleans Hornets and her favorite player on the team is Chris Paul. The class replied with a letter and a gift — a brand new Chris Paul Hornets jersey! An excerpt from the letter read: “We all loved the fact that you love our Hornets, the enclosed item is a gift from all of us to you. We envy your school setting; a few of us have been to Hawaii and we know of its natural beauty and wonderful people. We count you, now, among them!” Mahalo, Tomomi, for sharing your love for St. Joseph School and Hawaii with other students so far away, and for sharing your project success with us! (Reported by Rowena Austria)
HILO
St. Joseph Early Learning Center
A volcanic eruption turned up in our pre-school recently! A paper mache volcano, that is. As part of a science/social studies lesson about Hawaii and the Big Island, students helped make a volcano and each had a turn making it “erupt” It was a great learning experience for all! (Reported by Rowena Austria)
MAKAWAO
St. Joseph School
Thank you to La Salette Father Efren Tomas who presided at the last student Mass of the school year, standing in for Father Eric Castro who is away. The fifth graders and kindergarten organized the liturgy under the direction of Mr. Chris Kent and Mrs. Elizabeth Michels. Thank you to our religious education director Sister Georgina for her collaboration, as well as the parents and ohana who attended. At the close of the celebration, the preschool students distributed bookmarks and lei to all staff and students to thank them for their support and kokua throughout the year. Congratulations to all the graduates of the grade school and preschool as they close the 2009-2010 school year. (Reported by Helen Souza)
WAILUKU
St. Anthony Grade School and Junior/Senior High School
For the past two weeks, the high school and grade school joined forces to help the children of Afghanistan with school supplies. Graduate Scott Williams, currently stationed in Afghanistan, emailed his father Michael Williams, also a St. Anthony alumn, about the needs of the school children in Afghanistan. Michael asked the grade and high schools if they could help. The outcome was awesome. The grade school filled five boxes and the high school filled 11 boxes of supplies — paper, pencils, pencil sharpeners, colors, protractors and more. Michael Williams with high school Student Activities, National Honor Society and Campus Ministry helped pay for the mailing. Scott leaves Afghanistan this week and wanted to be there for the distribution of the supplies. The supplies are the way! Pictured is Scott Williams in an Afghanistan classroom. (Reported by Janice Pruett)
KEKAHA
St. Theresa School
What a weekend! Our students did an outstanding job presenting this year’s May Day Program on May 14 which was dedicated to St. Damien — E’O Kana Damien O Molokai. The students presented dances from Hawaii, New Zealand and Tahiti. Three eighth grade boys performed an impressive fire dance. The royal court, island princesses and pa’a kahili looked beautiful in the light of the setting sun. Eighth graders in the royal court were Mo’i Kane Job Delos Reyes and Mo’i Wahine Bailey Kaneakalau, with ladies-in-waiting Uakea Jose and Bailey San Agustin-Nordmeier. The royal kahili bearers were Dion Duarte-Gray and Tyler Yamamoto with Pu’lou’lou Joshua Castillo. The royal crown bearers were Kanale Viquelia and Xiomari Garriga. Special thanks to MCs Marley Pereira (8th grade) and Janica Pascua (7th grade) for so eloquently introducing the classes! Mahalos to Mrs. Sharan Souza, Mrs. Martha Sales, Aunty Kapu Kinimaka-Alquiza, Jamie Delos Reyes, Nick Castillo and Aunty Angela Delos Reyes for teaching all the songs and dances. Thanks to the wonderful musicians, Uncle Bill and Uncle Lew for their hard work, to Mamo Shimatsu for coordinating the food booth, all the parents and volunteers for the beautiful decorations and a special mahalo to Aunty Camille Hesapene, the driving force behind this production and so many others! Hana hou! Pictured are four graduating eighth graders, from left, Joshua Castillo, Dion Duarte-Gray, Job ‘Chava’ Delos Reyes and Tyler Yamamoto. We also bid a fond and loving aloha to our dear Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity transferring to the mainland — Sister Mary Ann Feminella (nine years), Sister Marie Bernadette Dorn (six years) and Sister Doris Ann Okere (one year) and to our retiring teachers Mrs. Sharan Souza (21 years), Mr. Walter Souza (six years) and to Miss Tiffani Tumbaga (one year), a St. Theresa alumnus who is joining AmeriCorps with the hopes of returning to teach here again. Everyone enjoyed the onolicious luau on May 15! Aloha and God’s blessings on these dear people. Mahalos and blessings to all the remaining faculty and staff under the leadership of principal Mary Jean Buza Sims. (Reported by Chantal A. Duarte)
HONOLULU
Cathedral Catholic Academy
We honored the Blessed Mother during this month of May to recognize and remember her love for us. Singing sweet songs of Mary, the kindergarteners and fourth grade led a procession to the statue carrying flowers and leis to adorn the Blessed Mother. Seventh grader Meghan Mung Lim was given the honor of crowning Mother Mary. As the faculty and students recited the rosary the fragrance and beauty of the flowers permeated the air and a warmth of Mary’s peace was felt throughout the hearts. Our Lady Queen of Peace Pray for us!! (Reported by Lei Kondo)
HONOLULU
Holy Trinity School
After many months of prop making, selection of characters, and rehearsals, “Our School” was a hit! Broadway would have been proud. After all the seriousness of the play, a couple of students are shown here hamming it up with one of our props. (Reported by Colleen Nakama)
HONOLULU
Maryknoll Grade School
Pre-kindergarteners hit the waves for some “surf” during the May Day celebration on May 7. Hundreds of family and friends packed the Clarence T.C. Ching Gymnasium for the program, “E Holomua Me Ho’ola Hou,” meaning moving forward to a new beginning. The pre-kindergarteners performed the song “Surf.” Other performances included “Paniolo Country” by the first graders, “Ulupalakua” by third graders, “3 R’s” by seventh graders and “Kamehameha Waltz” by eighth graders. (Reported by Stephen Florino; photo by maryknollphotography.com)
HONOLULU
Maryknoll High School
This year’s top scholar athlete awardees are all smiles after collecting their hardware at the athletic banquet on May 16 at the Japanese Cultural Center. OC-16’s Jenn Boneza and ILH’s Georges Gilbert served as emcees. Top awardees included student scholar athletes of the year Chad Sumulong and Christina Chun; Brother Venard Ruane Sportsmanship Award coach Leroy Nicolas Jr. and Mrs. Tusitala Toomata-Mayer; inspirational student scholar athletes Davis Holt and Korie Higa; and Spartan student scholar athletes Trevor Ventura and Ka’imilani Aiona. (Reported by Stephen Florino; photo by maryknollphotography.com)
HONOLULU
Sacred Hearts Academy High School
Our students excelled in the Honolulu Advertiser’s 2010 Kids’ Day essay, poetry and art contest winning five top spots in the high school competition and one in the elementary level. The event fielded more than 1,500 entries. In the essay or poetry competition, senior Kanya Gagarin, sophomore Cindy Huynh and freshman Kanika Ung won the top prizes for their divisions. Sophomore Britny Ching took the art prize for tenth graders and junior Roanne Deabler won for the third consecutive year with her poem. Third grader Briann Silva won her division with her essay. Pictured are the winners Cindy Huyhn, Kanya Gagarin, Britny Ching, Briann Silva, Roanne Deabler and Kanika Ung. (Reported by Hayley Matson-Mathes)
HONOLULU
Sacred Hearts Academy Lower School
On May 14, our third grade classroom hosted some very special guests — crayfish. As a part of a science unit, students observed and recorded crayfish structures — pincers, eyes, egg pore; swimmerets or antennae. By creating an enriched crayfish habitat they concluded that crayfish do, indeed, have territorial behaviors. The third graders also visited the Waikiki Aquarium and the Honouliuli Wetlands in Ewa Beach to experience how animals interact with each other in various environments. The students gained an appreciation for the food web of producers (plants) and consumers (herbivores and carnivores) learning how they rely on each other to survive. Pictured are Martha Nicholas, Meadow Miyamoto and Ava Williams digging through the mud in search of life in the wetland. (Reported by Hayley Matson-Mathes)
KANEOHE
St. Ann Early Learning Center
On May 12, our second Author’s Day of the year focused on “service learning.” Every year our youngest keiki take part in service learning projects linked to social justice issues. This year, the 3- and 4-year-olds’ project was caring for kupuna. They learned about growing old. They visited residents of retirement care centers, where they sang songs and shared stories and refreshments. The kindergarteners’ project was caring for the land. They planned a park clean-up, after months of learning about recycling, conservation and responsibility to the earth. Pictured are the children on Author’s Day with their teacher listening to stories about their service projects. (Reported by Kuulei Halemano)
HONOLULU
St. Anthony School
The fifth-eighth graders attended the feast day celebration of St. Damien at the State Capitol on May 10. The students participated in the wonderful celebration and received St. Damien medallions as gifts. After the celebration, the students were given a tour of the capitol by Rep. Joey Manahan, and also visited the governor’s office. They had such a wonderful time. (Reported by Marites Cruzada)
KANEOHE
St. Ann Model School
On May 19, the last student Mass of the school year honored the Blessed Virgin Mary. Pictured, students Cassidi-Mattos-Mitchell, escorted by Devin Preston, had the honor of crowning Mary. They were accompanied by second graders Aubree Davis and Kalena Rosa who received their First Eucharist this past Sunday. At the conclusion of Mass, Father Herman Gomes gave our eighth graders, who graduate on May 23, a special blessing. The faculty and staff who are leaving were also recognized and honored. (Reported by Kuulei Halemano)
HONOLULU
Star of the Sea School
It was a big surprise at the Lei Day program, when student council president Jack Gregory called his grandmother, noted author and writer Rita Witherwax Ariyoshi to dance with her granddaughter, Lei Queen Ashlyn Witherwax. Most people didn’t even know that the two talented eighth graders were cousins. (Reported and photo by Keith Haugen)
MANOA
St. Francis School
Tokai College in Honolulu invited Tokuda Sensei and her Japanese language students to experience Japanese culture, a “once every 5 years” opportunity. On May 5, at Tokai College, they learned bonsai making, kimono dressing, and bon dancing. Pictured are Marielle Valbuena, Angelica Richardson and Camille Galang learning how to plant bonsai. (Reported by Karen Curry)
KAILUA
St. John Vianney School
Our girls Catholic League basketball team are the overall champions! After a very exciting tournament, our girls defeated St. Patrick’s to become the league champions! Congratulations to Cassie Busekrus, Amber Bustamante, Jessica Hanashiro, Lindsey Lee, Tiare Libarios-Moses, Tyra Moe, Hoku Rutkowski, Keala Rutkowski, Siena Shupe and to their wonderful Coach K!! We¹re so proud of our girls! … We have two prize-winning poets: Danielle Ho (8) won first place and Hoku Rutkowski (8) won second place in the International Peace Poem Project¹s 11th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Poetry Contest. Danielle also received second place in the Board of Water Supply Poetry Competition. Her poem will be published in the 2010-2011 Water Conservation Calendar. As our school year draws to a close and we prepare to say we say aloha to our graduating eighth graders and other students leaving us, we offer a prayer of thanksgiving for a wonderful school year, led by our inspiring new principal, Michael Busekrus. (Reported by Annie Chee)
HONOLULU
St. Louis
The school’s Slam Team produced two 30-second commercials for a marketing campaign contest for the Koko Marina Center. “For the 30 seconds, we had to film over 52 hours of footage,” said Ryan Tang (’12). On April 30, the team won third place and a $1,000 check. The commercial will be a part of the center’s TV advertising campaign starting in June. This is the first year our school submitted a video. Congratulations to Mr. Horiuchi and the team: Ryan Tang (’12); Caleb Yuen (’10); Jeremy Higgins (’10); Joseph Joyce (’10); Josiah Taimatuia (’10); Rich Raquel (’10); Skyler Sigston (‘11); Trey Donohue (’10). (Reported by Jodi-Anne Yoshida)