2013 july lr by Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy

[ TRANSITIONS / 2013 ]

Volume XXXI ■ No. 1 ■ Issue No. 86 ■ JULY 2013

]

[inside]

MA KE KULA

ON THE COVER: HPA’s 13-year seniors as kindergarteners (see story on p. 10). First row, l to r: Bhillie Luciani, Justin Macy, and Kian Quinlan. Second row, l to r: Lucas Cohen, Camille Kiyota, and Charlie Chavez. Third row, l to r: Zeke Chong, Iosefa Rocha-Tufaga, and Kawaiola Peck.

The Class of 2013 with kindergarten teacher Julia Good (right) and educational assistant Dee Walker. Photo courtesy Rolina Kiyota

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Staff

[features]

25 Scholarship Auction Raises $520,000

Project Inspiration Completed

$1.1 Million Resident Hall Renovation Underway 7 Transitions 2013

Editor Phyllis Kanekuni, APR

[departments] From the Headmaster

HPA Advancement

13-Year Seniors and 7-Year Residents Share 10 Their Favorite Memories and Words of Wisdom

HPA Academic Programs

Student Spotlight

Leaving and Looking Back

Student Voices

HPA Student Council

HPA Admissions

HPA ‘Ohana Association

Coaches Corner

Alumni News

Faculty Profile: Rika Inaba

Faculty Profile: Timothy Beneski

New Administrative Appointments Announced

Life at HPA “Almost as Good as Pizza!”

Students Assisting NASA With Big Island Experiment

Inspiring the Will to Give

From Aunty June’s Kitchen

Alumni Profile: Ben Honey ’05

On Campus

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

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

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Putman D. Clark ‘65 Michael K. Fujimoto ‘70 Allison Holt Gendreau Will J. Hancock Nona F. Hasegawa ‘78 Charles G. King ‘64

Duncan MacNaughton ‘62 David W. Pratt William D. Pratt ‘86 Robert L. Reed Michael S. Spalding ‘66 Hannah Kihalani Springer

Donna Tanoue Dr. Peter Vitousek ‘67 Roy A. Vitousek III ‘68 Harry M. von Holt

Alumni News Arati Clarry ‘96 Production Assistant Deanna Evans Contributing Photographer Patrick O’Leary Art Direction + Design Clifford Cheng > VOICE Design Public Relations Office Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy 65-1692 Kohala Mountain Road Kamuela, Hawai‘i 96743 P: 808.881.4099 • F: 808.881.4069 E-mail: mkk@hpa.edu • www.hpa.edu

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

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

N JANUARY OF THIS YEAR, board chair Greg Mooers and I attended a program sponsored by the Hawai‘i Association of Independent Schools. To paraphrase a comment made by the conference’s featured speaker, “When it comes to what a parent wants from a high school, a sizeable number of parents in this generation have been heard to say, ‘I just want my child to be happy.’” [Note: I have not heard this comment at HPA, but I have heard it elsewhere.] The speaker then lifted his eyebrow quizzically, concluding that what was really being said was: “My high-schooler won’t be happy if she’s challenged and comes up short when undertaking difficult tasks.” Hmmmm. A number of questions spring to mind in giving further thought to this interpretation of the child-and-happiness comment. Among these are:

■ Is certain happiness ephemeral and of marginal consequence? Especially in a learning environment that nurtures the young, is there a deeper form of happiness that should be sought and can be found, happiness that results from the occasional disappointment or unhappy moment? ■ In a world where political correctness is

ever-present, is either the common good or the good of the individual served if everyone is regarded as a prize-winner (and, presumably, happy about it)? Or, must some of us first fail to clear an obstacle (and, presumably, be unhappy about it) before we learn how to achieve to our potential? ■ How do we learn best? Do we learn best

from doing easy work? Or do we learn best from that which tests our mettle and sparks creativity under the watchful eye of caring, loving teachers like the ones we have at HPA?

...it is our job to anticipate these bumps and detours and to impart and then to strengthen within our students the necessary ingredients (intellectual, spiritual, and social) for the leading of productive, kind, and largely happy lives.

The word “preparatory” is part of our school’s name for a very distinct reason. Any school anywhere can satisfy someone who might say, “I just want my child to be happy” but who might really mean: “Don’t challenge my child too much because she won’t be happy.” Creating and maintaining that kind of school culture is as easy as 1-2-3. It’s also a direct pathway to mediocrity. Don’t get me wrong. We all want our children to be happy. How could we not? But it’s also important to keep our eye on the ultimate prize by understanding that the most meaningful of preparatory roads will occasionally feature difficult and unhappy bumps along the way. At an accomplished educational community like HPA, it is our job to anticipate these bumps and detours and to impart and then to strengthen within our students the necessary ingredients (intellectual, spiritual, and social) for the leading of productive, kind, and largely happy lives. Every day and in numerous ways at HPA, this is what we strive to do.

want my child to be happy,” take a moment to consider these words. Does the speaker’s definition of happiness in a school setting exclude challenges that may prove difficult and produce disappointment and even unhappiness from time to time? Or is the speaker referring to a richer and deeper form of happiness, the kind that results from an educational program that takes full stock of the vagaries of life and prepares its students accordingly? Just a little something to consider as you prepare to spend some time with this issue of Ma Ke Kula—in which, by the way, you’ll be reading about happiness of all sorts. Enjoy! Aloha,

Lindsay R. Barnes, Jr. Headmaster

So, should you hear someone state in the context of referring to education, “I just MA KE KULA JULY 2013 3

A Huge Success! Scholarship Auction Raises $520,000

Top left: Auction co-chair Laurie Ainslie and her husband, Sam (left), pause for a moment with auction director emeritus and co-chair Bernard Noguès (right) and Headmaster Lindsay Barnes. Top right: Martha Greenwell and her daughter, Wendy Craven, stand with Greenwell’s Roundup at Mauna Kea during the auction preview. Center left: Artist Harry Wishard ’70 and his guest, Maria Jaramillo, with Wishard’s painting, Wailea Bay. Center right: Auctioneer Jim Bakker in action. Bottom left: Bidding was lively throughout the evening. Bottom right: Student bearers gather before the auction.

bout 250 enthusiastic guests attended the XXth Biennial Scholarship Auction and dinner on April 27 at the Fairmont Orchid Hotel. Auctioneer Jim Bakker of James R. Bakker Antiques, Inc. presided over this year’s event. Bids ranged from $750 to $105,000, with lively bidding for “hot” items such as Madge Tennent’s Hawaiian Spring Song, Lloyd Sexton’s White Gingers at Hi‘ilawe Falls, Waipio, Martha Greenwell’s Roundup at Mauna Kea, D. Howard Hitchcok’s Tidal Pools, North Shore O‘ahu, alumnus Harry Wishard’s

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Wailea Bay, Yvonne Cheng’s Seated Maidens, a brand new 2013 BMW x1 2.8i, and antique poi pounders. There also were numerous trips, golf and dinner packages, lauhala hats and baskets, one-of-a kind wooden bowls, and furniture. At the end of the evening, the results exceeded everyone’s expectations, with about $520,000 raised for the school’s financial aid program. “With the benefit of some wonderful volunteer help from throughout the HPA community, together with the leadership of the event co-chairs Laurie Ainslie and

Bernard Noguès, this year’s Scholarship Auction was an unqualified success,” said Gaylord Dillingham, auction director and director of the Isaacs Art Center at HPA. “From the marvelous Madge Tennent oil, Hawaiian Spring Song, to a beautiful curly koa calabash by HPA graduate Joshua Johansen ‘00 to hotel packages at Raffles, Hong Kong and Amanusa, Bali, bidders were spoiled for choice. We thank everyone involved for making this event a resounding success for HPA’s financial aid program.” ■

HPAadvancement

In Memoriam: Harold Slater

Photos courtesy Rick Slater

Harold Slater, who taught French and English at HPA from 1958 to 1966, recently passed away in New York City after an extended illness. He grew up primarily in Spokane, WA and lived in New York for the remainder of his life after leaving HPA, compiling a 50+ year teaching career in private education. Harold arrived in the “pioneer days” at the school without any teaching experience and his first time away from home. He spent his first year in the old former Marine buildings that comprised the school until the new campus was built. He always proudly recalled he had had his “hand on the shovel” when the first spadeful of dirt was dug for the new campus.

Despite initial homesickness, Harold adapted and soon grew to love HPA and the students and faculty. Many he kept in contact with until the day he died. He mentioned that, when they would get together, the memories and tears would flow in recalling life at HPA. Unfortunately, he only returned once to Kamuela in 1984. Harold loved classical music and enjoyed “pushing the envelope” on the volume control of his stereo! These incidents brought occasional reminders from Mr. Taylor about keeping the volume turned down! He also took part in a number of musical events and activities while at the school. HPA continued to have an influence on Harold’s life, far beyond the time he was actually there. He loved to talk about HPA and the people he had taught (and taught with) for the rest of his life. Harold is survived by his friend and roommate, Jamin Alcoriza, and his brother and sister-in-law, Rick and Barbara Slater, as well as a number of nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces. The family suggests that any donations be made in Harold’s name to Dyer Memorial Library, at HPA. ■ —Rick Slater

John Colson Director of Advancement and Special Projects

Building Bridges

As the Class of 2013 prepared to leave the friendly confines of our idyllic campus, Headmaster Barnes delivered a package to our advancement office. In this package, was a monetary gift from each of the 84 class members. Collectively, their gift represents a new beginning as our newest alumni look to support and appreciate the work and generosity displayed by others to make their HPA dream come true. Fundraising at HPA is a continuous cycle as generation after generation take their turn by “building bridges” for those who follow. To that end, I am pleased to report that the HPA Annual Fund was successful in terms of dollars donated, the number of gifts—both restricted and unrestricted—and the number of donors. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We appreciate your generosity and willingness to support our special school. With guidance from Headmaster Barnes and the board of trustees, the school has begun work, as outlined in the new strategic plan, on residence hall improvements, increasing financial aid dollars, expanding professional development opportunities for faculty, and more. These initiatives will require more and continuous support to ensure that HPA stays highly competitive with boarding and day schools in Hawai‘i and around the world. In support of these activities, the school has been busy with the highly successful 20th Biennial Scholarship Auction and the 17th Annual Headmaster’s Golf Tournament. These events are shining examples of community support for the growth and daily improvement of the HPA Experience. As I close, I would like to thank you for your support during my two stints at HPA and I encourage you to continue to support our special school. On July 1, I am moving to become the head of school at _ Hualalai Academy in Kona. The academy is the former Kona Campus of HPA so I move to a school that was built on HPA core values and a college-preparatory identity. No matter where I go, I will always have a special place in my heart for HPA and will always be its biggest fan! ■ E malama pono.

Golf, Anyone?

t was a perfect day for the 17th Annual Headmaster’s Cup held Saturday, _ May 25, at the Hualalai Resort Golf Course. Sixty-two golfers gathered for a great cause (and a lot of fun!) and raised $19,270 to support athletics, financial aid, and other deserving programs at HPA. George Ainge and Wally Kojima took top honors with a net score _ of 60. The team won rounds of golf at the Mauna Kea Resort or Hualalai Resort Golf Course. Deighton Emmons and his wife, Tisa, won the grand prize of Sports Authority gift certifications and Titleist golf balls. Mahalo to all for their support! ■

George Ainge (left) and Wally Kojima took top honors with a net score of 60.

Deighton Emmons and his wife, Tisa, were grand prize winners.

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Project Inspiration Completed Blessing Planned for July 18 “I believe that my world is round…It is like the song by Harry Chapin, ‘all my life’s a circle.’ When we were younger, everything was so much more simple. As we grow older, we have more responsibility, and life becomes more complex. Our circle just goes on and on. We meet new friends as we say goodbye to old ones. We move on to different experiences, yet never forgetting the past. We treasure memories, yet long for more knowledge. We go on to bigger and better things. Everything we do prepares us for something in the future.” —Gambrelle Brown ‘89, December 9, 1987

Gambrelle Brown ’89 was an unforgettable human being. In the hearts and minds of everyone who knew and loved her, Brown will always be that young junior with a brilliant smile and an infectiously kind personality. She was the type of student who inspired others and helped create a foundation for excellence at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy; she was a strong student, an athlete, and a member of the student council. Her involvement and efforts made HPA a better place to learn. On December 9, 1987, not long after she wrote the words above for her final exam in Father Piltz’s History, Philosophy, Religion class, Brown and her friend, Chris Agorastos, died in a car accident. The Class of 1989 initiated Project Inspiration in 2004 to recognize Brown and her contributions to HPA. After several design and location changes, construction began on March 8, 2013. The 540-square foot project recently was completed and a formal blessing is scheduled during Alumni Week at 5:15 p.m. on Thursday, July 18. “We wanted to honor Gambrelle for her passion for our school and for her inspiration for living a kind and productive life,” said classmate Stephanie Rutgers ’89, one of the driving forces for the project along with Kaimi Judd ’89, Keawe Liu ’89, and Erik Backman ’89. “We realize that many people who have been part of our HPA ‘ohana have been inspired by someone during their time here, and we would like to make this project about them as well.” 6 JULY 2013 MA KE KULA

Project Inspiration is a place to gather, to cheer, and to celebrate life and the spirit of HPA. The project was designed, built, landscaped, and funded by classmates, alumni, friends, and family; Brown’s brother, Cutter ’92, was on campus for three days to assist with brick laying. John Colson, former headmaster and director of advancement, also was instrumental in bringing the project to life. Aaron Spielman ’95 of Rhoady Lee Architecture and Design in Waimea, worked with Quality Builders to create the newest gathering place on campus, located between the Wishard Administration Building and the Dyer Memorial Library. Spielman coordinated the design and project management efforts. “As we observed the students’ crosscampus movements, we saw an opportunity to explore the ideas of passage and filter,” noted Spielman. “With passage, we see the physical movement through the space, but we also experience the passage of time, the essence of our own life’s circle. With filter, we embed complexity in the inherently static circular forms, encouraging interaction of our own circle with those of our classmates, past alumni, and future students.” Two circular forms overlap, and a tree— representing life—grows from the center of one circle. In the second circle, concrete benches surround a brick pier, which holds a bronze plaque etched with Brown’s prophetic words. The concrete benches define a space for reflection and encourage interaction. Embedded bricks, purchased by Brown’s and Agorastos’ circle of family and friends, are engraved with names and messages to honor the past, reflect the present, and sustain the future. Spielman remarked that the exposed

Left: formal blessing for Project Inspiration is scheduled during Alumni Week at 5:15 p.m. on Thursday, July 18. Right: Cutter Brown ’92 assists with brick laying at Project Inspiration, which honors his sister, Gambrelle ‘89.

bricks in the concrete benches are a nod to architect Vladimir Ossipoff’s use of exposed rock aggregate in the Davies Chapel walls. “Project Inspiration honors life’s continuum, how we experience not only HPA, but our lives in the larger context,” said Spielman. “When we return here, we will find a park-like setting, comforted from the weather, and arranged for interaction around and through. We will find the simplicity in the place, recalling our younger days; and we will see the horizon and continue on our paths: complex, simple, or somewhere inbetween. Gambrelle brought us these words; and without knowing what her own future held, she provided a path for our own circles to overlap; a round world to be sure, with the pleasure and pain of time and experience molding our own lives.” ■ For more information, visit www.hpa. edu/projectinspiration.

Project Inspiration Architect: Rhoady Lee Architecture & Design, Kamuela / Aaron Spielman ’95, designer Contractor: Quality Builders, Kamuela Johnny Buscher ‘98, TJ Kalaniopio ‘94 Landscaping: Michi Hanano ’94, Pu‘u Pa Gardens / Miles Nonaka, Fred’s Nursery Website: John Hall ‘89

$1.1 Million Residence Hall Renovations Underway

[after] [before] Top: One of the newly-renovated rooms in Robertson’s features new window treatments, light fixtures, and commercial-grade flooring with the warm appearance of koa.

hen students return to their residence halls this fall, they will be welcomed with new lighter, brighter, more environmentally-friendly living areas. Phase I of the residence hall enhancement project consists of $1.1 million in improvements. Renovations began in May, and contractors have been working at a feverish pace to ready the halls by August 16. Phase I of the project includes replacing all concrete lanai and steps, adding lanai stone wall caps to create more seating and gathering areas for students, placing new lanai furniture and accessories on the exterior of each residence hall, replacing carpets with commercial-grade flooring that has the warm appearance of koa and is backed with baffling material to help dampen sound, replacing interior and exterior light fixtures with more attractive and energy-efficient LED fixtures, creating new study areas with teak barstools featuring a koa finish, improving storage areas and adding lockers at Anna’s Hall, replacing many of the windows on the windward side of the residence halls, and installing new window treatments with durable and userfriendly pull-down shades. Materials selected require minimum maintenance and reflect the school’s increasing focus on energy efficiency and smart, sustainable operational practices. In addition, residence halls are being repainted in color schemes selected and based on two guiding principles: (1) to promote a sense of place, i.e., Waimea and the island of Hawai‘i and (2) to reflect the personality of each hall’s namesake, Anna Lindsey Perry-Fiske, Hartwell Carter, and Marjorie Robertson. “Robertson’s has a contemporary feel because it has two distinct wings that give the school flexibility depending on the gender

Bottom: The new concrete lanai at Robertson’s features stone wall caps to create more seating and gathering areas for students.

composition of the resident population,” said Jennifer Bryan, project manager and interior designer with Anoano Design Group. “Hartwell’s is definitely more masculine and traditional; Anna’s reflects the Hawaiian ranch style common to our area of the island with colors there being those found in the landscape that surrounds the school.” As an added touch, Bryan is working with Upper School art instructor Jordan Hayslip to incorporate student-created art in all of the residence halls. Furniture pieces in the interior common areas are being recovered or replaced in complementary color schemes. Bryan selected outdoor-quality fabrics that are 100 percent acrylic or 100 percent Bell Dura, which lend to a sustainable “green” classification. “We’re very, very pleased with the work completed to date and also quite excited about what’s on our plate for the future,“ commented Headmaster Lindsay Barnes. “This has been a total team effort that will serve our boarding students well for years to come and will add much value to the HPA Experience for one and all.” Primary work identified for Phase II includes bathroom renovations, roof work, the commencement of staged faculty apartment renovations, and additional landscaping around the halls. Phase II is expected to be completed in summer 2014. For more information and photos, visit www.hpa.edu. ■

Renovation Team Project Manager/ Interior Design: Jennifer Bryan, Anoano Design Group

General Contractor: Quality Builders

Sub-Contractors: CarpetIsle (flooring) DeLorey Painting Hinahina Designs (concrete)

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[ TRANSITIONS / 2013 ]

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Sixty-Second Annual Commencement Exercises Honor the Class of 2013 Photos by Bob Fewell “The wisdom you need to guide you and inspire you is already within you; all you need to do is listen, and always remember to love, live, and learn,” said this year’s commencement speaker Arati Clarry ’96, HPA’s director of alumni and student programs. “I gave my job the tagline, ‘makes learning opportunities out of play,’ but I ‘test’ you all the time in extremely essential subject areas— in your kindness, your respect, your perseverance, your teamwork, your humility, your sense of service to each other, our school, and our community; your ability to lead, which is your ability to listen to yourself; your ability to follow, which is your ability to listen to others, and most importantly, your willingness to participate. It is through these attributes and abilities that we truly live.” Eighty-four members of the Class of 2013 received their diploma during the Sixty-Second Annual Commencement Exercises held May 24, 2013 at Castle Gymnasium. Kumu Deena Hurwitz and Kumu Malani DeAguiar opened the program with a welcoming chant. The Reverend David Stout offered the invocation, followed by speakers Gregory R. Mooers, Board of Trustees chair, Headmaster Lindsay R. Barnes, Jr., and Zoe Sims, student council president. Sims, a 2013 U.S. Presidential Scholar and National Merit Scholarship Program Finalist, received the Headmaster’s Award and was named the Senior Scholar. During a senior awards ceremony held on May 23, the following seniors also received awards: Founder’s Award, Lauren Pries; Walter Liu ‘65 Memorial Leadership Award, Dane Uy; Kevin Kitagawa ‘77 Memorial Bootstrap Award, Yung-Yang Lan; Phyllis A. Richards Theatre Arts Award, Lauren Richards; Spirit of 2012 Award, Jellian Cuartero and Ryuta Yoda; Athletes of the Year, Zoe Sims and Jovan Crnic. After receiving their diplomas, the Class of 2013 offered their gifts of song and dance with Hole Waimea; Hi‘ilawe, the girls hula; Hi‘ilawe, the boys hula, and Ke Anu ‘O Waimea, the coed hula. ■ MA KE KULA JULY 2013 9

13-Year Seniors Share Their Favorite Memories and Words of Wisdom

The nine seniors featured on the cover started at HPA together in kindergarten. After 13 years, they share their favorite memories here and offer tips to current students about how to make the most of the HPA Experience. Charlie Chavez ’13 “One of my favorite HPA memories would have to be the Middle School Ultimate Frisbee elective because it was a great physical activity where I grew many relationships with a variety of different students and I’ve maintained these relationships throughout the years along with my passion for ultimate. My advice is to not worry about what you think other people perceive you as; just focus on radiating your own unique personality. Each person in the entire world has gone through their own specific set of events and life-changing experiences and it’s important to keep that in mind! Live life in the moment; don’t spend time worrying about the past or the future.” What’s Next: I plan on moving to Santa Barbara and attending the city college for one year. After my pre-requisite courses are achieved, I’m going to transfer to California Maritime Academy and pursue my lifelong dream of being a merchant marine. Zeke Chong ’13 “My favorite HPA memory is winning the BIIF championship and coming in third at states for volleyball during my junior year. My advice is to join varsity teams and clubs. What’s Next: I’ll be going to University of Hawai‘i at Hilo and studying tropical forest ecosystems and agri-management; I’m interested in working with DLNR. Lucas Cohen ’13 “My favorite memory was showing up to school for the first day freshman year with Rukin Jelks ‘11 helping me through it. My advice is to take advantage of every opportunity HPA has to offer you, especially with community service opportunities. I would have taken more honors and AP courses because I didn’t realize how interesting they were.” What’s Next: I’ll be moving on the Willamette University this fall. Camille Kiyota ’13 “My favorite HPA memory is Middle School Theme Week. It’s a chance to get to know people you’re not close with, and a chance to see teachers in a different environment. It’s definitely fun no matter which [activity] you do, and it’s definitely a week to remember for each year. 10 JULY 2013 MA KE KULA

My advice is to take advantage of everything the school has to offer. HPA has a lot of things students can get involved in. Don’t just go to school because you have to. Find something you enjoy, whether it’s a club or activity and really make the most of it. Also, take advantage of the fact that the teachers are there to help. If a subject isn’t exactly your strong point, see the teacher because that’s why they’re there. Other schools don’t have half the opportunities we do, so really take advantage of everything that is offered, and enjoy every minute of it. If given the chance, I’d definitely take more advantage of everything the school offered. For the most part I went with the flow and did the necessary things, but I definitely wish I’d gotten more involved in clubs and other activities besides sports.” What’s Next: I will be attending Wagner College, Staten Island, New York; I plan on playing softball there. Bhillie Luciani ’13 “Thinking of my favorite HPA memory is really hard because a lot of things stand out for me. I think the best times were ones where our class, or school, would come together for events like 100th Day of School, May Day, and transition. In third grade, we had a school-wide musical, Mickey Spleen, and each class was a body part and we each had our class song and part in the musical. I think we were the blood cells, or something to do with respiration. It was pretty cool because everyone got to perform and it was fun to work together as one big group. We got to go down a slide on stage and turn our sashes and march around like we were important. It was a great thing to do as an eight-year-old! My advice is to step outside your comfort zone and get involved early. Join a club, take art classes, or join a new sport. I took one class of ceramics and ended up signing up for the next level the next semester. Don’t sit back and watch, either, because time will get ahead of you; enjoy it while it lasts. HPA gives us so many great opportunities and the possibilities are endless; I definitely had a great 13 years.” What’s Next: I’ll be going to the University of Michigan in the fall and studying kinesiology. I’ll be walking on to the water polo team and hopefully I’ll be able to play!

The 13-year seniors (l to r): Charlie Chavez, Zeke Chong, Lucas Cohen,Camille Kiyota, Bhillie Luciani, Justin Macy, Kawaiola Peck, Kian Quinlan, Iosefa Rocha-Tufaga.

with may have been different I always had a good time with them and that’s what matters. The most important thing about any experience at any high school I think is to make sure that you have friends. That doesn’t mean that you have to be the most popular person in school, but you should just surround yourself with people who make you laugh and who can help and understand you. It’s always better to go through life with others rather than being by yourself. The other thing that’s important during your high school career is to find something that you love doing and that you’re good at, whether it’s art, music, or sports or even academics. If you find your passion, then high school will be more enjoyable.” What’s Next: I’ll be going to SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) and study art and hopefully in the future I’ll have my own brand and it’ll be known worldwide. During my stay at SCAD I’ll be majoring in graphics, design, and studio art.

Justin Macy ’13 “My favorite HPA memory is probably eighth grade Theme Week when we went hiking at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. We actually got lost on the way back out; our GPS wasn’t working. We walked back in a straight line and found our way back. My advice is to try joining lots of clubs, be active in the community; don’t just sit back and watch everyone else do things; get into it.” What’s Next: I’m going to Arizona State University to study construction management; I hope to come back when I’m done and work with my dad.

Kian Quinlan ’13 “My favorite HPA memory is the very first day of kindergarten in Mrs. Soo’s classroom. We were playing with toys in the classroom and several kids—Justin [Macy] and Charlie [Chavez]— approached me to play; it was the first time I experienced friendship. My advice is to be outgoing. Students at HPA greatly appreciate kindness. The key to having a good time at HPA is making sure others also are having a good time. Being a good friend to others is important. I would have gotten to know more people I normally wouldn’t interact with. There are so many students here who are so much more than they seem.” What’s Next: I’ll be attending Santa Barbara City College and pursuing my literary interests. I’ll be studying English and hope to pursue a career in technical writing.

Kawaiola Peck ’13 “When you’ve been going to the same school for 13 years it’s hard to pick just one favorite memory mainly because you end up forgetting things like kindergarten. However I will always remember the times I spent hanging out with my friends and being able to make friends from all around the world. Although the times I’ve spent with my friends recreate memories, I like to look at them as one big memory, because even though the people I would hang out

Iosefa Rocha-Tufaga ’13 “My favorite HPA memory was last year when boys basketball and volleyball won the Division II BIIF championship for the first time in school history for both sports. My advice is to get involved with sports or clubs and take challenging classes.” What’s Next: I plan to attend Hawai‘i Pacific University and maybe play basketball there.” ■

Photo courtesy Rolina Kiyota

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Seven-Year Student Residents Share Their Favorite Memories and Words of Wisdom

Three members of the Class of 2013 have been together in the school’s residential program since sixth grade. After seven years at HPA, they share their reflections about life at HPA.

Yoon Jung (Claire) Rho ’13 “My favorite HPA memory happened about two weeks before graduation, the first time we had hula practice with the guys. After the practice, we made a big circle to close the practice with a prayer. When we made the circle, Aunty Deena asked the students whose parents were not coming to graduation to be in the middle of the circle. There were about five students, including myself, who were in the circle. Aunty Deena started her prayer and when students were giving the Oli Mahalo, I realized that I was crying. I felt a little ashamed to cry in front of my class, but Jovan and Steven, who were in the middle circle with me, gave me a big hug and it made me feel so much better. After that, more students came up to me and each of them gave me a strong hug. I couldn’t stop crying. That night, Eigoro texted me and told me not to cry because he is my family and yes, he was my family. He was next to me and stayed with me at the baccalaureate, baccalaureate dinner, and slide show throughout the whole time. Although my parents couldn’t come to the graduation, I had the happiest graduation ever because I could graduate with having a new family. There are so many special things that you can experience only at HPA so please take advantage of that, especially for international students. Participate in school activities such as Olympics, dorm wars, and other club activities. I never missed a single Olympics for four years and I truly had a great time every year. I recommend that new students not be afraid of trying new things.” ■

L to r: Yoon Jung (Claire) Rho, Eigoro Akai, and Risa Ninomiya

Eigoro Akai ’13 “My experience at HPA has been priceless. I would not have had such an excellent life at HPA without the support from parents, friends, and faculty from here and all around the world. I believe what I can do next in a different environment is to share the kindness, knowledge, and courage that HPA taught me. A Academically, since I’m an international student, I would have studied TOEFL when I was in ESL class. Athleticswise, I would have tried other varsity sports that teachers offered me.” Risa Ninomiya ’13 “I have lots of great memories at HPA, but my favorite is Olympics because it united our class as one. Especially this year, our class did not win first place, but I felt we all truly enjoyed the activities and tried our best to win the last Olympics. My advice is to try anything that interests you, because there are a lot of great opportunities at HPA, like turtle tugging, fun weekend activities, clubs, International Day, working at the Energy Lab, sports, and more. Explore all the wonderful opportunities offered here in the great environment of Hawai‘i. I regret not trying everything; I would have tried horseback riding, scuba diving, more sports, and exploring nature.”

Seniors Enjoy Lunch with the Headmaster The Class of 2013 recently enjoyed lunch at Atherton House with Headmaster and Mrs. Lindsay Barnes. The event was a much appreciated break from preparing for AP and final exams. Photo courtesy Patrick O’Leary.

12 JULY 2013 MA KE KULA

Leaving and Looking Back Reflections from a Graduate About Making the Most of Your HPA Experience

his is my last Ma Ke Kula article as an HPA student, and it is a hard one to begin. This bright school, this beautiful place, and the loving, accepting people in it, do not make themselves easy to leave. When I’m attempting to survive my first East Coast winter, I’ll enviously think of the Waimea kipu‘upu‘u; of Auntie Arati’s seemingly endless supplies of coffee and tea and hot chocolate (with marshmallows, of course); and of walking to class under the broad, blue Hawaiian sky. I’ll be thinking of you. Yet this also is my first Ma Ke Kula article as an HPA alumna. And while it isn’t easy to leave HPA, we seniors have been preparing for this departure as long as we have been at this school. We’ve lived our tenure here. We’ve taken the opportunities that caught our imaginations, and these experiences have prepared us for the life that awaits. HPA is a place of abundant opportunities. Colors are brighter here. Seize the opportunity to see. The most memorable images from my years at HPA are colorsaturated: the expansive, omniscient view of campus from the Energy Lab; the sunlight blazing through the Norfolk pines by the soccer fields. The biannual art show, with the neon fish dangling from the art building ceiling, the grays of charcoal sketches, the dance of pastel paint on paper, and the shiny purple grapes for snacking. The yellow fireweed flowers that spill across the Kohala Mountain foothills like a rush of bright watercolor paint. The white of our dresses and shirts at graduation, and the deep green

“If you do these things, I think that you, like me, will never want to leave this place—but, when the time comes, you will be ready.” of our maile lei. Amid the tidal wave of high school stresses and obligations, don’t let the beautiful moments, the delicious details of this place, get swept away. Seize the opportunity to take risks. One of the best decisions I made during my time at HPA was joining swimming my senior year, even though I had never swum competitively before in my life. Yet the team accepted me, and the coaches were dedicated

By > Zoe Sims ‘13

to teaching me to dive long after they should have abandoned my belly flops as a lost cause. I met an entirely new group of dedicated athletes, and discovered a completely new facet of HPA’s community and of myself. At Lava Lounge open-mic nights, the most self-conscious, off-key singers are showered with the most enthusiastic cheering and unanimous applause. This place is not normal. It offers, early and often, the opportunity to experiment—so get up and sing. Seize these opportunities to see and to sing. You are fabulously wealthy in opportunities to start unexpected conversations, go hiking in the hills, or speak up in class. You can go to home games and meets and cheer shamelessly. You can ask your teachers tough questions. Your choices are abundant: to take a class that’s just a little outside your comfort zone, and to throw yourself wholeheartedly into the challenge; to try out for a varsity sport, or audition for the musical. Go to the art show, or help Auntie Arati cook for a pancake breakfast. Join the Olympic talent show. Sing! If you do these things, I think that you, like me, will never want to leave this place— but, when the time comes, you will be ready. By giving us the opportunity to think, talk, participate, experiment, fail, learn, cheer, and sing, HPA equips us with experiences for our lives. All that remains is to live. ■ Editor’s Note: Zoe Sims ’13 has been a frequent contributor to Ma Ke Kula for the last four years. She’ll attend Princeton University this fall, where she’ll also compete on the Tigers’ cross country and track teams. We wish Zoe the very best as she begins her next life adventure!

Class of 2013 College Placement American University (3) Arizona State University Arizona State University, Phoenix Baylor University Brigham Young University, Hawai‘i California State University, East Bay Chapman University Colorado College Colorado Mesa University Dartmouth College Denison University European College of Liberal Arts Fort Lewis College Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering

Grand Canyon University Hawai‘i Pacific University (4) Le Cordon Bleu Australia Linfield College (2) Macalester College New York University Northern Arizona University Northern Oklahoma College Oral Roberts University Oregon State University (2) Pierce College Portland State University (2) Princeton University Sacramento City College

San Diego Mesa College San Diego State University Santa Barbara City College (4) Savannah College of Art and Design Seattle University (3) Syracuse University The University of Tampa Tufts University University of British Columbia University of California at Berkeley University of California at Irvine University of California at San Diego University of California at Santa Barbara University of Hawai‘i at Hilo (2)

University of Hawai‘i at Manoa (2) University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Massachusetts, Amherst University of Michigan University of Northern Colorado University of Redlands University of Rochester University of San Diego (3) University of San Francisco (2) University of Victoria (2) University of Washington (2) University of Waterloo Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Wagner College (2) Waseda University Washington State University Wheaton College MA Whitman College Whittier College Willamette University (2)

MA KE KULA JULY 2013 13

HPA Student Achievers Honored

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy honored the following Upper School students on May 13 for special achievement in academic studies, the arts, athletics, and community service. Alumni Association Award: Morgan Monahan and Bo Bleckel; John L. Pricher Award: Kimi Cantyne and Alex Siordia; Holi Bergin Memorial Scholarship Award: Bobby Lum; Cy Keala Spencer “Spirit of Aloha” Award: Joshua Ching; Ulrike Katharina “Bieni” KohlerJohnson Scholarship Award: Erin Evans and Veronica Ladwig; 2013 U.S. Presidential Scholar: Zoe Sims; U.S. Army Reserve Scholar Athlete Award: Zoe Sims and Duncan Michael; Athletic Booster Club Career Athlete Awards: Jasmine Fojas and Kamaha‘o DeSilva; Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) Champion Awards: Anu Nihipali, Emma Taylor, and Zoe Sims. HONOREES (l to r): Alex Siordia and Kimi Cantyne, John L. Pricher Award; Bobby Lum, Holi Bergin Memorial Scholarship Award; Josh Ching, Cy Keala Spencer “Spirit of Aloha” Award.

Joseph Martire Biology Award: Kristiana Van Pernis; Thomas Webb Mar Physics Award: Zoe Sims; Alan Fujimoto Chemistry Award: Hannah Twigg-Smith; Junior Science Scholar: Allex Blacksmith; Environmental Science Scholar Award: Hiro Ueno; Engineering Award: Luigi Balbo Bertone di Sambuy; The Science Award: Bo Bleckel.

SCIENCE HONOREES (l to r): Alexandra Van Pernis, Bo Bleckel, Zoe Sims, Luigi Balbo Bertone de Sambuy, Hannah Twigg-Smith, Hiro Ueno, and Allexandria Blacksmith.

MODERN LANGUAGE

Hawaiian Language Award: Leila-Marie Wong; Japanese Language Award: Alina Katase; Spanish Language Award: Kenny Christie; Institute of English Studies Outstanding Progress Award: Hajime Matsui; Institute of English Studies Achievement Award: Keisuke Anzai.

MODERN LANGUAGE HONOREES (l to r): Keisuke Anzai, Hajime Matsui, Kenneth Christie, Leila-Marie Wong, Alina Katase. NEW MEMBERS OF THE CUM LAUDE SOCIETY, THE SCHOOL’S HONOR SOCIETY (l to r): Bo Bleckel, Alexandra Van Pernis, Keli Jackson, Duncan Michael, Angie Shumov, Alexandro Siordia, Hannah Twigg-Smith, Veronica Ladwig, Michael Spetich, Miel Krauss, Sun Ho Lee, Michaela Byrnes, Michael Kokal, and Yung-Yang Lan. Missing: Mariah Haight.

MATHEMATICS

Algebra I Award: Zen Simone; Geometry Award: Harmony Graziano; Algebra II/Trigonometry Award: Davy Ragland; Calculus Honors Award: Sok Hwan Lee; AP Calculus Award: Inkeun Chey; AP Statistics Award: Zoe Sims.

FINE ARTS

Ka Makani Theatre Award: Duncan Michael; Career Performance Award: Angelica Shumov; Phyllis A. Richards Theatre Arts Scholarship: Kimi Cantyne; Vocal Music Award: Audrey Pigott; Instrumental Music Award: Hao-Wen Chang; Andy Ackerman Art Award: Max Hirata; Academy Art Award: Qiumin Liang; Art History Award: Zoe Sims; George Watson Audio-Visual Award: Michael Spetich; Photojournalism Award: Briana Wilson.

MATHEMATICS HONOREES (l to r): Sok Hwan Lee, Inkeun Chey, Zoe Sims, Harmony Graziano, Davy Ragland, and Zen Simone.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Jay Wilder Award for Excellence in History: Jacob McCafferty; Cathy Schmidel Award for Excellence in Social Science: Remy Koppes; Ben Dillingham U.S. History Award: Alex Siordia; University of Pennsylvania Book Award: Tatiana Shoniber. ENGLISH FINE ARTS HONOREES: Back, (l to r): Audrey Pigott, Ducan Michael, Zoe Sims, Michael Spetich, and Angelica Shumov. Front, (l to r): Max Hirata, Kimi Cantyne, Hao-Wen Chang, and Briana Wilson. Missing: Qiumin Liang

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Mount Holyoke Book Award: Hannah Twigg-Smith; Paul Knauff Award: Emily Johnson; Excellence in English Award: Zoe Sims.

Beneski and Inaba Recognized with Ellbogen Meritorious Teaching Award Timothy Beneski, Upper School English teacher, and Rika Inaba, Upper School Japanese teacher, are the recipients of this year’s Ellbogen Meritorious Teaching Awards. Headmaster Lindsay Barnes presented the awards and a check to each recipient for $1,500 at the Upper School Awards ceremony on May 13. The Ellbogen Meritoriuous Teaching Award is one of the greatest honors an HPA Upper School teacher can receive because recipients are determined by a vote of all members of the Upper School student body. Beneski (see profile on page 18) just completed his first year at HPA. In voting for Beneski, students said he “truly cares for all his students and would do anything for them; he is one of the most sincere people I’ve ever met…he has shared his home and family with

me to make dorm life feel more like home…he has helped me become a great writer and the weekly chapel services have brought a time of peace to the otherwise hectic school day…he is a great English teacher and someone who cares and respects students.”

Inaba (see profile on page 17) just completed her second year at HPA and also drew much praise from students, who described her as “devoted, passionate, hardworking…she devotes an immense amount of time and effort into teaching, thus creating an amazing learning environment that makes me want to learn more about Japanese…she helped me become nearly fluent in the language…she establishes such a great bond with each student she teaches… she really cares about her students…she is the reason I stuck with Japanese!” The Ellbogen Meritorious Teaching Award was established in 1998 by Mary Ellbogen Garland ’77, Patrick Ellbogen ’78, and Theresa Ellbogen ’82 to recognize excellence in the classroom and in every other aspect of HPA life. ■

Jim and McKenna Receive B.F. Dillingham Award for Inspirational Teaching This year’s B.F. Dillingham Awards for Inspirational Teaching were presented to Laura Jim ‘91, Middle School science teacher, and Greg McKenna, Upper School science teacher and instructional leader. Martin Ferrell, dean of academics, and Midge Jambor, K-8 principal, presented the awards at the final faculty meeting on June 5. “Laura approaches her curriculum with incredible clarity and organization, offering students the opportunity to be successful and supporting their learning with compassion, humor, and consistent expectations,” said one of Jim’s peers. “Laura has a high standard of professional integrity that she fulfills with generosity of time and energy as evidenced by the lights I see streaming from her class windows late into the evening; and the opportunities she offers students each year to connect the classroom to the world from ocean labs to science fairs. As a colleague, I also respect the dedication and professionalism that she brings to our teaching community as a steadfast advocate for students and their learning.”

McKenna’s colleagues describe him as “moving with clear aim and focus…student grades, assignment purpose, and classroom plan are all made transparent…Greg challenges students to think through rigorous and thoughtful assignments, while allowing a joyful and engaging atmosphere to reign supreme...if anyone embodies our notion of ‘ohana, it’s Greg, and students feed off of his positive energies…he has helped create a community where extreme work ethic leads to team bonding, positive support of teammates, and joyful sweat…he embodies what he preaches, that we should strive for excellence, pushing our bodies, minds, and social connectivity to the limit, and that we can and must have a huge grimacing grin on our faces, laughing at how wonderful it is to work hard and succeed.” Gaylord Dillingham ’66 established the award program in memory of his father to recognize one K-8 teacher and one 9-12 teacher who, through their words and actions, motivate students to love learning and have a positive view of the world. The award includes a $1,500 grant for each recipient. ■

A Fond Aloha to Eddie Quaintance ‘66 After 23 years of service in the school’s maintenance department, Eddie Quaintance ‘66 retired in March 2013. Quaintance joined the maintenance department as a supervisor in October 1989. Thanks to his guidance and his team’s hard work, the HPA campus is one of the most beautiful in the state of Hawai‘i. Quaintance’s organizational skills and “service first” greatly contributed to the success of the maintenance department.

“Eddie has been a friend, advisor, dad, mentor, organizer, and horse wrangler,” said Ed Spencer, facilities superintendent. “We will miss Eddie and the aloha that he shared in his daily actions, not to mention his willingness to help at any time and for any purpose, a willingness that impacted many HPA generations and invariably served to lift us all to higher ground on occasions too numerous to mention.” ■

A hui hou, Eddie! Best wishes for a happy retirement!

MA KE KULA JULY 2013 15

Class of 2017 Ready for Upper School

Forty-two members of the Class of 2017 received certificates of completion at the eighth grade transition held Thursday, May 23, at Gates Performing Arts Center. Middle School teachers Matt and Adriana Piercy offered the invocation. Class speakers were Elyse Fujioka and Braden Kojima. Character Virtue Awards were presented to the following students: Respect: Ava Jean Johnston

Love: Casimir Dahrouch

Honesty: Kai Miller

Hope: Harley Simon

Courage: Sora Hataji

Overall: Tyler Alt

Loyalty: Jackson Cootey

Overall: Angelique Allison

Justice: Brandon Melton

The class also recognized Rona Kaneshiro, K-8 assistant principal, who is leaving at the end of the school year. In her closing address, Kaneshiro offered this advice, “Try your best, give your best, and be the best person you can be.” ■

Class of 2020 Ready for Middle School Kristin Tarnas’ fifth graders are excited about making the transition to Middle School this fall. Four class members shared their favorite Lower School memory and talked about what they’re looking forward to most in Middle School: Kirra Brown ‘20 “In second grade, we learned about what different people around the world did for Christmas and we got to eat the type of food they had at Christmas, like cinnamon tacos. I’m looking forward to having a locker and decorating it; also choosing electives…I’m interested in the garden elective.”

Jackson Freitas ‘20 “My favorite memory is doing the Peanut Baby project in fourth grade. I’m excited about the electives, especially Theme Week. I’m excited about doing what my brother [Bodie ’16] did when he was in Middle School.”

Forrest Franklin ‘20 “My favorite memory is our volcanoes trip in fourth grade because we got to go out at night and see the glow and smoke from the volcano. We got to go bowling and I got second in my group. We also went to a gift shop and I got a compass that I still have right now. I’m looking forward to the different subjects we’ll have and the electives. The elective I want to do most is track and field.

Jenna Perry ‘20 “My favorite memory is the second grade sleepover in Mrs. White’s classroom. I’m excited about having different classrooms for each class and having free seating at lunch.”

16 JULY 2013 MA KE KULA

[faculty] profile Rika Inaba

By > Phyllis Kanekuni

Upper School Japanese Rika Inaba’s path to a teaching career came by way of Armani suits, Gucci shoes, and what she describes as a “shu-shu” job in sales and marketing at the Hilton Hawaiian Village on O‘ahu . “I worked in the Far East division in charge of bringing visitors to Hawai‘i from Japan, China, and Korea,” said this year’s co-winner of the Ellbogen Meritorious Teaching Award (see page 15). The Japanese economy was booming and Inaba was young, single, and fresh out of the University of Hawai‘i Manoa with a degree in Asian Studies. “It was a fast-paced lifestyle and the more money we brought in for the hotel, the better,” she said. But even after six years, something was missing. “It was nice, but I didn’t feel right; I didn’t feel that was what I wanted to do.” Inaba wanted to teach. To understand why Inaba would walk away from a lucrative career is to understand her “very different upbringing” in Japan, where she was born and raised. Her parents, both Japanese nationals, divorced when she was young at a time when “nobody got divorced.” An only child, she spent anywhere from three months to a year with her father and three months to a year with her mother, transferring in and out of schools 13 times before she graduated from a traditional Japanese high school in Hiroshima. “My dad was a translator for American military bases in Japan, so he traveled a lot,” she recalled. “When I was with my mom, I went to traditional Japanese schools and when I was with my dad, I went to American schools at the military bases. It was difficult to develop close friendships “because you have to say good-bye to them.” The same was true for her teachers. “I just didn’t have good experiences with teachers because I was always the new kid coming in during the middle of the year, which was a hassle for them. I don’t remember any of my teachers’ names or faces.” However, one teacher made a lasting impression. “Mrs. Ogawa was my physical education teacher at a traditional Japanese school,” said Inaba. “I was an odd kid because my parents were divorced and teachers would make comments to me about coming from a broken family. Mrs Ogawa never talked about my parents being divorced, or my single mom, or how I was shuffled around between parents. She was the only teacher who treated me fairly and with respect. I still remember Mrs. Ogawa’s face even if she taught me for only a year.” When she was 18, Inaba moved to O‘ahu to take “all the ESL courses at the University of Hawai‘i Manoa “since my English was so broken.” As an undergraduate, Inaba enjoyed student-teaching at MidPacific Institute and she never forgot the kindness of Mrs. Ogawa.

“I don’t miss the ‘shu-shu’ world at all,” she stated. “Teaching generates a whole different level of reward; totally different. It’s amazing.” “I really wanted to be the kind of teacher Mrs. Ogawa was to me,” she said. Fast forward to 1999, when Burton Tomita, principal at St. Louis School on O‘ahu, took a chance with Inaba—who came to him from her “shu-shu” job with virtually no teaching experience—and hired her parttime to teach two Japanese classes at the all-boys Catholic school. “I knew right then and there, this is what I want to do until I retire,” she said. Inaba’s status at St. Louis quickly changed to full-time and in 2003 the school honored her as “Teacher of the Year.” She and her husband moved to the Big Island in 2006 after the birth of their son, Matty. She stayed at home to raise Matty for five years before joining the HPA ‘ohana in 2011. Her infectious energy level and enthusiasm for teaching has never wavered. In fact, the ladies of Anna’s Dormitory presented Inaba with their “Morning Sunshine Award,” because she’s always “ready to go” while most people are struggling to start their day. “No one falls asleep in my class because it’s SO loud, SO engaging, and we’re all talking at the same time,” she said, laughing. “It’s about Japanese culture, it’s about language, grammar, structure, and vocabulary, and it’s about anything that’s happening on campus. We’re always talking, always engaged. We create the learning experience together. CONTINUED ON P.38 MA KE KULA JULY 2013 17

[faculty] profile Timothy Beneski

By > Andrew Perala ‘72

Upper School English

here are no clocks in English teacher Timothy Beneski’s classroom. All cell phones are collected in a basket at the start of each class, even his own iPhone with its special decal of a pair of Red Socks. Beneski, co-winner of the 2013 Ellbogen Meritorious Teaching Award (see page 15), doesn’t want his students to be distracted. Far from it. “I want to be able to push them out the door, to have to tell them it’s time to leave,” he said. That’s not always an easy task in classes based on the written, and still printed word. With nearly everything available online for today’s high school students, there isn’t much incentive to read an actual book outside of class work. “Students today have so much screen time,” he said. The challenge is just as great when teaching Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet to his English Essentials freshmen as reading The Great Gatsby with his junior classes. How can a teacher make the classics interesting? For Beneski, keeping kids laughing and then constantly hewing back to the topic keeps students involved in the lesson. Laughter is a big part of Beneski’s classroom. At 6-foot-2 and of Falstaffian proportions, Beneski is like the big, kindly uncle you never had. Beneski grew up near Hartford, Conn., the oldest son of an insurance executive. “My dad was the funny one in the family,” he said. If that image doesn’t fit one’s pre-conception of a career insurance executive, that’s a good thing. “You don’t need to think outside the box,” he said, adding with a great laugh, “If you’re in the box, you’re not thinking! “That’s what I want to give to my students. Ultimately you want to teach them how to think.” That’s thinking as a self-directed process of exploration, not thinking as dictated by outside pressures or deadend conclusions. Beneski taught at a Connecticut private school for 18 years before moving with his wife and four sons to Waimea. He’s on the planning committee for Waimea Middle School, where three of their sons were students. Beneski constantly strives to make classes—and by extension, life—a learning experience. For example, after a class finishes a work of literature, Beneski does not hand out essay assignments. Rather, he has the students sit in a group, just as in a college seminar, and discuss the essay topics each would like to write about. “They choose their own topics,” Beneski said. The benefits are many; each students gains a measure of confidence about selfguiding one’s destiny—at least for the essay—and the teacher doesn’t have to grade 20 papers all on the same topic. For some students, the “Aha!” realization can be exhilarating.

18 JULY 2013 MA KE KULA

In one of Beneski’s eleventh grade sections on poetry, the class was working as a group to write a haiku. This most precise of poetic forms is as fragile as a cherry blossom; one wrong word and the whole wilts. As the students mulled over the possibilities of tying the haiku neatly together, tossing out words, one of Beneski’s students, a wrestler who had not participated in the class before, suddenly burst out with the perfect line to end the haiku. “From then on, he was not afraid to participate,” Beneski said. “Even when he got things wrong. “It was a moment we live for as teachers,” Beneski said. Making decisions, and making mistakes are critical in learning, he said. Leading students to gain a sense of perspective beyond their own experience is extremely important, Beneski said, and underlies the sections on Hawaiian literature he also covers. “Not only do students gain a sense of place, which is especially important for students who aren’t from Hawai‘i, but they also get an opportunity to experience some of the feeling of what happens when an indigenous people are overwhelmed. “The world is an increasingly smaller place. It’s really important to develop an understanding and feeling for how other people live.” Winning the Ellbogen award is a great honor, Beneski said. “I didn’t expect it at all when they made the announcement. Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy has wonderful students, a marvelous group of teachers, an extraordinary campus, and the feeling of a safe place to study and learn.” Beneski says he’s found HPA to be a nearly perfect school for students to prepare for the challenges of college and careers. “There’s a reason they call graduation ‘Commencement,’” he said with another booming laugh. “It’s not the end, it’s the beginning.” ■ Editor’s Note: Freelance writer and editor Andrew Perala ’72 lives in Waimea with his family. He is a co-winner of the 1989 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service.

New Administrative Appointments Announced Patty Walker has been named K-8 assistant principal and Cindy Montgomery has been named assistant director of college counseling at the Upper School. Walker brings extensive education and administrative experience to HPA. She most recently was an adjunct faculty member in the education department at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah. She previously served as director of children’s education, principal, and preschool director at Guadalupe Charter School in Salt Lake City, Utah. She also worked as a teacher and early childhood consultant for the Salt Lake City School District. Walker, who has been a frequent presenter at education, literacy, and training conferences, is a member of ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development) and was recognized as “Instructional Leader of the Year” by the Utah Association of Elementary School Principals. She earned her bachelor’s degree in early education from Westminster College and holds a master’s degree in education from Utah State University. Montgomery, a veteran college counseling professional, returns to HPA as assistant director of college counseling, a position she held prior to relocating to O‘ahu in 2009. Montgomery most recently was director of college counseling and team leader of academics and school program at American Renaissance Academy. She recently completed her term as president of the Hawai‘i Association for College Admission Counseling (HACAC). As president, Montgomery ran all of the association’s college counseling initiatives for the state of Hawai‘i. In addition to serving as HPA’s assistant director of college counseling from 2006 to 2009, Montgomery previously worked as a college admissions consultant assisting domestic and international clients with the college application process. She also was a teaching assistant at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. Montgomery earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island and holds two master’s degrees from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. ■

Bringing Life to Schools and School to Life Midge Jambor, K-8 principal, was a panel speaker at the Statewide School Learning Garden Symposium, Learning Gardens and Sustainability Education: Bringing Life to Schools and School to Life, held June 7-8 at HPA and Mala‘ai: The Culinary Garden of Waimea Middle School. More than 130 people attended the event presented by the Hawai‘i Island School Garden Network and The Kohala Center. Panelist Matt Horne, principal at Waimea Middle PCS, is pictured with Jambor at the session, Digging Deeper: Integrating School Learning Gardens into the Core Curriculum. ■

HPAacademicprograms Martin Ferrell, Dean of Academics

In coming to HPA last July, I encountered a community that was incredibly gracious in welcoming my family and me and an academic community committed to rigorously reflecting on and refining its already good work with students at all levels. Nowhere has this been more evident than in the academic program. In one year, we have put in place a new K-12 professional growth program in which new Instructional Leaders—Jerry Bleckel (science and math), Kelly Buscher (Middle School math), Brenda Clark (English), Mike Franklin (history), Greg McKenna (science), Hope Soo (kindergarten), and Lisa van Kirk (Middle School math)—are working with K-8 principal Midge Jambor and me to provide consistent, ongoing support in the form of collaboration in professional goal setting, biweekly observations of every teacher on campus and guided reflection on instructional practice and the work toward one’s professional goals. The extent to which teachers have embraced this systemic collaboration and coaching model has been gratifying and is a testament to our commitment to ongoing improvement. In the area of instructional technology, this new group of faculty leaders researched and selected the Haiku Learning Management System (LMS) as the platform through which all of our K-12 course communication and information sharing will be delivered. The possibilities of this system are almost unlimited, allowing us to develop and maintain ePortfolios for both students and teachers, deliver and create content, administer online assessments, and collaborate and share information between all HPA constituents. As part of training our faculty in the uses of Haiku, our new Educational Technology Focus Group—Cobey Doi, Greg McKenna, Chris Nilsen, Kristin Tarnas, and Cathi Walker—worked with the Kraus Center for Innovation to develop and deliver a weeklong workshop in a variety of educational technologies. The workshop was run through the Haiku LMS, with offerings ranging from iPad classroom applications, Google Drive, iBook author, ePortfolios, and specific training in Haiku. Thanks to generous funding from the HPA ‘Ohana Association, one outcome of the week was to provide 29 teacher-applicants with an iPad to research and implement a range of projects that will enhance classroom instruction, while also serving as a feedback mechanism, as we explore the best uses of this technology and its proper place in the HPA program. Another important outcome of the week was the creation of a new system by which our Educational Technology committee will vet a number of tools and applications each year and provide feedback to the whole faculty on cutting edge classroom technologies. Finally, in the realm of course offerings, HPA is pleased to introduce several new courses this fall. In addition to our Chinese language program, courses in Advanced Computer Programming, Literature in Film, Biotechnology, Costume Design, and Hawaiian Dance and Culture will be added for the first time in response to student and parent interest, even as we continue to refine our current range of offerings. All of these examples speak to HPA’s commitment to improving upon its already excellent program. It is an honor to be part of this ongoing work. ■

MA KE KULA JULY 2013 19

[student] spotlight Zoe Sims ’13 Named 2013 U.S. Presidential Scholar Sims is School’s Second Consecutive U.S. Presidential Scholar Zoe Sims has been named a 2013 U.S. Presidential Scholar. On May 6, 2013, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced the 49th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 141 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics or the arts. Sims is the school’s second consecutive U.S. Presidential Scholar in this prestigious program. Last year, HPA’s Kyle Matsuda was named a 2012 U.S. Presidential Scholar. Matsuda is now studying at Harvard University.

Zoe Sims ‘13 at the U.S. Presidential Scholar Medallion Ceremony in Washington, D.C., with Mollie Hustace, Sims’ “Most Influential Teacher,” brother Will ‘09, and parents Kate and Neil. Photo courtesy Kate Sims

“Presidential Scholars demonstrate the accomplishments that can be made when students challenge themselves, set the highest standards, and commit themselves to excellence,” Duncan said. “I’m honored to celebrate their creativity, hard work, and community service, and I encourage them—and all students—to continue to showcase the capacity for greatness in our nation’s young people.” Said HPA Headmaster Lindsay Barnes of Sims, “Zoe is everything a faculty member or administrator could want in a student. She has taken full advantage of all the curricular and extracurricular opportunities that a well-rounded school like HPA offers. We are so proud of, and happy for, Zoe. A more deserving recipient I cannot possibly imagine.” Sims also was a finalist in the 58th annual National Merit Scholarship program and recently was named 2012-2013 Gatorade Hawai‘i Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year (see page 33). She is well

known in the running community as one of the state’s top harriers. She was the 2011 individual BIIF cross country champion and went on with her teammates to take the 2011 state championship. This year, as a captain of the girls cross country team, Sims won the BIIF championship and placed fifth at the state championship. In track, Sims won her first state title in 2011 in the 1500m. In May 2013, Sims, who also captained the track team, set the BIIF record in the 1500m and took multiple BIIF championships in the 1500m, 800m, and the 4x400. At the state championship, Sims set a new Hawai‘i High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) record in the 1500m and also won the 800m run. Sims was the 2012-2013 Student Council President and a member of Cum Laude, the school’s honor society. She is the recipient of numerous academic awards, the Headmaster’s Award, and the Senior Scholar Award. She also was one of five grand prize winners of the APEC 2011 High School Essay Contest. The essay contest winners had the unprecedented opportunity to hear from President Barack Obama, President Hu Jintao of China, and other world leaders and global chief executive officers attending the APEC CEO Summit in November 2011. Sims is the daughter of Neil and Kathryn Sims of Kailua-Kona. She will attend Princeton University this fall, where she also will compete on the Tigers’ cross country and track teams. The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, appointed by President Obama, selects honored scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals. The 2013 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and from U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen atlarge and 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts. Hawaii’s other 2013 U.S. Presidential Scholar is Paul N. Gregg of Parker School, which also is located in Kamuela (Waimea). Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored more than 6,000 of the nation’s top-performing students with the prestigious award given to honorees during the annual ceremony in D.C. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts. The 2013 ceremony was held June 16, when each honoree received a Presidential Scholar Medallion and recognized his/her “Most Influential Teacher.” Sims named AP Art History teacher Mollie Hustace as her “Most Influential Teacher.” For more information about the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program and this year’s Scholars, visit http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/141students-across-country-named-2013-us-presidential-scholars. ■

Scott Fetz ’14 was recognized as one of two Distinguished Finalists in the 2013 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards in Hawai‘i. Fetz wrote a 25-page manual for people interested in volunteering with patients with Alzheimer’s _ disease and dementia at the Regency at Hualalai Retirement Home. Fetz, who has volunteered at the home where both his grandparents had lived for six years, included information in the guide on understanding dementia, interacting with patients and handling challenges, along with routine volunteer procedures. On April 3, Fetz was recognized on the Senate floor with Sen. Josh Green. He also met with Rep. Nicole Lowen, Lt. Gov. Shane Tsutsui, and City and County of Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell ’71 (pictured), who presented Fetz with a certificate of recognition. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards represents the United States’ largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer service. ■ 20 JULY 2013 MA KE KULA

Photo courtesy Norma Fetz

Fetz Recognized as Distinguished Finalist In 2013 Prudential Spirit of Community Award Program

Life at HPA “Almost as Good as Pizza!”

Luigi Balbo Bertone Di Sambuy ‘14, a new boarding student from the small town of Turin, Italy, set his heart on attending Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy when he found out about the Energy Lab. “It’s the coolest thing I’ve ever seen in a school!” he exclaimed, recalling his reaction to the pictures and explanations he saw about the Living Building Challenge and LEED-certified building. “It definitely helped me decide to come all the way here.” And when he arrived? “I fell in love; almost as good as pizza!” Although he originally planned to only stay for one semester, Balboa Bertone Di Sambuy became too deeply involved in the school to leave and extended his stay to two years. He is an active member of the robotics club and a leader of the varsity golf team. He also contributes a lot to dorm life, serving as DJ for many of the school dances with electronic trance music he mixes himself. However, his main focus is studying in the Energy Lab, where he has taken two courses and an independent study. His hard work and academic insight earned him the opportunity to present at the 2013 Macworld/iWorld conference in San Francisco.

By > Melia Cavedoni ‘14

At Macworld, Balboa Bertone Di Sambuy presented his research on earthquakes in Hawai’i. He demonstrated how to use SWARM, the typical software used by seismologists to read earthquake graphs, as well as a more advanced software called the Quake-Catcher System (QCN). Balboa Bertone Di Sambuy also explained how, during the course of his independent study period, he helped create HPA’s own earthquake sensor system, which is comprised of six different sensors around the island. Balboa Bertone Di Sambuy’s dedication to his project reflects his active involvement in all aspects of HPA. As he advises all prospective students, “there are an infinite amount of things to do here; find what you love and work hard on it.” His old school in Italy had only one building, where the students were not allowed to pick their courses and stayed in one classroom the entire day. In comparison, he loves the freedom offered at HPA, and the limitless opportunities he has to go hiking in the hills above the Energy Lab with friends from all corners of the world. With a smile as spirited as his involvement in sports, music,

Luigi Balboa Bertone Di Sambuy ‘14 stands near one of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center’s seismic stations on Mauna Loa. Photo courtesy Dr. Bill Wiecking.

and scientific research, Balboa sums up his first year at HPA as “phenomenal.” Balboa Bertone Di Sambuy lives in Robertson’s, the only coed dorm. He appreciates the mix of not only genders, but also cultures, since he has friends from all over the world. Although it is a new experience for him to live in the same hall as teachers, he says that this closeness helps create the family atmosphere in the dorms. Balboa Bertone Di Sambuy fills as much time as he can with the weekend excursions offered at HPA, getting to know Waimea better and exploring different parts of the island. His favorite activity is hiking in the hills, where he enjoys relaxing by waterfalls and rivers with his friends. “HPA is just very loving,” he reflects, “I want to find a college that’s as great as this place.” ■

Presenting at Macworld Dr. Bill Wiecking, Upper School science teacher and director of the Energy Lab at HPA, and six Upper School students—Luigi Balbo Bertone Di Sambuy, Bo Bleckel, Cat Bradley, Jessica Chow, Tori Massara, and Duncan Michael—presented at the 2013 Macworld/ iWorld conference held January 31 to February 2 at the Moscone Center West in San Francisco. Wiecking and Michael spoke about Michael’s work with the Emotiv brain wave headset at the RapidFire session on the main stage as Michael controlled a four-rotor helicopter with his brain waves. The group also spoke about how students are creating the future of technology at a Tech Talk Session, Future Tech: Amazing Student Tech Projects. The students presented their project work—all of which can be done with OSX and iOS—which includes controlling a quadrotor copter with the mind, using a brain-wave helmet to watch a

Duncan Michael ‘13 controls a four-rotor helicopter with his brainwaves during his Macworld presentation with Dr. Bill Wiecking. Photo courtesy Dr. Bill Wiecking.

person’s response to music, creating a home-brewed radio telescope or seismic network, isolating your own DNA at home, and taking virtual reality (VR) to the next level with High Dynamic Range VR. ■ MA KE KULA JULY 2013 21

Students Assisting NASA with Big Island Experiment

The journey there is already happening. Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy’s top science students are monitoring and maintaining a key link in a long-term experiment to prepare for the first future human missions to the Red Planet. HPA’s science students are in charge of the instrumentation for the HI-SEAS (Hawai‘i Space Exploration Analog and Simulation) team experiment. All research data from the team, and all responses, will be sent via wireless links— telemetry—to support staff at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa and Cornell University. To heighten the communication simulation between planets, the communications link has a built-in delay just like real communications would take between Mars and Earth. Even though communications travel at light speed, a one-way message can take 20 minutes or more. NASA’s four-month HI-SEAS Big Island experiment is the first in a planned three-year series to study the challenges of Mars missions. On April 16, 2013 six scientist-researchers entered a dome-shaped habitat at the 8,000-foot level of Mauna Loa. The researchers will spend 120 days in isolation, simulating living and working in a real Mars habitat. Their experiments will develop and practice mastery of several daily tasks essential to sustain human life in deep space. The researchers’ primary task will be assessing and refining the best of various approaches to food preparation for both years-long space missions and permanent human outposts on Mars and the moon. The six researchers visited HPA’s Energy Lab on April 12, 2013, to meet the students who will run the wireless links between the simulated Mars station and Earth. During their HPA visit, the researchers listened intently as students described several of their other projects in the school’s selfdirected science-research program. Senior Duncan Michael wowed the NASA team with his studentbuilt, inexpensive brain electrical-discharge scanner. Called an “Emotiv headset,” Michael recently flew a quad rotor over an audience at Macworld in San Francisco, using only his thoughts, while also talking about the device at the same time.

WANT TO GO TO MARS?

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By > Andrew Perala ‘72

HPA students Luigi Balbo Bertone Di Sambuy and Tori Massara talk about their research projects at the school’s Energy Lab with HI-SEAS team members (l to r) Kate Green, Oleg Abramov, Brian Shiro (director of mission support), Simon Engler, and Angelo Vermeulen, as student Duncan Michael looks on.

The Emotiv headset resembles a flexible, skeletal hand with electrode-sensor fingertip pads that grasp the exterior of a subject’s skull. The instrument has already been used in experiments with elementary school students, student Tori Massara told the team, “to see how brains change as they learn over time.” “This is unbelievable, extraordinary,” researcher Kate Greene said after hearing Michael’s and Massara’s presentations. The Emotiv headset can distinguish between audio learners and visual learners. The inexpensive brain-monitoring instrument mimics the capabilities of more sensitive, and far more expensive, electroencephalograph instruments used in hospitals to track, for example, seizures in patients with epilepsy. The HPA instrument, Massara said, will be used to establish a baseline for a football player’s brain electrical activity before any injury, and then show differences that might occur when a player sustains a concussion. NASA researcher Simon Engler, the team’s engineer, was impressed by Massara’s clear presentation. “I like the way you said, ‘when the player gets a concussion,’” Engler joked. Engler has a Bachelor of Science degree in astrophysics and mathematics, and is pursuing a Master of Science degree in robotics. He served 10 months in 2009 as a combat engineer with the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan. While there, he developed and built an operational mobile robot to safely investigate IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices). Engler is now working on Zoe, an astrobiological robot prototype that may be used on future Mars missions. As an astronomer, Engler asked Massara about another possible observing proposal for the instrument she built to monitor radio signals from the giant planet Jupiter. “You could do a sweep of the sky to pick up the structure of the galaxy,” Engler said. “That is my next project,” Massara responded. Another project is Luigi Balbo Bertone Di Sambuy’s inexpensive seismometer to detect the location and strength of earthquakes.

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

Young Scientists Participate in State Science & Engineering Fair

Photo courtesy Laura Jim ’91

Five Middle School students (l to r)—George Donev (Moisture Madness), Coco Shafer (Got Bethic?), Sidney Vermeulen (Eye Infection Prevention), Chavis Arafiles (Snails Don’t Like What?), and Sarah Emmons (Superior Sludge)±—qualified to participate in the 56th Hawai‘i State Science & Engineering Fair held April 7-9 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center on O‘ahu. The students’ projects were selected during the 2013 East Hawai‘i District Science & Engineering Fair held at the Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai‘i on February 16.

Arafiles and Vermeulen received the Broadcom Masters Award and a nomination to the national competition. Vermeulen also won the HAS Junior Research Best of Category in Medicine and Health, $50 from the Hawaiian Eye Foundation, and $500 from The Queens Medical Center. Emmons received $100 and a certificate from the Hawai‘i Association of Environmental Professionals. ■

Walking (and Running) for Charity

Photo courtesy Julie Camarillo

With the Big Island sitting atop one of the world’s most seismically active zones, Balbo Bertone Di Sambuy’s instrument uses tiny accelerometers to measure shifts in position along three axes: X, Y, and Z. Similar sensors in cell phones allow cell phone users to have their screens facing “up” no matter which way the telephone is turned. Balbo Bertone Di Sambuy noted that one seismometer, a sophisticated broadband seismic station installed by NOAA beneath the school’s Taylor Commons dining hall, can detect an earthquake’s primary and secondary waves as well the ground waves generated by the movement of magma deep beneath the Big Island. The students, in turn, were attentive to the projects the HI-SEAS researchers would be conducting. In addition to the food preparation experiments, the researchers also will conduct experiments in robotics, sleep, exercise, and on occasion suit up in simulated space suits to explore the environment. The Mauna Loa site was chosen, in part, because of the reddish hue of the nearby lava flows, which are geologically similar to the surface of the moon or Mars. In traditional space missions, like that of the International Space Station, astronauts eat pre-prepared foods, not much different from the freeze-dried stuff campers use in the backcountry. While the HI-SEAS team also will use pre-prepared food currently in use by astronauts, they also will prepare and eat meals prepared from “shelf-stable” basics, like soup stock and flour. Spatzle in space? Why not? More familiar to most HPA students, though, might be a long-time Hawai‘i favorite. Yes, we’re talking Spam®. Not the useless, clog up your digital memory’s spam, and not the plate loads of the tasty, clog-your-arterieswhen-eaten-to-excess kind of processed meat product that Hawai‘i residents love so much. But just enough Spam®, slivers really, to spice up a dish like a steamed egg-cake with nori dish, made from dehydrated egg, flour, and fresh bean sprouts. That’s the kind of meal the “habinauts” will practice growing, processing, and baking/cooking into meals fit for an alien gourmand. All of the HI-SEAS researchers have diverse backgrounds in academics and research. Many of the questions asked by HPA’s elite science students focused on the spark that ignited their personal interest in applying for the HI-SEAS experiment—more than 700 applied for the six spots. In each case, a single event in childhood or the teen years blossomed into a consuming passion and a powerful need to excel. The multidisciplinary backgrounds of the researchers also revealed the need to be able to perform multiple tasks in longterm, closed-ecosystem missions. The overlapping of abilities was a necessary parameter in the selection process, team leader Dr. Angelo Vermuelen said. Vermuelen, a TED fellow, is a Ph.D. biologist, space researcher, filmmaker, visual artist, community organizer, and author. “We were looking for people who would be compatible in long-term situations,” he said. “That was absolutely essential.” Dr. Bill Wiecking, director of HPA’s Energy Lab and the advanced self-directed science research of students, led the tour and student presentations. “Who knows?” Wiecking said. “Maybe an HPA grad will be on that first manned mission to Mars.” ■ For more information about this program, visit http://hi-seas.org.

The eighth grade class and their advisors participated in the annual Charity Walk in Waikoloa on May 11. Sixteen members of the class ran a 5K while their classmates walked the course. Congratulations to Jackson Cootey and Tola Mahoney, who won their respective age divisions! The event raised $220,000 for Hawai’i Island charities.

Impressive Art! The 2013 Lower and Middle School Art Show attracted a huge crowd to the Village Campus on April 26. Art teachers Alexa Bates ‘94 and Jane Taylor ‘68 organized the event. Throughout the school year, students worked in a variety of media, including pencil, watercolor, acrylic, chalk, oil paste, and mixed media. The art on display included representational or realistic, impressionist, abstract, and non-representational. Ceramics and silk from Middle School electives also were on display.

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By > Rachel Bonn ‘17

On March 9, the eighth grade Japanese class and five other HPA students traveled to Nihon (Japan) for six days with our teacher, Takeshi Hiruma. We learned a lot about the unique and complex Japanese culture and also how to ask important questions, such as, where is the nearest bathroom (トイレはどこですか or toire wa doko desuka)? When we departed for Japan we definitely expected this trip to be the greatest we have ever taken, yet we did not expect to see such breathtaking sights, or experience such ambrosial foods. Our trip started early at the Kona Airport, with the chaperones and students yawning and blinking, ready for the 10-hour flight. The airline provided us with surprisingly good food. After landing and making it through customs and getting a good night’s sleep, we took an excellent and memorible bus tour of Japan. Japan is a very safe country, so during the evenings we explored the area near the hotel in groups. We dined at restarants and shopped for snacks at the two local Family Marts. One day, we visited a Japanese all-girls high school and toured the facilities. This school had more than six floors; space is limited in Japan so many people choose to build upward. The school had everything—courts and mini-fields for sports, well-equipped science rooms, an animae classroom, and pingpong room. Afterward, the girls took us to Harajuku—a shopping paradise. The streets were decorated with everything from skull banners to unicorn-themed shops. Perhaps even more interesting were the people, from common businessmen to animae look-alike boy and girl teens with hair so complex even an architect would have a hard time finding how it stayed in place! We spent one memorable day at the Tokyo Disney, full of rides that gave us curses and blessings in Japanese. The hours of waiting in long lines paid off—we all enjoyed the rides. Later in the day, many of us saw the famous Disney parade. The characters greeted us and

HPA students visit the Shinagawa Etoile Girls High School in English.

Photo courtesy Takeshi Hiruma

Learning About Japan

Photo courtesy Takeshi Hiruma

[student] voices

Students stand in front of the Nijubashi Bridge at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

spoke in Japanese; many konichiwas were exchanged that day. Another day, we took the local shinkansen (bullet train) to Madarao Ski Resort, a great cabin-like hotel nestled between mountains of shining snow; it really did look like a perfect scene from a fairy-tale. We took ski lessons there and kept the other tourists sharing the beginners course on their toes. When we returned to Tokyo we had plenty of time to rest and pack; it was a tiring task for many people to fit all the new souvenirs we collected into our suitcases. The next day we all had free time until 2 p.m. Some students went to the zoo, and others returned to Harajuku to get some last minute, heavy duty shopping done. I must admit we might have gotten lost a few times that day—Tokyo is a ninja city designed to get samurai lost. Later, we all met at the hotel and caught a bus to the airport. Our flight back was pleasant and enjoyable and as much as we enjoyed our visit to Japan, we were glad to be home on the Big Island with our friends and families. ■

Lower School Student Council Supports Community Organizations Lower School Student Council members and advisor Mariah Dodd recently visited the North Hawai‘i Hospice, where they toured the office, met the staff, and watched a video about Camp Erin, an annual weekend camp in Kona for youth ages 5-17 who are grieving the loss of a loved one. The students presented Katherine Werner Ciano, executive director, with a check for $100 raised through ice cream sales on campus. The HPA ‘Ohana Association’s Kokua Fund graciously matched this donation. The Lower School Student Council also presented checks—which were matched by the ‘Ohana Association’s Kokua Fund—to the Hawai‘i Island Humane Society and North Hawai‘i Community Hospital. Front row, l to r: Riley Sohriakoff, Katherine Werner Ciano, Tiffany Golden, Sam Puana, Sydney Chin, and Eliana DeRego. Back row, l to r: Katie Kuyer, Jona Patig, Isaiah Clarry-Sohriakoff, Mariah Dodd, and Forrest Franklin. ■ 24 JULY 2013 MA KE KULA

HPAstudentcouncil Kimi Cantyne ‘14, President

xtravagant costumes, unique food, hoarse voices, and body paint—the second semester was packed with student activities. In early February, students and teachers took a day off from classes to celebrate the multitude of cultures on campus. This year’s International Day offered a wide variety of studentled workshops from Japanese Candy Making to Makahiki Games. Lunch was the most anticipated event of the day. Students tirelessly spent the weekend prior to the festivities preparing unique, delicious dishes to share with their schoolmates. Students Emily Patig ‘15 and Denis Mannschatz ‘13 donned traditional German dress while enthusiastically handing out plates of schnitzel. Kosuke Shimamura ‘16 stood near the Japanese food station in a giant radish costume as his kimono-clad friends filled bowls with generous amounts of yakisoba and ringo-ame. After a successful lunch, students moved to Gates Performing Arts Center to enjoy the last event of the day—the talent show. This year, we were treated to Tahitian, hula, Tai-

wanese, Bollywood, Japanese-pop, and Koreanpop dances as well as a demonstration of the internationally loved juggling prop, Diabolo, and an incredible beat-boxing performance by Isaac Chey ‘14. International Day serves as a reminder to embrace and honor each other’s individuality. In March, our campus became a battlefield as each class competed in the 35th Annual Upper School Olympic Games. With the theme Great Civilizations, the freshman class battled as the Greeks, the sophomores as the Aztecs, the juniors as the Romans, and the seniors as the Egyptians. Competitions included the annual T-shirt design contest, class cheer, and the popular lip sync and talent show, but this year, a service learning component was added. With the focus being hunger, each class was tasked with creating a video focused on a specific topic of hunger. Sophomore Noor Sarwar ‘15 won the contest for her class with her informative and fascinating video about hunger in Africa. Along with the video contest, three food drives, a spirit assembly, and a hunger picnic contributed to the service aspect of Olympics. At the

The 2013-2014 Student Council officers and senior executive officers are (l to r) Scott Fetz, executive service learning coordinator; Hiro Ueno, executive dorm representative; Kimi Cantyne, president; Morgan Monahan, executive traditions coordinator; Madison Inman, treasurer; Kellen Gillins, vice president; and Alexandro Siordia, secretary.

hunger picnic, students were randomly given one of three lunch options, each lunch option representing a different international income group. Students gained perspective as they learned that about 50 percent of the world’s population makes less in a year than most HPA students make in a steady summer job. It is important that we appreciate how fortunate we are and that we realize our potential as influential members of society. In the coming school year, all student leadership roles will be entirely service oriented to support the Service Learning Advisory Council’s (SLAC) efforts to encourage school-wide service learning participation. Our goal is to incorporate an element of service learning into every student activity to ease students into a mindset of compassion and selfless giving. ■

Celebrating Our International Community Upper School students spent February 4 learning more about the many countries and cultures represented at the school. The day started with keynote speaker Mawi Asgedom sharing a message about courage—the courage to explore, the courage to fail, and the courage to believe. “Failure is when you do nothing to expand your circle of mastery,” said Asgedom. Students attended a wide variety of morning workshops, including Japanese Candy Making, Japanese Calligraphy, Korean Dancing, Diabolo, Makahiki Games, Hula, Bollywood Dancing, Chinese Mochi Making, Taiwanese Movies, Mini-Pinatas, and more. The highly-anticipated international luncheon featured mouthwatering dishes prepared by students. The menu included Korean chicken and coated sweet potatoes, bubble tea (Taiwan), Tongan watermelon otai, poke, kalua pig, and haupia (Pacific Islands); Baursaki (Kazakhstan); yakisoba and ringo-ame (Japan), schnitzel (Germany); poutine and nanaimo bars (Canada); and churros and pan con tomate (Spain). The day ended with another very popular event—a talent show featuring performances from around the world. ■

Top: Hula workshop participants perform during the talent show. Left: Danny Lan ‘13 helps prepare a dish for the international luncheon.

MA KE KULA JULY 2013 25

Inspiring the Will to Give

By > Phyllis Kanekuni

Far left: Maile Kuyper (left) and Kealia Haitsuka count the funds donated to their organizations with assistance from social studies teacher Matt Piercy.

ast year, Middle School social studies teacher Matt Piercy successfully launched The Will to Give, a social justice project he designed to help his sixth graders understand the importance of philanthropy. With the help of a generous friend, who donated $6,000 for the program, Piercy’s students studied the great continent of Africa. This included an unprecedented opportunity to learn not only about the geography, environment, and culture of their respective countries, but to delve even deeper by researching their country’s largest social justice issues and supporting those issues with a donation from the class. Following up on last year’s success, Piercy’s goal for this year’s project was to expand participation beyond the classroom. “Throughout the project, the emphasis was on inviting as many people to be involved as possible rather than numbers of dollars, with the focus being consciousness and inspiring the desire to give,” he said. In less than a week, students gave their own money to the program and stirred an interest in others with a bake sale, creating donation boxes for their parents’ offices, and talking about the project at home. The students’ enthusiasm to help others raised more than $1,300, which was added to this year’s generous gift of $6,000 from an anonymous donor. During their presentations in May, student groups shared recommendations on how the class could distribute the more than $7,000 to help the people of their respective countries. Social justice issues included helping street children and AIDS orphans, conservation and tree planting, education, food, water, and health care. The African nations represented were Botswana, Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Seventh grader Julia Perry also returned to make a presentation about the organization her group supported last year, Children of Uganda, demonstrating the importance of sustainability and maintaining relationships. After hearing all the presentations, Piercy distributed $215 to each student in cash to donate to his/her selected cause(s). Students placed their donations in envelopes prepared for each country. “It’s not about popularity,” Piercy gently cautioned his students. “Please think about the organization and how the money will best be utilized.”

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Left: Megan Abe and Maiki Kawakami discuss which organization might benefit most from their contributions as Hayley Emmons looks on.

“I learned that a lot of hope and a little help can go a long way.” —‘Ala Taylor ‘19 Perry’s appeal raised $510 for her organization, enough for her to sponsor the same child, Ivan, for another year of school tuition, food, and even shoes. Other causes received donations ranging from $280 to $685. “It was really hard to decide how to distribute the money,” commented one student. The class agreed. All of the students came away from the project with more wisdom about giving. “This project changed me by letting me know I can help even if I am just a kid,” said Sophie de Reus. “The project made me realize there are very good and humble people in the world and you can be one of them by using a fraction of your time to think of others,” said Ruthy Gerstenberger. “I think the main thing I will remember most is all of us probably weren’t doing it for the grade, but for the happiness of others.” Parents also appreciated the lessons learned. “We appreciated Matt’s approach to this subject and wanted to compliment him for his way of getting the children involved in thoughtful, charitable enterprises,” said Jerry Hiatt. “That caused us to take an interest and then led each of us in the family to make a contribution as well. It was a good family learning experience.” Perhaps the most valuable lesson learned came from a very grateful beneficiary of the students’ generosity. “I wanted to take a moment to thank you sooo much for the incredibly generous donation from Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy,” wrote Valeria Bonanome, development manager of Kenya Education Fund (KEF). “It was such a great pleasure to speak to some of your students via phone a few weeks ago and we cannot begin to tell you what it means to us to be the recipient of this wonderful gift.” ■ Editor’s Note: Matt Piercy hopes to offer a similar philanthropic project next school year. For more information, please contact Piercy at mpiercy@hpa.edu.

HPAadmissions

All About Service

Joshua Clark, Director of Admission

Scott Fetz, Noor Sarwar, and Eliana Kaplan attended the 24th Annual National Service Learning Conference March 13-16 in Denver, Colorado. The conference, “Without Limits,” featured several keynote speakers, including Naomi Tutu, daughter of Desmond Tutu; Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper; and R. Dwayne Betts and Marc Kielburger of Free the Children Foundation.

Photo courtesy Scott Fetz

Facing the Challenges of Today’s Economy Through Diversification

The students presented at a showcase event about HPA projects, Back to Tap and the OXFAM Hunger Picnic. The students also visited the University of Denver and the University of Colorado-Boulder campuses. “We’re very grateful to the HPA ‘Ohana Association’s Kokua Fund and to the James M. Greenwell Endowment for Service for supporting our students’ participation at this conference as they strive to make a difference on our campus, in our community, and in the world,” said Mark Noetzel, HPA’s dean of co-curricular programs. ■

Kindness is Contagious

The Lower School Student Council held its Random Acts of Kindness Weeks February 11-22. During this time (and every day), students were challenged to do a random act of kindness toward someone every day. Student Council representatives, staff, teachers, specialists, and administrators completed “I Saw an Act of Kindness” cards during these two weeks and placed them in a box. Ten cards were randomly drawn and those students were invited to represent their peers at a special recognition luncheon held in March with Upper School Student Council representatives. Pictured front row l to r: Alika Puckett, Fischer Wawner, Isabella Rodriguez, Heather Ikeda, and Levi Keyes. Back row, l to r: Jacob Cowan, Sophia Donoho, Kirra Brown, Ry Bleckel, and Mariah Dodd, student council advisor and K-8 guidance counselor. ■

Since the fall of 2008, we have been experiencing a global economic downturn with few countries passing through it unscathed. In addition, there have been tectonic cultural shifts in education in the United States. Families are looking at educational options that weren’t available when we were school-age children, such as charter schools, homeschooling, and virtual schools. Across the country, boarding schools have experienced a precipitous decline in the number of new domestic boarding students enrolled in the last 10 years due to more educational options, shifting cultural perceptions about children studying away from home, and rising boarding school costs. Fortunately, international markets began to open up at the same time. HPA has been successful in navigating these changing times. We have seen our enrollment increase over the past few years, with our domestic and international boarding numbers remaining steady. This is due in large part to the quality of the HPA experience and we are blessed by the positive word-of-mouth messages from our parents and alumni. The Admission Office has been working hard to diversify our student population. By diversifying the student population, we can expect a higher return on positive student experiences, while reducing our risk if there is a local, regional, or national economic downturn. Finding students with a diverse range of talents and interests—from diverse geographic areas—means that HPA students can interact with athletes, artists, chefs, comedians, historians, caregivers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and students who care about the community, human rights, the environment, local and global issues, and more. HPA has an amazing group of students who find their own horizons are broadened by interacting with their peers from Hawai‘i and around the world. Our success begins and ends with our friends of HPA. Current and past parents, alumni, and others who have experienced the value of an HPA education for themselves, or someone they love, helps us achieve our enrollment goals despite our changing times. We are looking for the BEST students EVERYWHERE. How can you help? It doesn’t matter where you live; we want a great student from your area. Please continue to talk about HPA, the wonderful opportunities that are available here, and encourage people to look at HPA. Refer them to our website (www. hpa.edu), or have them contact us at 808-881-4321 (admissions@hpa. edu). We appreciate your support and hope we can continue to count on your efforts to make HPA an amazing school for future generations. ■

Happiness Is… Spending the Day with Grandparents Chiyono Kinoshita of Hilo works on a project with her grandson, Ethan, during the Lower School’s recent Grandparents Day. Kupuna from near and far visited their grandchildren’s classrooms and later attended a musical production at Gates Performing Arts Center.

MA KE KULA JULY 2013 27

On Stage at Gates Performing Arts Center An All-Star Revue

Colors: We’re Better Together

Ka Makani Players, under the direction of Upper School music teacher Marina Tichotsky, presented an All-Star Revue on April 25 and 26. The spring show featured music and dance from a vast array of genres, including Broadway, jazz, pop, and the movies. Highlights included selections from Les Miserables, Last Five Years, Follies, Gypsy, Funny Girl, Wicked, Pete’s Dragon, Chorus Line, South Pacific, West Side Story, and more.

Middle School Performing Arts Showcase—Delightful!

Seventh graders presented their Performing Arts Showcase on May 10. All seventh graders participated in this final class project, directed by Middle School music teacher Barbara Kopra. The show featured four short plays and a medley of songs from Mamma Mia.

Kindergarten and first grade students presented Jerry Estes’ and Greg Holder’s musical, Colors: We’re Better Together, on February 8. The students played lifesized crayons exploring the difficulties that arise when they must work together to complete the day’s task of coloring another page in the coloring book. This was the final in a series of Lower School productions.

Banana Slug String Band Rocks the House!

Council-Rock Captivates Upper School Audience

HPA presented the world-renowned and award-winning children’s eco-music group, the Banana Slug String Band in concert on February 25. The concert was the second in a series of Ohana Sustainability events presented by HPA with support from the Will J. Reid Foundation and the Richard Smart Fund of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation. Photo courtesy Banana Slug String Band.

The very popular episodic teen drama, Council-Rock, also known as C-Rock, kept students at the edge of the seats throughout the year. Students presented the final “episode” on May 16.

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‘Ukulele Festival Celebrates Twentieth Anniversary

Top and bottom left: More than 120 students performed in the Twentieth Annual ‘Ukulele Festival. Left: Musical directors take the stage after the festival. L to r: Dagan Bernstein ‘97, Lani Opunui, Gloria Juan, and Georgia Polakova.

The Magic of Motown was the theme of this year’s Twentieth Annual ‘Ukulele Festival held March 2. More than 120 students from HPA, Kealakehe Intermediate School, and Waikoloa School performed under the direction of Georgia Polakova, Dagan Bernstein ‘97, and Barbara Kopra (HPA); Gloria Juan (Kealakehe), and Lani Opunui (Waikoloa). According to Polakova, one of the event founders, 20 years ago,

three music directors from three separate schools, one from Oahu and two from the Big Island, met at the Hawai‘i State Music Conference and dreamed of a tri-school ‘ukulele festival. “Never in our wildest dreams did we think this festival would grow into such an amazing event involving so many students,” said Polakova. ■

He Wa‘a, He Moku; He Moku, He Wa‘a: A Canoe, An Island; An Island, A Canoe May Day at HPA Second graders perform Pahili Kiu during the Lower School’s annual May Day program on May 3. The very popular event featured magnificent hula and songs by students in grades K-5. The Lower School extended a special mahalo to the Makali‘i ‘Ohana who have supported the students along the way and who gave them experiences to understand the true meaning of He Wa‘a, He Moku; He Moku, He Wa‘a, especially to Chadd Paishon, Keala Kahuanui, Keali‘i Maielua, and Cammy for their support and aloha at Ha—lau Kukui. Eo— e ka wa‘a!■ MA KE KULA JULY 2013 29

Casey Francis, President

Caseyfrancis66@gmail.com

Looking Forward, Looking Back Summertime is a period of transition for most families with school-age children. After graduations, exit ceremonies, and postschool “decompression” time, it seems there is little time to waste before accelerating toward the next window of growth opportunities. Travel, sports camps, family trips and the like give kids the chance to explore their world in a perhaps less structured way, but still at a sometimes exhaustive pace. In that rush, however, it makes sense to take at least a few moments to review the past, especially as it relates to the future. What will we do, moving forward, with what we have gained from the past? The ‘Ohana Association enjoyed a successful year of fundraising, relationship-building, and service to the HPA and Waimea communities. Association funding supported student leadership, environmental awareness promotion, technology improvements for faculty development, teacher appreciation gifts, and promotion of safe graduation celebrations. The Kokua Fund, made possible by community grants, enabled us to fund student-led projects for leadership and learning in the community. We are grateful to be stewards of resources that benefit our student community as students learn to serve in their own communities. Looking forward to 2013-2014, the ‘Ohana Association will continue with some traditions, with a little modification from past events: ■ Experience HPA (Friday, August 16, 5 to 6:30 p.m.), our annual social

held the first weekend of school, is moving to a Friday evening, and will take on more of an “‘ohana barbecue” feel than an organized event. No podiums or speeches, just great food and a relaxed atmosphere for families, administration, and faculty to connect and experience HPA. ■ Pumpkin Patch (Sunday, October 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) will con-

Talking Story With… Mass Marketing Nature to Communities M. Sanjayan, lead scientist for The Nature Conservancy, science and environmental contributor for CBS News, and faculty researcher at the University of Montana, spoke at HPA’s Gates Performing Arts Center on Sunday, January 6, as part of the Waimea Ocean Film Festival. HPA was one of the host venues for the event. Sanjayan’s presentation focused on the need to involve the business community, youth, and those living on the “edge of nature” in the conservation conversation. ■

Author Bart King at Village Campus Award-winning nonfiction author Bart King recently visited the Village Campus to talk about writing and his life as a writer. The former middle school teacher has written 12 books in “The Big Book” and “Pocket Guide” series with another book scheduled for publication later this year. “My ideas come from reading,” said King, who is from Portland, Oregon. “The more you read, the better you are at writing.” After his presentation, King answered questions from students and autographed books, including one for first grader Isabella Rodriguez (pictured). King’s visit was organized by Village Campus librarian David Giff, with assistance from The Friends of the HPA Libraries. ■

HPA Launches Leadership Speaker Series

tinue as our signature event of the year. Designed originally to provide a venue for student groups, clubs, and teams to raise money simultaneously at one event, Pumpkin Patch has grown into the premier fall festival for the island of Hawai‘i. We will continue to refine the activities with an eye toward environmental stewardship, local sourcing of goods, providing the very best possible value for the community dollars spent, and bringing the entire community together for a great day of fun. We have many other things in store and invite everyone connected with the HPA ‘ohana to lend a hand as we continue our efforts to support the administration, faculty, and staff in their mission of providing exceptional educational and life learning opportunities for our children. The ‘Ohana Association wishes everyone a fantastic summer and we look forward to renewing relationships and building new ones. Our fondest welcome to all new families! You are starting a great experience and we are eager to help it be superb. ■ Mahalo nui loa! 30 JULY 2013 MA KE KULA

Irwin Federman (left), general partner at U.S. Venture Partners, George Zimmer (middle), founder and former chairman of Men’s Wearhouse, and Rinaldo Brutoco (right), founding president of the World Business Academy, recently addressed the senior class as part of school’s Leadership Speaker Series. The series, funded by Perry Olson of Atherton Lane Advisers, LLC, and organized by Rea Callender of InterSchola, brings inspirational men and women to campus to share their experience with students. ■

Photo courtesy Steve Campbell

HPAohanaassociation

It’s a Fun and Busy Summer at HPA!

Summer College Fair Attracts Hundreds to HPA

Hundreds of students from near and far are enjoying summer at HPA…here are highlights:

About 400 people attended the Summer College Fair hosted by HPA on Thursday, June 20, at the school’s Gates Performing Arts Center and Castle Gym. Twenty-five of the nation’s finest colleges and universities were represented at the event, which was free and open to the public. The Summer College Fair was presented by College Horizons in partnership with HPA, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, University of Rochester, and University of Southern California. Colleges and universities in attendance included: Bowdoin College, Brown University, Carleton College, Columbia University, Dartmouth College, Duke University, Franklin & Marshall College, Hanover College, Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, Kenyon College, Lawrence University, New York University, Occidental College, Reed College, Stanford University, Swarthmore College, University of California Irvine, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, University of Rochester, University of Southern California, Whitman College, and Yale University.

Campers warm up with ball handling drills during the basketball camp held June 5-7 at Castle Gym. HPA coaches Dave Huntington and Fred Wawner led the camp for rising third through eighth grade boys and girls.

Students rehearse a number during drama camp for Shine!, a one-hour performance on June 14 at Gates Performing Arts Center. Upper School music teacher Marina Tichotsky directed the camp. ■

Information sessions on financial aid, writing the college essay, and competitive college admissions followed the fair. College Horizons is a college access, summer residential program for Native Hawaiian, American Indian, and Alaska Native students. One hundred students from the state of Hawai‘i and the mainland participated in this year’s program. ■

HPA Hosts Earth Day Community Event HPA hosted its Second Annual Earth Day Family Celebration and Environmental Science Symposium on April 20 at the school’s Ulu Malama Terrace Farm, located at the Upper Campus. The free community event was presented in partnership with The Kohala Center’s Hawai‘i Island School Garden Network. Student teams from area schools presented reports on projects ranging from agro-ecology to ocean conservation. Community members also participated in one of four workshops: tree planting, history and cultivation of u’ala, cooking with local foods harvested from the HPA gardens, and vermi-composting and compost teas. A luncheon followed. HPA’s Ohana Sustainability events are funded by the Will J. Reid Foundation and the Richard Smart Fund of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation. ■

Deighton Emmons, HPA Upper School science department chair, leads a workshop on tree planning.

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Coachescorner

Sims and Crnic are HPA Athletes of the Year Zoe Sims ‘13 and Jovan Crnic ‘13 were recognized by Ka Makani coaches as the 2013 Athletes of the Year. Sims had an outstanding year in cross country, swimming, and track with her determined and focused work ethic. Sims finished her high school career with three HHSAA individual titles in track and a team HHSAA championship in cross country. Crnic finished his two years at HPA with dominating performances on the basketball and volleyball courts. Crnic, who helped lead the school to back-to-back BIIF basketball titles, made the All-State Boys Basketball First Team and the BIIF West First Team. He also was named BIIF West Player of the Year. ■

Stephen L. Perry Athletic Director

The Class of 2013 wraps up a successful school year with some impressive personal achievements! Nihipali Takes State Championship

Bieni Kohler-Johnson ‘83 Scholarship Awarded to Evans and Ladwig

Photo courtesy Patrick O’leary

Congratulations to Anu Nihipali ’13, who took the HHSAA championship in the 100 backstroke in February with a time of 57:45.

Sims and Taylor Win HHSAA Titles

Photos courtesy Kristi Van Pernis

Zoe Sims ‘13 (left) won two HHSAA titles on Oahu in early May. Zoe set a new HHSAA record in the 1500m run and then backed it up with a win in the 800m run.

Emma Taylor ‘16 finished her first year in track by winning the HHSAA title in the 100m hurdles with a great finish line lean. Emma finished second in the 300m hurdles event later in the evening. 32 JULY 2013 MA KE KULA

Emily Evans ’16 (left) and Veronica Ladwig ‘14 received this year’s Ulrike Katharina Bieni Kohler-Johnson ‘83 Scholarship. Liz Noetzel ’83, founder of the Bieni Kohler-Johnson 5K Run/Walk, made the presentation during the Upper School Awards Ceremony held May 13. Evans and Ladwig each received $1,000. Kohler-Johnson, who graduated from HPA in 1983, passed away in June 2009 after a valiant battle against breast cancer. The next Bieni Kohler Johnson 5K Run/ Walk is scheduled for Sunday, October 6. All proceeds from the event fund the annual high school scholarship established to

recognize and support an HPA scholar athlete who inspires others, demonstrates sincere commitment and goes the extra mile For more information, contact the race coordinators at hparace@gmail.com. ■

Huntington, Wawner Receive Coaching Excellence Award Boys varsity basketball coaches Dave Huntington (right) and Fred Wawner are this year’s recipients of the Ka Makani Booster Club Coaching Excellence Award. Athletic Director Stephen L. Perry presented the award during the Upper School Awards Ceremony on May 13. “Fred and Dave have teamed up well to lead the boys program to new heights over the last few years,” said Perry. “Their leadership and passion for the game have grown interest in the game with the boys on campus and helped lead to back-to-back BIIF Division II titles and strong showings at the HHSAA championship.” Huntington and Wawner also were named BIIF West Coach of the Year. ■

College Signings Several Ka Makani have signed to continue their athletic careers in college. Among them are: Jovan Crnic, Northern Oklahoma College (basketball) Camille Kiyota, Wagner College (softball) Anu Nihipali, (pictured) Wagner College (swimming) Zoe Sims, Princeton University (cross country, track)

Zoe Sims Named Gatorade Hawai‘i Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year

Sports Award Recipients Announced HPA coaches recently honored this school year’s outstanding student athletes. Student receiving awards were: GIRLS VOLLEYBALL: Gabbie Ewing, Most Valuable; Tiana Reynolds, Coach’s Award; Ula Brostek, Most Improved; Morgan Monahan, Nolan Doliente Award. BOYS CROSS COUNTRY: Justin Macy and Michael Spetich, Most Valuable; Hide Akai and Walter Disney, Coach’s Award; Daniel Matsuda and Davy Ragland, Most Improved. GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY: Zoe Sims, Most Valuable; Jasmine Fojas, Coach’s Award; Kristiana Van Pernis, FAAL Award. FOOTBALL: Bobby Lum, Offensive Back Award; Keenan Greenbaum, Offensive Lineman Award; Blake Hooser and Joey Kailimai, Defensive Back Award; Kaimi Stevens, Defensive Lineman Award; Collin McKenna, Most Improved; Eigoro Akai, Holi Bergin Award. BOYS SWIMMING: Dane Uy, Most Valuable; Dane Uy, Coach’s Award; Connor Varney, Most Improved.

record in the 1,500 meters set by the very talented Victoria Chang, she nearly bested the 800-meter record, and she placed in the 4x400. It was a tremendous cap to a tremendous career.” Sims will attend Princeton University this fall, where she will compete in cross country and track. The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one winner in the District of Columbia and each of the 50 states that sanction high school football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, baseball, softball, and boys and girls track & field, and awards one National Player of the Year in each sport. The selection process is administered by the Gatorade high school sports leadership team in partnership with USA TODAY High School Sports, which work with top sport-specific experts and a media advisory board of accomplished, veteran prep sports journalists to determine the state winners in each sport. Sims joins recent Gatorade Hawai‘i Girls Track & Field Athletes of the Year Charlinda Ioane (2011-12, Kapolei High School), Kailea Tracy-Visintainer (2010–11, Seabury Hall), Ashley Satterwhite (200910, Punahou School), Bailey Massenburg (2008–09, King Kekaulike), Zhane Santiago (2007-08, Kahuku), and Samantha Cabreros (20062007, Punahou School) among the state’s list of former award winners. For more on the Gatorade Player of the Year program, including nomination information, a complete list of past winners and the announcement of the Gatorade National Player of the Year, visit www. gatorade.com/poy. ■ Photo courtesy Bob Fewell

n its 28th year of honoring the nation’s best high school athletes, The Gatorade Company, in collaboration with USA TODAY High School Sports, on June 19, 2013 named Zoe Sims ‘13 as its 201213 Gatorade Hawai‘i Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year. Sims is the second Gatorade Hawai‘i Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year to be chosen from Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy since Heather Onuma’s selection in 1995. The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the track, distinguishes Sims as Hawai‘i’s best high school girls track & field athlete. Now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade National Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year award to be announced in June, Sims joins an elite alumni association of state award-winners in 12 sports, including Allyson Felix (2001-02, Los Angeles Baptist, Calif.), Derek Jeter (199192, Kalamazoo HS, Mich.), Candace Parker (2001-02, Naperville Central HS, Ill.), Abby Wambach (1997-98, Our Lady of Mercy, N.Y.), Mark Sanchez (2004-05, Mission Viejo HS, Calif.), Lolo Jones (1997-98, Roosevelt HS, Ia.) and Bianca Knight (2006-07, Ridgeland HS, Miss.). The senior middle-distance and distance runner won the 1,500-meter run with a state-record time of 4:36.22 and the 800-meter run in 2:13.58 at the Outdoor State Championships past season, leading the Ka Makani to third place as a team. Sims’ 1500-meter run time at the state meet ranked No. 26 among U.S. prep competitors in 2013 at the time of her selection. She also won the 1500-meter run, as a sophomore at the 2011 state meet. Also a cross country standout, Sims has maintained a 4.95 weighted GPA in the classroom and is a 2013 U.S. Presidential Scholar. She has volunteered locally on behalf of a charity walk and as part of initiatives to feed the homeless. “She’s a tremendous athlete and a tremendous scholar,” said Bob Martin, head coach of rival Ka’u High. “She broke a 14-year-old state

GIRLS SWIMMING: Anu Nihipali, Most Valuable; Bhillie Luciani, Coach’s Award; Keli Jackson and Zoe Sims, Most Improved. BOYS WRESTLING: Keenan Greenbaum, Most Valuable; Alex Magoon, Coach’s Award; Zac Wigzell, Most Improved. GIRLS WRESTLING: Lokelani Ching, Most Valuable; Leila Wong, Coach’s Award; Kaiya Casuga, Most Improved. BOYS SOCCER: Kepa Police, Most Valuable; Keisuke Ohtaka, Coach’s Award; Li’i Purdy, Most Improved. GIRLS SOCCER: Emily Evans and Gabbie Ewing, Most Valuable; Jasmine Fojas and Lauren Pries, Coach’s Award; Morgan Monahan and Kristiana Van Pernis, Most Improved. BOYS BASKETBALL: Jovan Crnic, Most Valuable; Kama DeSilva, Coach’s Award; Sefa Rocha-Tufaga, Most Improved. GIRLS BASKETBALL: Tiana Bertelmann-Tabac, Most Valuable; Veronica LaSuer-Hernandez, Coach’s Award; Erina Baudat, Most Improved; Anna Juan, Honoring the Game Award. CONTINUED ON P.38

MA KE KULA JULY 2013 33

[alumni] profile

Ben Honey ’05 Story > Andrew Perala ‘72

Million Pound Baby

OR A GUY WHO ISN’T A PILOT, Ben Honey has become a master of flying. From his desktop console in Houston, Texas, Honey keeps the largest spacecraft ever built flying smooth and level 300 miles above the earth’s surface. It doesn’t matter that Honey doesn’t have a pilot’s license. To be a flight controller for the International Space Station (ISS), NASA is more interested in Honey’s degree in aerospace engineering from EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona. It’s equally important that he be a consummate team player. NASA wants the world’s best engineers working as a team, each bringing a broad range of skills, to control the orbital flight of the 330-foot long, 150-foot wide, 500-ton ISS. Flight controllers monitor the station and its astronauts every second of every day. When a large problem occurs—Is that a coolant leak? Did a meteoroid traveling at 30 miles per second just pass through one of the labs, or is there a faulty seal on an airlock?—as Attitude Determination and Control Officer (ADCO), Honey must craft and state his Motion Control System’s particular response to maintaining an even keel on the hulking station. Sometimes this happens within minutes, sometimes within seconds. It’s a task that’s more than thinking outside the box. The job requires juggling multiple, fast-moving thought-comets simultaneously to solve or help solve one or more problems. That’s the critical skill set NASA looks for in potential flight controllers, Honey said. After all, the lives of astronauts from 16 countries and more than $100 billion in orbiting hardware must be protected. The ISS is a million-pound uber-fragile space baby nudged constantly back toward near-perfect health by a team of flight controllers.

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Photo courtesy Ben Honey ’05

Honey knew from his HPA freshman year’s robotics club that he wanted to become an aerospace engineer. In March 2002, Honey and his team members won the Pacific Northwest Regional for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics Competition held in Seattle. “The robotics club was an even bigger part of high school for me than any classes or sports,” he said. But even with a degree from a wellrespected aerospace university, Honey had no guarantee of employment. Before becoming a full-time flight controller, he spent about two years in training, which included passing a series of simulator tests and exams. “They throw everything at you,” he said in a recent interview in Waimea. Daily “trials by fire” weeded out the merely brilliant from those who maybe weren’t as brilliant, but were team players capable of responding to instant challenges, of “working the problem,” Honey said.

Flight controllers typically have to listen to multiple conversations, each discussing a specific problem or aspect of a larger problem. The yearlong training hones the skills necessary. Did a solar panel just fail, or is it a glitch in the computer program? Has a resupply shuttle missed its docking, or worse, crashed into the docking collar? If so, how will that affect the station’s flight profile? A cascade of simulated disasters large and small can be thrown at an individual flight controller candidate or team of candidates. All are talking, and all hear what everyone else is saying. It’s like a symphony of technical voices streaming through everyone’s headset. Honey, like all the other 29 controllers on duty, must think through his own responsibilities to the problem—take care of his own kuleana— and present his system’s response to keeping the station and crew healthy and safe. There are backup systems. The space station’s Houston Mission Control has a CONTINUED ON P.38

[hawai‘i prep] alumni news The “Full Circle and Then Some”

By > Arati Clarry ‘96

n April, I stood in my grandmother’s kitchen in Quarters 99 at Kilauea Military Camp and marveled at how she fed five children in the same space and how I was feeding 22 “children” in the same exact space, 60 years between us. The words “full circle and then some” captured the memory and this past year at HPA for me, which has been an extreme adventure in nostalgia as I took our students to the places of my HPA Experience, hiking to Sherwood Forrest, The Place, Waipi‘o, Kaua‘i, stargazing and playing in the snow on Mauna Kea, horseback riding with Solmssen at Hanaipoe, and adventuring all around our campus and island home. The “full circle and then some” was extended even further at graduation when I faced the most surreal and terrifying task of addressing the students. Following are parts of my message: “There’s no short nugget of wisdom or eloquent vignette that I can offer you from my 33 years of life, as I sat in those same chairs 17 years ago, well, not all the chairs, but that chair, where Hao Wen is sitting and all I remember is my mother motioning from there to me to put my feet down because they were dirty. You should probably put your feet down now, they’re all dirty… There is, however, a formula for success among our HPA alumni, a very distinct and wonderful group of people you are all now a unique and integral part of. I’ve been blessed to spend a lot of time with a lot of them in various capacities, and my observations for happy, purposeful, successful, and content alumni have led to two categorical distinctions: #1 Those who appreciated their parents’ sacrifice albeit financial, emotional, and/ or physical. After all, we at HPA got the best of you- you at your smartest, most creative, best-behaved, best-dressed (well, most of the time), most articulate, and most respectful.

If you were a boarding student, we sent you home three times a year- tired, grumpy, and hungry. If you were a day student, we sent you home every day- tired, grumpy, and hungry. The #2 category for successful alumni are those who go to work for their parents. So, you might want to rethink coming home from college tired, grumpy, and hungry because those really nice people in the kitchen could be your future employers.”

Aloha to our HPA Alumni ‘Ohana! Thank you to all those alumni who’ve joined us throughout this year in supporting the school through your attendance at our alumni events, athletic games, theatrical performances, the scholarship auction, and through your donations. We are grateful for your participation. One of the highlights of my year (and every year) has been the Annual Awards Ceremony in which students across every subject area and talent are recognized for outstanding efforts. I was privileged to present the Alumni Association Scholarship Awards to two outstanding juniors who were honored among many others from their remarkable and hard working class. Both students joined HPA in kindergarten and shine with confidence, brilliance, and contribute whole-heartedly to all aspects of their HPA experience, congratulations to Bo Bleckel ’14 and Morgan Monahan ‘14.

The link to the video is at: http://youtu.be/ndCCVni7ATI We invite you home to HPA this summer, especially for the Alumni Reunion and throughout the year for our Alumni Back to Campus Events. Please also join us this fall, as we pilot a Fall HPA Alumni Reunion. The Fall HPA Alumni Reunion will take you back to class, back to the gym, back to the football field, and give you a true sense of our school’s journey from your graduation to now. ■ _ No ke aloha o ko ka kou kula For the love of our school

Bo and Morgan embody what the HPA Experience has become in encouraging excellence, humility, a strong work ethic, and selfless community service. Once again, congratulations to them and all those who supported them along their educational journey and to all those students (former and present) who embody such honorable ideals. ■ Aloha,

Arati Clarry ’96

Eric von Platen Luder ’75

Director of Alumni & Student Programs aclarry@hpa.edu

Alumni Association President eric@huggos.com

MA KE KULA JULY 2013 35

1980s

1960s “Under the Blood Red Sun,” GRAHAM “SANDY” SALISBURY’s ’63 novel of childhood friendship after the attack on Pearl Harbor, will be shot in Hawaii as an independent feature film in October. TOM SOFOS ’69 shares the following from his classmates: KATHY JAMES GREEN ’69 is back to work at her old job at Credo Construction, a commercial and residential contractor in the northwest. PETER MORGAN ‘69 shares from the Methow Inn in Twisp, Wash. that there is river rafting, kayaking , and mountain biking, and a short drive to the wineries in the Okanagan Valley in Canada. STEVE MUNI ‘69 is in Baton Rouge teaching the subject of Medicaid Fraud and an Advanced Prosecution Seminar. LEW ROSS ‘69 shares that he going to RUSS BAILEY ‘69 daughter’s wedding. Russ’ youngest daughter ,Perrin is getting married on June 15, which is also, Lew’s birthday. Congratulations to both!

1970s IN MEMORIAN: KIMBERLY WILDA PARKER ‘74 Kimberly Wilda Lani Parker, 56, of Waimea died Jan. 26, 2013, at North Hawaii Community Hospital. Born Jan. 20, 1957, in Kealakekua, she was a self-employed real estate agent and member of Christ Church Episcopal. She is survived by daughter, Ann (Huxley) Reeves of Waikoloa; son, Aaron Hill of California; brother, P.D. (Yvonne) Parker ‘73 of Kailua-Kona; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Kim’s memorial services were held on Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. at Lava Lava Beach Club at Anaeho‘omalu Bay in the Waikoloa Resort. Kim’s brother, P.D., can be contacted via email at pdparker55@ gmail.com 36 JULY 2013 MA KE KULA

1990s

IN MEMORIAN: LAURA ELIZABETH MCINTYRE ’88: JASON MCAULIFFE ’88 shares the following: I attended HPA form 1983 to 1987. I met Laura McIntyre in seventh grade and we remained friends ever since. Her sister contacted me this December to tell me Laura had passed away. I was able to attend her life celebration in Houston on January 13, 2013. It was a truly sad and beautiful ceremony that I feel fortunate to have been a part of. I will miss my dear friend. Her family asked me to write to HPA to include the following in the Ma Ke Kula: Laura Elizabeth McIntyre passed away on December 27th, 2012 in Houston, Texas, surrounded by her family, after a brief illness. Laura was born in Oklahoma on January 30, 1970 and moved to Kamuela, Hawaii where she attended and graduated cum laude from Hawaii Preparatory Academy. After high school, she attended Houston Community College and the University of Chicago. Laura worked for Fallon Communications for 19 years and for most of that time, she was the operations manager. She loved organization, teamwork, and taking care of others and was an excellent mentor. Laura was also an award winning essayist who enjoyed history, mathematics and politics. She was very musical and played the drums, piano, and trombone as a member of a local dance band named the Lollipops. She enjoyed running, swimming and coaching softball. Laura’s favorite times were spent with her family and friends. She was supportive, encouraging, and devoted to her sisters, nieces and nephews. Laura was preceded in death by her parents William and Patricia McIntyre, and is survived by her sisters and spouses, her nieces and nephews and many beloved cousins. Laura had a kind heart, a gentle good humor, and will be missed by her family and friends. Those who wish to contribute in Laura’s memory may make donations to – Memorial Assistance Ministries at 1625 Blalock Road, Houston, TX 77080 or online at www. helpherehelpnow.org.

MAYLYN SANCHEZ STAKE ’90 shares “It’s hard to believe my oldest son; Loren will be turning 23 this year! My youngest, Jillian will be starting jr. kindergarten in Waikoloa and Ethan will be joining McKenzie at upper school this fall. I must say, I’ve had numerous moments of deja vu spending time on campus this past year from spirit week to olympics - not much has changed and yet so much has! Cheers to living, loving and not taking a moment for granted!”

MARC HANDL ’91 continues his family’s hotelier tradition as helm of the RitzCarlton, Seoul. http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/ www/common/printpreview.asp?categoryCo de=320&newsIdx=132483 KELLY BUSCHER ‘94 and PETER DAHLBERG ‘95 proudly announce the birth of their son, Leland James Kawohikia’ilani Dahlberg on May 23, 2013. Congratulations and blessings to a most beloved HPA Middle School teacher and her beautiful family!

ALEX ‘96 and Jessica WOODBURY proudly announce the birth of their first child, a son named Alistair Charles Woodbury. Born 3/23/13 at 8:12am 7lb 9oz and 19.5 inches long in Kamuela HI. They are over the moon (and learning how to function with very little sleep!) He is now 2.5 months old, loves music like his mama, loves trees and wood like his dada, and has the most delicious chubby cheeks in the world!

2000s ALISON BLEHERT-KOEHN ’03 will be starring on the upcoming survival show on the discovery channel while launching her adventure film series in mid June. The show is dedicated to educate and entertain through action. Check it out at alisonsadventures.com WILLIAN CURB ’03 started a professional ultimate frisbee team, the Portland Stags, and they are part of a new professional league called Major League Ultimate which will have teams from both the east and west coasts.

2010s

Proud English teacher, Gordon Bryson submitted LAURA KAWANO’s ’98 of the Treasury Department Office of Tax Analysis paper on “Taxes and Financial Portfolio Choices: Evidence from the Tax Rate Reductions of the 2001 and 2003 Tax Acts” to share, http://www.treasury.gov/resourcecenter/tax-policy/Documents/OTAW2011103-Portfolio-Choice.pdf

JULIA BROTMAN ’11 shares her musical adventures with IRATION in the blog: http:// www.onefortheloveofmusic.com/on-the-buswith-iration/ JUSTIN SANDULLI ’12 is academically ranked #1 out of 1,385 in the Duke Freshman class. The announcement of his academic (out)standing was made on his 19th birthday. ■

2013 HPA Alumni Summer Reunion, July 18-21, 2013 Highlights: Thursday 7/18 Headmaster’s Welcome Reception at the Energy Lab Friday 7/19 Reunion Class Parties Saturday 7/20 Alumni Back to Campus Events & Alumni Dinner Sunday 7/21 Solmssen Chapel & Sunday Brunch 2013 HPA Alumni Summer Reception May 29- July 1, 2014 Please Join Us on Facebook at Hawaii Preparatory Academy Alumni

Fall 2013 Alumni Event Calendar Alumni Family Event (Oahu) Saturday, July 27 2nd Annual Honolulu Zoo Twilight Tour

Alumni Admissions Event (Oahu) Wednesday, September 25 HAIS Independent School Fair (Windward–Koolau Golf Club Ballroom)

Alumni Family Event (Oahu) Friday, August 30 2nd Annual Aquarium After Dark

Alumni Admissions Event (Oahu) Saturday, September 28 HAIS Independent School Fair (Japanese Cultural Center)

Alumni Fall Sports Preview (HPA) Saturday, August 17 Football v. Waimea, Kauai Alumni Fall Sports Preview (HPA) Saturday, August 31 Cross-Country & Volleyball HPA Gives Alumni Event Wednesday, September 13 Coastal Clean Up HPA Gives Alumni Event Monday, September 23 Residential Life Community Service Excursions Alumni Admissions Event (Oahu) Tuesday, September 24 HAIS Independent School Fair (Leeward –UH West Oahu)

Alumni Back to Campus (ABC) Event Sunday, October 6 Bieni Kohler Run Alumni Fall Reunion (HPA) Thursday, October 17 Alumni Class Visits Alumni Fall Reunion (HPA) Thursday, October 17 Headmaster’s Welcome Back Reception Atherton House Alumni Fall Reunion (HPA) Thursday, October 17 Alumni Performing Arts Showcase Gates Performing Arts Center

Alumni Fall Reunion (HPA) Friday, October 18 Alumni Legacy Luncheon, Energy Lab

Alumni Winter Work Out (HPA) Thursday, December 26 Alumni Basketball

Alumni Fall Reunion (HPA) Saturday, October 19 Alumni Breakfast & Hike to The Place

Alumni Winter Work Out (HPA) Friday, December 27 Alumni Soccer

Alumni Fall Reunion (HPA) Saturday, October 19 HPA Football v. Kamehameha

Alumni Winter Work Out (HPA) Saturday, December 29 Alumni Hike to The Place

Alumni Fall Reunion (HPA) Sunday, October 20 Pumpkin Patch

Alumni Back to Campus Events Sustainability Gardening every Saturday from 9 am- noon with Mr. Deighton Emmons.

HPA Gives Alumni Back to Campus (ABC) Event Saturday, October 26 Costume & Stage Design Helping Hands Alumni Back to Campus (ABC) Event Thursday, November 7- Sunday, November 10, 42nd Street Upper School Musical Performance Alumni Back to Campus (ABC) Event Thursday, December 12 Family Chapel

MA KE KULA JULY 2013 37

INABA FROM P.17

SPORTS AWARDS FROM P.33

“The wonderful thing about HPA is that learning Japanese here is meaningful because our students can connect with students from Japan on campus! I don’t have to take them to Waikiki to do their oral prep with visitors from Japan, as I did with my students at St. Louis. Our students connect with Japanese students not only in class, but in the dining hall, in the dorms, in sports, and in all of our activities. This interaction is so valuable for ALL of our students, so unique; I would never have this anywhere else in Hawai‘i and that interaction is huge; I think this is what makes our program special.” The cultural aspect of language is of particular importance to Inaba. “Those little cultural things, such as how to give and receive Japanese business cards, are more valuable because they’re lifelong and practical,” she explained. “I’ve met foreigners in Japan who speak the language perfectly, but they don’t respect the language. You must respect the language, which means you have to understand the culture behind it. For example, at a Japanese dinner, the younger person will start eating only after the older person starts eating. It’s a cultural, honorific, respect thing, which helps our students understand why the Japanese students act the way they do.” Inaba has come a long way from the fast-paced corporate world, where booking 1,000 rooms generated millions in income. “I don’t miss the ‘shu-shu’ world at all,” she stated. “Teaching generates a whole different level of reward; totally different. It’s amazing.” ■

BOYS PADDLING: Remy Koppes, Most Valuable; Noah Schenk, Coach’s Award; Ian Rice, Most Improved.

HONEY FROM P.34

redundant control room outside Moscow. The Russians have always been major players in space exploration; they can be credited with inventing the science of large rocketry. American Robert Goddard gets the recognition for his 1926 first-flight of a liquidfueled rocket. But Konstantin Tsiolkovsky first proposed liquid-fueled rockets in 1898, and would later be the father of the Soviet space program, a program that launched the first satellite into orbit and sent a robotic station to Venus and the moon before any Americans landed there. The Russians have a nifty set of tiny refuelable rockets on the International Space Station, firing in spurts and bursts to orient the spacecraft or lift the orbit. The NASA solution is less dramatic; a system of exquisitely precise gyroscopes onboard the space station, all spinning at 6,600 rpm, to orient the spacecraft attitude. Honey controls those gyroscopes and works from one of 30 flight control consoles positioned in a big room filled with five giant 38 JULY 2013 MA KE KULA

GIRLS PADDLING: Emily Johnson, Most Valuable; Seychelle Francis, Coach’s Award; Asia Kaden, Most Improved. BOYS TRACK: Kellen Gillins, Most Valuable; Davy Ragland, Coach’s Award; Daniel Matsuda, Nate Ladwig, and Jacob McCafferty, Most Improved. GIRLS TRACK: Jasmine Fojas and Zoe Sims, Most Valuable; Kristiana Van Pernis, Coach’s Award; Emma Taylor, Most Improved. BOYS TENNIS: Brendan Moynahan, Most Valuable; Daniel Han, Coach’s Award; Ethan Zilz, Most Improved. GIRLS TENNIS: Mai Reinvald, Most Valuable; Catharine Gussman, Coach’s Award; Teia Knoll, Most Improved. BOYS VOLLEYBALL: Jevin Ching, Most Valuable; Zeke Chong, Coach’s Award; Jovan Crnic, Most Improved. WATER POLO: Anu Nihipali, Most Valuable; Elizabeth Jim, Coach’s Award; Louisa Duggan, Most Improved. GOLF: Andrew Paisley, Most Valuable; Bo Bleckel, Coach’s Award; Luigi Balbo, Most Improved. BASEBALL: Kama DeSilva and DJ Sekiya, Most Valuable; Mike Nakahara and Ian Rice, Coach’s Award; Cyrus Inglis, Most Improved. SOFTBALL: Camille Kiyota, Most Valuable; Taimane Kamaka, Coach’s Award; Alexa Meyer, Most Improved.

video monitors, each 15-foot square and each carrying live data feeds, and all of it buried deep inside the Johnson Space Center. Mission Control is considered one of the more vital of all government installations. It’s a big room where “working the problem” is paramount. Honey monitors the spacecraft’s position around the earth, its speed, and its attitude. Without the flight control team’s constant monitoring and the periodic reboosts to keep ISS at the right altitude, the ISS would not hold a level “fall” around the Earth and would gradually plow into more and more atmosphere. The result: the 934,739-pound space station “would crash into the ocean over time.” It’s a great job, Honey said. And it was at HPA that Honey learned some of fundamentals that are the foundation of the work he does today. Honey says he learned the fundamentals of math and science from four of his best teachers at HPA: Upper School science teachers Matthew Hughes, Jerry Bleckel, and Dr. Bill Wiecking and Middle School math teacher Lupe Diaz.

He also learned a lot on the lap of his father, Al Honey, a longtime Keck Observatory software engineer and community leader in numerous robotics and other science programs for Scouts and other local youth. Honey has come a long way since his interest in becoming an aerospace engineer was sparked by his joining a new robotics club in his freshman year. In 2013, Honey is scheduled to be Flight Lead ADCO for the 40th set of astronauts on the space station from May to August. Like many pre-teen kids, Honey wanted to be an astronaut. Now, at age 25, he still does. He’s already passed minimum qualifications to become an astronaut. But he’s in no hurry, he said. A level head is needed to keep the space station on an even keel for now. “I love my job, and that’s always been my goal [to be an astronaut]. I also know that you can’t bank your [career] on it.” ■ Editor’s Note: Freelance writer and editor Andrew Perala ’72 lives in Waimea with his family. He is a co-winner of the 1989 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service.

Nani Primo led an idyllic life growing up at Kalaehuipua‘a (now known as Mauna Lani). “I learned how to swim in a pond known as ‘Crystal Lake,’” she recalled. Primo studied early childhood education, which sparked an interNani Primo est in food service; her Lead Pantry mother and grandmother also influenced her interest in food service. She took what she learned to the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, where she developed her skills. Primo, who celebrates her fifth anniversary in July with Sodexo at HPA, believes she has the best of both worlds here—working with young people and food. “The best part about working at HPA is the challenge to be creative in terms of menus and available food products, especially accommodating not only the local palate, but the international palate as well,” she said. “To all those who have mentored me, ‘mahalo nui loa,’” she added. Primo shares her recipe for carrot cake bars…Enjoy! ■

[on campus] Lower School

Middle School

August 16

Experience HPA, 5-6:30 p.m.

August 18

Eighth grade boarders arrive, 4 p.m. MS Parent/Student Orientation 8:30-10:30 a.m.

August 19 August 20 August 21

Intake conferences with teachers Intake conferences with teachers

Classes begin, 7:50 a.m.

Classes begin, 7:55 a.m.

1 box 3 1-1/2 c.

yellow cake mix (Nani prefers Duncan Hines) carrot cake mix (Nani prefers Duncan Hines) large eggs softened butter (3 sticks)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Using a large plastic mixing bowl, mash two boxes of yellow cake mix with one cup softened butter and two large eggs until well incorporated. Using a medium plastic mixing bowl, mash one box carrot cake mix with ½ cup softened butter and one large egg until well blended. Press half of the yellow cake mix batter evenly into an ungreased 9 x 13 baking pan as the first layer. Press the carrot cake mix batter evening as the second layer. Press the balance of the yellow cake mix batter evenly as the top layer. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool before cutting. Makes 24 pieces.

Required class retreats Assembly, 8 a.m. Classes begin, 8:40 a.m.

September 2

Labor Day holiday – no classes

September 9 September 23 October 14 October 17-20 October 17 October 18 October 19

‘Ohana Association Meeting, 7-8:30 p.m. K-12 Professional Development Day (Student holiday) ‘Ohana Association Meeting, 7-8:30 p.m. Parents Weekend Class visits Class visits Parent Conferences (no classes) Parent Conferences

Nani’s Carrot Cake Bars

2 boxes

Upper School All freshmen boarders and new boarders arrive (registration), 11 a.m. on New family orientation, 3:30 p.m.

August 16

October 20

‘Ohana Association’s Pumpkin Patch, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Upper Campus

October 21

Parents Weekend holiday

November 11 November 26

‘Ohana Association Meeting, 7-8:30 p.m. Thanksgiving break begins, 2:45 p.m.

November 27

Thanksgiving break begins, 3:10 p.m.

41st Annual Soccer Classic

December 1

Boarders return Classes resume

December 2 December 2 December 5-7

‘Ohana Association Meeting, 7-8:30 p.m. HPA Girls Basketball Tournament

December 10

‘Ohana Association Meeting, 7-8:30 p.m. Last day of school Winter break begins, 12:15 p.m.

Last day of school Winter break begins, 12:30 p.m.

January 6 January 7

Thanksgiving break begins, 2:25 p.m.

Faculty work day

Nov. 29-Dec. 1

December 13

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

Last day of school Winter break begins Boarders return

Classes resume

Copy deadline for the December 2013 issue of Ma Ke Kula is Friday, November 1, 2013. All dates are subject to change without notice. For the most current calendar, visit our website (www.hpa.edu).

MA KE KULA JULY 2013 39

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Honolulu, HI PERMIT NO. 9434

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Members of the Class of 2013 (l-r) Justin Macy, Lucas Cohen, Zeke Chong, and Camille Kiyota perform in the Lynn Taylor Library’s Reader’s Theater, 2004.