2015:2016 winter by Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy

Planting For the Future T H E M c KE ND RY E RA BE GI NS

Volume XXXIV ■ No. 2 ■ Issue No. 91 ■ WINTER 2015/16

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[inside]

MA KE KULA

ON THE COVER: Head of School Robert McKendry plants sweet potato with his son, Caleb ‘23, and India Clarry Sohriakoff ‘26 during the Village Campus Ulumau Garden workday on November 21, 2015. Photo by Deanna Evans.

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Staff [features]

Editor Phyllis Kanekuni, APR

Alumni News Sarah Thiesse Schorn ‘98

[departments]

Making Dreams a Reality

HPA Honors Long-Time Employees and Welcomes New Employees

Pwo Navigator Nainoa Thompson Calls _ _ First Grade Class from Ho kule‘a

Middle School Handbell Choir Turns 30

Barcoding the Coquí

Student Spotlight 10

The Washington Post Comes to HPA

HPA Student Council

Faculty Voices: Julie Camarillo

HPA ‘Ohana Association

Faculty Profile: Justin Brown

Coaches Corner 32

Cover Story: The McKendry Era Begins

Alumni News 36

Alumni Profile: Elliot Kastner ‘09

From Aunty June’s Kitchen

From the Head of School

HPA Advancement

HPA Admissions

HPA Academics

Production Assistant Shawn Saito Contributing Photographers Deanna Evans Patrick O’Leary Art Direction + Design Clifford Cheng > VOICE Design Marketing and Communications 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

On Campus 39 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 Putman D. Clark ‘65

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Michael K. Fujimoto ‘70 Allison Holt Gendreau Will J. Hancock Nona F. Hasegawa ‘78 Charles G. King ‘64 Duncan MacNaughton ‘62

Rich H. Matsuda Dr. Paul Nakayama Michael Petrosian David W. Pratt Sam Pratt ‘84 Michael S. Spalding ‘66

Hannah Kihalani Springer Dr. Peter Vitousek ‘67 Roy A. Vitousek III ‘68 Taffi Wise

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

[ From the Head of School ] Robert McKendry

Gratitude. Like a backdrop in a play that sets tone and mood, a sense of gratitude has been consistently present during my first semester serving as head of school here at HPA.

T EVERY TURN in classrooms, on stages, on sports fields, in airports, and in cities as far apart as Washington D.C. and Bangkok, I encounter deep love and appreciation for our school. I’m thankful for those who had the vision to start and then to nurture our school through often-uncertain times. And today, I’m thankful for our teachers, coaches, and others who give of themselves so that students can continue to enjoy and actually co-create our ongoing legacy. As head of school, I have a new view of HPA life, which includes being more closely connected to the joy of accomplishments like the recent production of Singin’ in the Rain and a determined finish line sprint at a crosscountry meet, as well as to the daily ups and downs of a vibrant learning community dedicated to stretching and challenging young people. Life at HPA is fully lived. In recent months, I visited Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok, and Hong Kong. Our travels allow us to listen to and learn from people connected to HPA. Each visit provides information helpful for continual improvement of the HPA experience. We meet with families who are considering our school for their future, and we seek to connect our existing ‘ohana back to the school, to personally say

“thank you” and to hear aspirations for the HPA of tomorrow. This past fall, we heard alumni from different cultures, backgrounds and eras speak of their experience at HPA with similar passion. We found a thread of gratitude stretching across national borders, and extending from our earliest graduates through to the parents and students of today. The memories shared by our ‘ohana members, the boundless curiosity about the school, and the appreciation expressed all left us energized with stories unique to individual experience, yet part of the same ongoing story. The stories about their alma mater often included a variation on, “I didn’t know how special it was at the time.” Appreciation sometimes gets lost in the dramas of everyday life, and we can feel it more distinctly with time and distance. Look around you today. What in your life might in time turn out to be the valuable experience, the thing that caused or forced or helped you grow through challenge? As we express to students, immerse yourself in that challenge, and absorb all that it has to teach you. HPA thrives today because of gratitude put into action: the generosity of those who have gone before, and who have looked back in appreciation for the impact of our school on their lives or the lives of their children. HPA will continue to thrive 10, 20, and 30 years from now through the generosity of alumni and families who are ready

“Life at HPA is fully lived.”

to give back; who are ready to participate in the effort to ensure that the HPA experience remains relevant, powerful, and accessible to future generations. Just the thought intensifies my sense of gratitude! During this holiday season, I am particularly grateful for your part in supporting this incredible community of learners. Here’s wishing you and yours a joyous holiday and a spectacular 2016! ■ A hui hou

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Making Dreams a Reality / Village Campus Adding Covered Play Area

Middle School Move to Upper Campus Scheduled for Fall 2017

isions of a multipurpose covered play area at the Village Campus and taking the first step toward campus consolidation are coming to fruition thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor. Head of School Robert McKendry shared the news during Parents Weekend in October. “This significant commitment allows us to invest much needed resources in our Village Campus to make the physical plant reflective of the stellar work being done with our youngest students,” said McKendry. “The building’s primary purpose will be to serve as covered play space for physical education activities, while being flexible enough to accommodate occasional use for other school activities.” On October 14, McKendry led a charrette

attended by 25 representatives from throughout the school to identify top priorities for the new facility. Guided by the group’s input, Aaron Spielman ʻ95 of Nanea Studios in Waimea designed the 8,194 square-foot structure, which will be located behind the fourth and fifth grade classrooms, giving important consideration for its proximity to the parking lot for an ADA path and to preserve outdoor field space.

Building features include an alcove, covered lanai, office, and storage space. Spielman also incorporated tennis court-style flooring with an additional coating to provide cushioning, daylighting to reduce the need for artificial light, and motorized louvers to provide natural ventilation. The peak of the roof, designed to be north/south, will optimize weather performance, reducing building “bulk” when viewed from Kawaihae Road. “Investing in our children is one of the most exciting and generous things I can imagine,” said Midge Jambor, K-8 principal. “Through this amazing gift our new building will be filled with possibilities for our students and has the potential of becoming the heartbeat of our campus.” In addition to the new building and overall Village Campus improvements, the gift is enabling the school to take critical first steps toward campus consolidation, which has been planned and pondered for decades. The construction of essential classrooms for the Middle School on the Upper Campus will allow the school to begin the process of strengthening its 6-12 grade curriculum, expanding its athletic enrichment. The move is anticipated to take place as early as fall 2017. “We very much appreciate that our partnership with the donors puts a clear emphasis on our youngest students,” said McKendry. “Adding this kind of resource to the Village Campus completes a long-desired puzzle piece in our K-5 program. I’m also excited because constructing the new building frees our thinking to re-imagine the Village Campus as a dedicated K-5 facility, while injecting clarity and focus into our plans to move Middle School students back to the Upper Campus,” said McKendry. ■ Reality

Michael Petrosian Named to Board of Trustees Michael Petrosian has been appointed to the board of trustees at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy (HPA). Gregory R. Mooers, chairman, announced the appointment at the board’s recent meeting in Waimea. Petrosian, a financial advisor, is vice president at Anderson Wealth Planning in KailuaKona. He previously was vice president at Merrill Lynch in Kailua-Kona and trader/research associate at PaineWebber/UBS in Century City, California. 4 WINTER 2015/16 MA KE KULA

He is active in the community and currently serves on the board at North Hawai‘i Hospice. He also served as investment manager at the Hawai‘i Land Trust in Kailua-Kona and as treasurer on the executive committee of the Surfrider Foundation Kona Kai Ea, also in Kailua-Kona. Other members of the HPA board are Laurie T. Ainslie, Scott Bradley ʻ80, Dr. Michael Chun, Putman D. Clark ʻ65, Michael K. Fujimoto ʻ70, Allison Holt Gendreau, Will J. Hancock, Nona F. Hasegawa ʻ78, Charles G. King ʻ64, Duncan MacNaughton ʻ62, Rich H. Matsuda, Dr. Paul Nakayama, Samuel Pratt ʻ84, William D. Pratt ʻ86, Michael S. Spalding ʻ66, Hannah Kihalani Springer, Dr. Peter Vitousek ʻ67, Roy A. Vitousek III ʻ68, and Taffi Wise. ■

What Happened to the Davies Chapel Bell Tower?

HPAadvancement Lucy Frost Lewis, Director of Advancement

Having recently been privileged to join Head of School Robert McKendry, Director of Admission Josh Clark, and faculty member Patrick O’Leary on a visit to Asia, I quickly assumed the self-proclaimed vital role of travel documenter. After all, I am an epic Facebook poster and reader. I have inspired more groans and eye-rolls of embarrassment from my teenage daughter for “telling the world everything.” What better person for the job! Well, yes, I had fun sharing our journey with the HPA ‘ohana on the alumni Facebook page [Hawaii Preparatory Academy Alumni]. And more than once, I found myself sitting around a table at an event friending alumni and parents so they—lucky them!—could join us on our adventures. Caught up in the aloha spirit of the moment, they even liked a few of my posts. Ahhh…success. Or is it?

Our beloved Davies Chapel bell tower is undergoing restoration. Under the direction of TJ Kalaniopio ʻ94, HPA’s director of facilities, Isemoto Contracting Company, Ltd. carefully removed the bell tower on November 5. According to Kalaniopio, restoration work might take up to a year. The last major restoration was completed in 1984. ■

FUN FACT: The total weight of the bell tower is about 18,000 pounds, with the bells and steel frame weighing about 10,000 pounds!

SAVE THE DATE! Alu Mai: An Evening in Celebration of HPA Saturday, April 16, 2016 Upper Campus Please join the Hawai’i Preparatory Academy ‘ohana at our inaugural dinner dance! Please watch your e-mail for more information and invitations. To update your e-mail address, visit: hpa.edu/stay-connected.

HPA only recently started connecting in earnest via social media, and we are thrilled by the growth in the numbers of our followers and friends. We even share our stats with pride. What we want now that we are “equipped” is how best to serve alumni and families with our communications. Sure, we love to post pictures of our gorgeous campus, ever-present rainbows, and beloved faculty members, and by the number of likes, you love them, too, but… We want to hear about YOU! An immeasurably valuable part of your HPA experience is what you have done since your days on campus as a student. We want you to let us— your ‘ohana—know what you’ve been up to. How has your school contributed to the person you are today? Which fellow graduates do you see regularly? Stay in touch with? Are friends on Facebook? And what is the very first thing you do or want to do when you return to Waimea? (During our recent trip, alumni were dreamy-eyed when they talked about Yong’s Korean barbeque!) Be a part of the HPA conversation by joining the alumni Facebook page [Hawaii Preparatory Academy Alumni]. Graduates, non-graduates, parents, students, and friends—any devotee of our school—are welcome! Please…my daughter begs you to spare her any continued humiliation. ■ P.S. If you don’t participate in social media and enjoy being a part of the HPA conversation, we love to write, chat on the phone, and—imagine this—visit in person! Be sure we know where you are and how to reach you by confirming your contact info at [www.hpa.edu/giving/stay-connected]. MA KE KULA WINTER 2015/16 5

HPA Honors Long-Time Employees

Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy recently recognized the following employees for their dedicated service to the school: 25-YEAR EMPLOYEES: Luana Lincoln-Isaacs Art Center, Betty Nobriga-Housekeeping, Steve Bernstein-Information Technology, and Jane Taylor ‘68-Middle School Art.

35-YEAR EMPLOYEES Georgia Poláková-Lower School Music and Babs Kamrow-Upper School Social Studies.

30-YEAR EMPLOYEE 20-YEAR EMPLOYEES Hope Soo U‘i Stevens-Business Office Kindergarten and Mollie Hustace-Isaacs Art Center and Upper School Fine Arts. Missing: Kenneth Santiago-Maintenance.

15-YEAR EMPLOYEES: Phyllis Kanekuni-Marketing and Communications, Carolyn White ‘79-Second Grade, Mary-Alice Nogues ‘74-Upper School ESL, and Cobey Doi-Fourth Grade. Missing: Scott Oshiro-Athletic Trainer.

...and Welcomes New Employees

Noelani Anderson ‘05 Middle School Spanish

Rosemary Aribal Housekeeping

Rachel Baydo K-8 Guidance Counselor

Justin Brown Middle School Mathematics

Hannah (Hind) Candelario ‘01 Director of Leadership Gifts, Advancement

Kelly Davis ‘03 Advancement Administrative Assistant

Elenka Jacobs ‘11 Aquatics Coordinator

Anne Kuang Middle and Upper School Chinese

Ashlee Madrid Middle School Physical Education

Kim Martins Middle School Science

Jeff Mix Upper School English Language Learning

Patrick O’Leary Dir. of Alumni Relations, Advancement (effective January 1, 2016)

Rhonda Simon Upper School English

Jessica Sobocinski Village Campus Garden Teacher

Ka‘ai Spencer Upper School Hawaiian Language

Lisa Tagal Admission Office Manager

Tani Wright Cordova Upper School Biology

Katy Yarnell Lower School Educational Assistant

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HPAadmissions Joshua Clark, Director of Admission

10-YEAR EMPLOYEES: Patrick O’Leary-Upper School Fine Arts, Jordan HayslipUpper School Fine Arts, Sarah Whitten-Hayslip-Upper School English, Charlynn Taniguchi-Business Office, LeeAnn Ganley-Administration Office, Lois Inman-Dyer Memorial Library, and Kelly Hart-Upper School Social Studies. Missing: Felix TellesHousekeeping.

5-YEAR EMPLOYEES: Greg McKenna-Upper School Science and Math, Arati Clarry ‘96-Upper School Student Programs, Dan Petrill-Chief Financial Officer, Midge Jambor-K-8 Principal, Kuwalu Anakalea-Lower and Middle School Hawaiian Studies, and Paul Alviar-Maintenance. Missing: Robert McKendry-Head of School and Wayne Hidaro-Maintenance.

Steven Halstead Robotics/ Middle School Capstone

Kimberly Honda Middle School Social Studies

Sarie Imonen Kindergarten

Willie Quayle Upper School Garden Coordinator

Shawn Saito Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Doug Sensenig Director of Planned Giving, Advancement

Will Zucker Director of the Annual Fund, Advancement

EACH AND EVERY MIND / Zachary Steinʻs recent article, “Minding Your Metaphors About the Mind,” in the fall 2015 issue of Independent School suggests that we change our metaphors when describing the mind. Typically we talk about the mind as a computer, processing information and the variability between people relates to our processing speed and memory capacity. This metaphor considers learning differences, or any intellectual difficulty or challenge, as a glitch in our computer system. This article suggests that a more appropriate and descriptive metaphor is that the mind is an evolving organism or ecosystem. “…The mind is best understood as a complex and dynamic system, always in process, always changing, growing, and becoming more diverse and differentiated…You are not simply smart or dumb, having either a fast or slow informationprocessing unit between your ears…You may have highly evolved skills in some contexts, and primitive ones in others.” An example of this is when students demonstrate academic success in the classroom, but struggle on standardized tests. This metaphor allows us to recognize that changing the context in which the mind is expected to work (e.g. standardized test vs. class discussion vs. homework assignment vs. class project) can drastically change what the mind is capable of doing. The true benefit of the HPA Experience is that we provide opportunities to learn and grow in a variety of different mental contexts. It’s appropriate that we are located on an island with 80 percent of the world’s ecosystems; our physical surroundings help us value diversity in opportunity and experience. We value the traditional boarding school curriculum, a liberal arts education with classroom discussion, lectures, and tests. We also recognize the benefit of providing additional opportunities for students to learn and demonstrate their knowledge and skills. Whether it’s embracing the environment and culture of Hawai‘i Island to provide exceptional learning opportunities outside the classroom, collaborative classroom projects throughout K-12, independent research opportunities, and capstone projects in each division; this variability recognizes that students’ capacity and skills co-evolve over time and through a variety of contexts rather than assuming their ability is a static measurement. I invite you to consider the mind as an ecosystem metaphor. As I have traveled the world, I have enjoyed meeting alumni who have talked about how HPA has been a transformative experience for them. I am sure that a contributing factor to their positive experience is that we have always provided variability in our academic experience. Scores of alumni have reminisced about their favorite teachers who have had an impact on their life. The commonality in those stories is that HPA has talented faculty who care deeply about their students, and that our teachers have a long history of helping students learn in a variety of ways. I hope you will talk to your friends about HPA. Tell them about your experience as a student or parent, and share how HPA works hard at providing a variety of learning opportunities for every student. The admission office travels around the island and around the world to talk about the advantages of the HPA Experience, but we aren’t able to reach as many people without the help of our ʻohana (family). There are many students who would thrive at HPA and we appreciate your help in introducing HPA to them. ■ MA KE KULA WINTER 2015/16 7

HPA Community Book Club Meeting is Jan. 14, 2016

Martha Greenwell’s “Mouse House” on Display at Isaacs Art Center Through January 9

The Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy Community Book Club will meet at 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 14, in the Dyer Memorial Library, Upper Campus. Community Book Club meetings are free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served and participants are invited to bring a snack to share. Lois Inman, Dyer Memorial librarian, and Jaime Johnson, Upper School English teacher, will lead the group. The current book selection is New York Times Best Seller Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff. Fates and Furies is a literary masterpiece that defies expectation. A dazzling examination of a marriage, it is also a portrait of creative partnership written by one of the best writers of her generation. Every story has two sides. Every relationship has two perspectives. And sometimes, it turns out, the key to a great marriage is not its truths but its secrets. At the core of this rich, expansive, layered novel, Lauren Groff presents the story of one such marriage over the course of 24 years. At age 22, Lotto and Mathilde are tall, glamorous, madly in love, and destined for greatness. A decade later, their marriage is still the envy of their friends, but with an electric thrill we understand that things are even more complicated and remarkable than they have seemed. With stunning revelations and multiple threads, and in prose that is vibrantly alive and original, Groff delivers a deeply satisfying novel about love, art, creativity, and power. Profound, surprising, propulsive, and emotionally riveting, it stirs both the mind and the heart. Fates and Furies is a National Book Award and Kirkus Prize finalist, and NPR’s Morning Edition Book Club Pick. For more information, contact Jaime Johnson at jjohnson@hpa.edu. ■

The magic, memories, and gifted artistry of the late Martha Lowrey Greenwell’s Christmas village wonderland returns to Isaacs Art Center this season. The Christmas village, affectionately known as “The Mouse House,” will be on display at Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academyʻs Isaacs Art Center through January 9. “The Mouse House” made its first Hawaiʻi Island appearance in December 2005 at the Kona Historical Society when the village returned to Greenwell from Oʻahu after more than 20 years of being part of an annual holiday tradition at the Queen’s Hospital Auxiliary’s “Festival of Trees.”

All of the artifacts featured in the display are from the attic and tool shed of Greenwell’s in-laws, Frank and Violet Greenwell of Palani Ranch. It took Greenwell eight years to assemble the village. “The arrival of the Mouse House honors the longstanding friendship we enjoyed with Martha Greenwell and will be a festive way to celebrate the 100th anniversary of our historic building; first, as an elementary school and finally, as an art museum and gallery,” said Mollie Hustace, director of the Isaacs Art Center. “The creative details of Martha’s diminutive village inspires artists and keiki of all ages and reminds us continually of the warmth and wit Martha shared with everyone.” The Isaacs Art Center at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy, located adjacent to the Village Campus at 65-1268 Kawaihae Road, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Admission is free. The Center will be closed December 21 through January 2, 2016. For information, or to arrange group visits, please call 808-885-5884. ■

Mark Your Calendar! HPA Hosts Waimea Ocean Film Festival January 1-4 Another exciting lineup of films, speakers, exhibits, presentations and breakfast talks heads to the island January 1-8 for the Waimea Ocean Film Festival (WOFF). Join the festival for action-packed days of riveting film, exciting adventure, epic surf, island culture, compelling speakers, dynamic exhibits, fun talks and meaningful conversation. Films and programs will be featured January 1-4 at venues in Waimea, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, and The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i, before moving January 5-8 to Four Seasons Resort Hualālai. The combination of award-winning films, intimate breakfast talks, Q&A filmmaker sessions, compelling speakers, artistic exhibits and receptions is not to be missed. Festival passes are on sale now. The 2016 program will be completed and posted to the 8 WINTER 2015/16 MA KE KULA

K-12 OPEN HOUSE For Prospective Students and Families

Monday, January 18, 2016 8:15-10:30 a.m. (grades K-8) 8:45-11:15 a.m. (grades 9-12)

This is the final Open House before the priority application deadline,

website by December 19 for convenient download. Pick up a copy of the printed program, along with passes at the festival’s Hospitality Desk, which opens 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. December 31 at Kahilu Theatre. For event updates, visit www.waimeaocean film.org, Waimea Ocean Film Festival on Facebook or contact info@waimeaoceanfilm.org. ■

February 8, 2016...REGISTER NOW! For more information, or to register, please contact the HPA Admission Office at 808-881-4321 (e-mail: admissions@hpa.edu)

www.hpa.edu/openhouse

HPAacademics Martin Ferrell, Dean of Academics

Educating global citizens by teaching and assessing the 21st-century skills—these terms are cliché in education and schools now, but we do believe in them and we do have some powerful ways we are building a global sensibility in our students and equipping them with the vital skills of creativity and innovative problem solving, critical analysis of information, collaboration, and written and oral communication. Nowhere is this more evident than in our pilot work with developing the capstone project experiences in all divisions at HPA. Stellar work continues in the fifth grade with Kristin Tarnas and her students (top photo). The first of the truly capstone experiences, the Fifth Grade Honey Bee and Pollination Project is in its second year. In this project, students explore honey bees with a live observation hive installed in the classroom, and are looking forward to their upcoming Honey Bee and Pollination Movie and Dinner Night with their families. The natural history of the honey bee as a pollinator provides the perfect capstone entry topic as students delve into an exploration not only of the bee and the hive, but food security and the health of ecosystems in Hawai‘i, the United States, and the world.

Through these experiences, we are making good on our promise to provide our students with exceptional learning opportunities of unparalleled depth and scope. At the Middle School level, for the first time this year, all of our eighth graders are enrolled in one of four capstone course electives. These courses are designed to give our eighth graders an immersive experience in a content area of passion. Students chose from Robotics and Agriculture, Dilemmas of Habit, Coral Reef Ecology (center photo), and One World Living, all of which had essential guiding questions connected to the theme of sustainable and ethical practices. Through an intensive study of the course content and close work with the teacher, students design a capstone project to develop and complete to delve even further into an aspect of the course. Students completed a formal project proposal, which included a written explanation and a video piece and, following approval, have now begun the exploratory research phase of their project development. In December, they will present their research questions and then proceed to the fieldwork phase of their project. Finally, at the Upper School level, we are offering an array of capstone project electives, as well as individually designed capstone project experiences. Current capstone project electives include Advanced Computer Science, Agroecology, Astronomy, Biotechnology, Current World Issues, Environmental Literature, Humor in Literature, Robotics, and the Art and Science of Surf.

For the independent work (bottom photo), 43 students and their teacher-mentors met with me in early October to discuss the progress of their work and receive feedback on proposed next steps. These students will deliver formal presentations of their work in December and January to broader audiences. Here are a few of the many, which are representative of the range and depth of work currently in progress: the use of drones and/or imagining software to create three dimensional tours of campus, brain research into the impact of color on memory and retention of information, a study of building acoustics and solutions for the reduction of noise pollution in classrooms, the creation of a financial markets app for smartphones and tablets, a critical study of Faulkner and the power of projects for student learning in the English classroom, differing cultural responses to Attention Deficit Disorder and the impact on students, a study of anatomy and physiology combined with volunteering and shadowing at the hospital, and a musical ensemble of instrumentalists, singers, and songwriters researching, practicing, and performing master works for their instrument. The list is as extensive as it is impressive. At every division level, our students are engaged in transformational work of which they are the architect. Through these experiences, we are making good on our promise to provide our students with exceptional learning opportunities of unparalleled depth and scope. ■ MA KE KULA WINTER 2015/16 9

[student] spotlight Kilkenny, Virtue, White Named Semifinalists in 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program Seniors Tristan Kilkenny, Jordan Virtue, and Will White have been named semifinalists in the 61st annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Martin Ferrell, HPA’s dean of academics, made the announcement. Kilkenny, Virtue, and White will continue in the competition for 7,400 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million that will be offered next spring. Kilkenny, the son of John Kilkenny of Kailua-Kona and Katherine Tangman of Portland Oregon, is a member of Cum Laude, the school’s honor society. He is a talented pianist and gymnast and a member of HPA’s wrestling and track teams. He also is active in outdoor sports, including surfing, camping, and hiking. Virtue, the daughter of Rodger and Melissa Virtue of Kapa‘au, is very involved at school and in the community. At HPA, she is an English teaching assistant, co-president of the Spanish Club, and a member of Cum Laude and the varsity swimming/diving and tennis teams. In her community, she is an altar server and lector at her church and teaches sixth grade religious education classes before mass each week at Sacred Hearth Parish in Hawi. She also is a summer volunteer at the Kohala Tennis Center, where she coaches children and offers free tennis clinics at Kamehameha Park. White, the son of John and Laurie White of Kamuela, also is an active member of the school community, where he is student body president, residence hall prefect, and a member of Cum Laude and the varsity basketball team. He is an accomplished banjo player, a First Robotics National Contest

Seniors (l to r) Will White, Jordan Virtue, and Tristan Kilkenny have been named semifinalists in the 61st annual National Merit Scholarship Program. qualifier, and one of five national finalists in the Rand McNally America the Beautiful Essay Contest. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship Award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. About 90 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and about half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title. About 1.5 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools entered the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2014 Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high schbool seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. The number of semifinalists in a state is proportional to the stateʻs percentage of the national total of graduating seniors. National Merit Scholarship winners of 2016 will be announced beginning in April and concluding in July. These scholarship recipients will join more than 315,000 other distinguished young people who have earned the Merit Scholar title. ■

Lundy and Virtue Receive Hiatt College Scholarships Seniors Keanna Lundy and Jordan Virtue are the recipients of the Hiatt College Scholarships for Community Service and Academic Creativity and Initiative. HPA parents Jerry and Mahilani Hiatt were on hand for the presentation at the Upper School assembly on November 9. Lundy received the Community Service Award and a $1,000 scholarship for embodying the spirit of servant leadership. Lundy has worked tirelessly to help others throughout her high school career. Off campus, she volunteers for Hospice, Habitat for Humanity, and Teen Tech. She also has folded thousands of cranes for cancer patients. At HPA, Lundy has served her classmates by creating a free SAT/ACT test prep club, organizing tutoring, club and community service opportunities for all students, and volunteering as the manager for the schoolʻs track and field team. Virtue, a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist, received the Academic Creativity and Initiative Award and a $1,000 scholarship for her numerous academic pursuits, which range from taking classes through the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth, pursuing a senior English project on the life and work of William Faulkner, hosting an episode of Hiki Nō on PBS Hawai‘i, and completing an internship with Fred Barbash, editor of the The Washington Post’s “Morning Mix.” 10 WINTER 2015/16 MA KE KULA

Hiatt College Scholarship recipients Jordan Virtue (left) and Keanna Lundy with Head of School Robert McKendry, Mahilani Hiatt, and Jerry Hiatt. The Hiatt College Scholarships were established in 2004, when Jerry and Mahilani Kellett Hiatt established the Mahilani Kellett Hiatt Endowment Fund. The Service Award recognizes a student who provides extensive and meaningful local service to the community, while the Academic Creativity and Initiative Award recognizes a student for scholarly work above and beyond the regular academic curriculum. Award recipients are selected based on nominations from their classmates and faculty. These nominees then are reviewed by an independent school committee. ■

_ _ Pwo Navigator Nainoa Thompson Calls First Grade Class from Hokule‘a

AWAI I PREPARATORY ACADEMY first graders gathered around a cell phone in the Lynn Taylor Library for a very special satellite phone call at the start of school on October 14. The excited students waited for Nainoa Thompson, president of the Polynesian Voyaging Society and pwo (master) navigator of the Hōkūle‘a for the Africa leg, to make contact with them as he sailed with his crew at night off the coast of Africa. The phone rang right on schedule, and the class greeted Thompson with their Hiki Mai chant. “I wanted to mahalo (thank) you for this opportunity today to connect with you and the crew, and I also wanted to mahalo you for who you are and for what you do for all of us,” Teri Chong ’82, first grade teacher, told Thompson. Chong’s class and many other students at the Village Campus have been following the voyage of the Hōkūle‘a and Hikianalia Polynesian voyaging canoes as they make their way on the Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage. Now on the South Africa leg of their journey Thompson told the students some special news – the crew had just sighted the lights of the African coast. Student Amory Allison asked Thompson why he was sailing around the world. He told her that when he was young growing up on Oʻahu, his mother and father took him into the mountains and then to the ocean, which gave him a chance to see the “miracle of life in Hawaiʻi.” He told her that he also recognized that the Earth was a miracle planet in a huge ocean of space. He said they were sailing the Hōkūle‘a to be close to the Earth, its people, animals, and life, to better understand it. “When we understand it, we will begin to value it,” Thompson said. “And when we value it, we will care for it.”

By Lisa M. Dahm

Owen Allison asked Thompson what he hoped for the students and other people as they stop in different locations. “I hope we find we are much more alike than we are different,” Thompson said. Thompson said that he hoped the voyage would help people “come together and learn from each other and respect each other.” “I think it is the road toward peace. And in the end, I hope the voyage creates a pathway to a more peaceful Earth,” Thompson said. Special guests included Chadd Paishon, a pwo navigator of Hōkūle‘a who guided the waʻa (canoe) to New Zealand, and Kealiʻi Bertelmann, whose _ _ father Clay, built the Makaliʻi and founded the voyaging society Na Kalai Waʻa Moku o Hawaiʻi. Paishon answered more of the students’ questions after the phone call. ■ Editor’s Note: Lisa M. Dahm is former managing editor of North Hawai‘i News and Admission Office manager at HPA.

Top Spellers Advance to District Bee Thirty-four students in grades 5-8 recently participated in the HPA spelling bee. Eighth graders Ana Henderson (left) and Lily Ameika were the co-champions in this year’s school spelling bee. Henderson and Ameika now advance to the Hawai‘i Island District Spelling Bee in January. The winner of the district competition will represent Hawai‘i Island at the state spelling bee. ■ MA KE KULA WINTER 2015/16 11

HPA MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBELL CHOIR TURNS 30 By Shawn Saito

HE MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBELL CHOIR, under the direction of Georgia Poláková, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Introduced in 1985 as an early building block to the Middle School music program, the handbell choir is now a tradition for many holiday celebrations. “I chose the handbells because it would involve a lot of students, the students wouldn’t have to purchase an instrument, and it would give them an opportunity to try something new and feel success early,” explained Poláková. “With funds for program improvement, I purchased two octaves of bells.” Armed with a learning video, Poláková marched forward teaching her students to read cues, symbols, and most importantly, rhythm. Today, the choir consists of 11 seventh and eighth grade students who play for seven weeks; the group usually performs after only four weeks of rehearsal. Every year, the choir presents a series of six free public performances to welcome the holiday season. “I like to hang out with my friends and make music,” said seventh grader Sarah Taniguchi. “When there are a lots of notes and you are playing more than one bell, you have to be focused. I would like to do this again in eighth grade.”

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“What I like best about the handbell choir is the group dynamics that must happen to have a successful performing handbell choir,” said Poláková. “The members must be positive and supportive of their fellow handbell players. There must be unity among the group, or the music just doesn’t come together. It’s quite exciting to see the students’ faces when they realize they can contribute to the group and bring forth beautiful music.” Since 2006, the HPA Handbell Choir has performed at the Parker Ranch tree lighting at the Historic Homes at Pu‘u ‘Opelu. “The HPA Handbell Choir is one of the highlights of our tree lighting,” said Nahua Guilloz, senior manager at Parker Ranch. “Filling Richard Smart’s home with the beautiful sounds of music helps set the tone for the wonderful holiday season.” ■

The 2015 Middle School Handbell Choir—Front row, l to r: Cameron Supplee, Sarah Taniguchi, Alianna West-Rodrigues, and Jessi Sohriakoff. Center row, l to r: Gabriel Kalama, Malachi Acdal, Morgan Davis, and Noah Balaam. Top row, l to r: Carter Macy, Kanalu Shimizu, Kelsen-Jaye Walker, and choir director Georgia Poláková.

Ana Henderson a Winner in Eddie Aikau Essay Contest Eighth grader Ana Henderson was one of 18 public and private school students from across the state who were honored at a luncheon for their winning essays in the 2015 Eddie Would Go Essay Contest, sponsored by the Eddie Aikau Foundation. The luncheon was held November 15 at the Elks Club in Waikiki. Henderson and her family and Middle School English teacher Julie Camarillo attended the event, where Henderson received a $100 cash prize for her essay (below), “Adopted ʻOhana.” ■

Ana Henderson (second from right) with other eighth grade essay contest winners.

Adopted ‘Ohana

By Ana Henderson ‘20

As an adopted child I’ve always wondered what position I would be in now if I hadn’t been adopted. I’ve always dreamed of my real birthparents and maybe even siblings. Would I be rich or poor? Who are my birthparents, the people who made the huge decision to let me go? Could I have been an accident? I shall never know. I am Vietnamese and I’ve never known anything about my genetic family. As a baby I was found at the gates of the orphanage where I was adopted. No trace of a person, a family, or a sign about me was ever found. Eddie Aikau, on the other hand was the legendary Hawaiian surfer who was born into a large family in Maui in 1946. He experienced the true Hawaiian culture in his ‘ohana which means family in Hawaiian. Eddie knew his ancestry, his culture, his family, and ethnicity. When he was introduced to surfing he made a connection between his ancestry and his home through the ocean. Surfing changed his life. Barry Kanaiaupuni, another surfer says, “Eddie was a really, really warm hearted person. Really big heart. He’d do anything for you. You know he saved so many people. I mean he didn’t have to. Shoulders and arms. That guy was like a tugboat. Like you can tie four people to him and he’d swim them in. That’s the kind of strength he had in swimming. Real strong.”

Eddie lived up to his name, part of Eddie’s name is Makuahanai which means “feeding parent” in Hawaiian. This is usually a description of a fostering parent who cares and watches those around them. The nature of his love for his family, the community, his people, and Hawai‘i urged him to paddle out of the maelstrom towards Lana‘i for help. He will always be remembered as a great man who extinguished his burning candle to save others. Eddie also welcomed all foreigners and rejected violence. Every person he met he accepted them as a part of his ‘ohana. While it seems that Eddie and I have so little in common from our beginnings, our lives, like many lives, run very parallel. My adopted family greeted me as one of their own, as Eddie did others. My parents watch over me, and all of those in our ‘ohana. We share, we care, we laugh and cry together in our ‘ohana. I couldn’t be more grateful for the love from my family as if I was a natural born daughter. When learning about Eddie Aikau, I believed he made people feel accepted. As an “outsider” I can testify that this is one of the greatest feelings in life. Eddie was selfless. He always was thinking of others before himself. As the first lifeguard of Waimea Bay, he attempted over 500 rescues, not one person was lost. Eddie knew that destiny would take him on the trail that he meant to lead. He made the selfless choice to go for help to save many other peoples’ lives.

Ana Henderson with (l to r) Julie Camarillo, Middle School English teacher, mother, Karen, brother, Noah, and father, David. I wonder if my life will continue to parallel Eddie’s and whether I will ever possess enough courage to make the brave decisions he did. His ‘ohana strongly supported him, as do mine, which is crucial for building strong people. He was taught in the ways of the Hawaiian culture. Eddie learned to respect the ocean and surfing, which was when he was most at peace. While I am being taught in a culture not my own, I believe I am developing a similar sense of love, respect, and Ma- lama Pono as Eddie had. I now have a new cultural figure to hold in my life as a guide for the decisions I make. May I choose to be as passionate, kind, humble and brave as Eddie and find ways to care for my ‘ohana as he did. May you rest in peace Eddie. You are remembered. ■

About 90 students in grades K-5 participated in the school’s annual Keiki Triathlon at the Upper Campus on October 11. The young triathletes swam, biked on a grass course, and ran on the school track during the event, organized by Lower School physical education teacher Betsy Tranquilli. ■

Photos by Bob Fewell

Ironman Spirit

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BY LISA M. DAHM

BARCODING

F YOU WANT TO TEACH your students how to catalogue DNA for an international barcoding project, where do you find the specimen samples? If you’re biotechnology instructor Stephanie McDowell, you take your class on a hunt for what’s abundant and won’t be missed—coquís. Armed with flashlights, headlamps, and gloves, HPA biotech students followed their MacGyver-like instructor into a wooded Kukuihaele area where coquís are multiplying at a rapid rate. Within 75 minutes, the class caught, weighed, and measured 41 frogs, each only about 36 mm in length. First to capture a coquí was junior Rachel O’Toole. “They hide toward the base of the leaves, so that is where we looked,” O’Toole said. “When we weighed them they would jump off the scale. The first few were really hard to hold down, but then we got used to it and it was fine.” To McDowell, science needs to come to life to make a difference for students. When she began teaching the biotechnology class in 2013, she asked the school to buy DNA equipment such as a thermocycler to amplify the

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DNA and a UV transilluminator to see bands of DNA on a gel under UV light. Though students perform scientific lab work in other classes, McDowell moved her students out of their science books and into lab coats and goggles to tackle real DNA coding. McDowell partnered with Coastal Marine Biolabs, and her students began cataloging DNA for the Barcoding Life’s Matrix program from tissue specimens of a sand bass given to them— challenging graduate-level work that HPA students loved. “We were just helping out that DNA library,” McDowell said. “We are populating the database with CO1 gene information from organisms that were not previously on the database.” The next year, McDowell challenged her biotechnology students even further by having them collect their own samples. They took a spearfishing field trip to the reefs of Puako, where they collected the endemic saddle wrasse, a common reef fish. From their work, the fish is now vouchered at the Bishop Museum and catalogued in the International Barcode of Life database. This year, McDowell wanted to do something different. Not only did she want her students

THE COQUÍ to catch their own specimens, she also wanted them to take their work and answer a question from the results. She decided to find out if the coquís that came here 30 years ago after catching a ride from Puerto Rico in a potted plant had evolved into their own species. “Hawai‘i presents a unique pressure to organisms that come here—either they adapt within the confines of that pressure, or they go extinct,” McDowell said. “Hawai‘i has so many endemic species that have gone through that same process.” “There is anecdotal evidence coquís are getting larger in mass, they are chirping louder, and getting more clutches per year,” McDowell said, “But is it a speciation event or more of a variation?” Last summer, McDowell researched and found a study published in 2009 that compared coquí from Puerto Rico and from Hawai‘i, but it used data from a gene other than the CO1 gene. “Based on that journal I wasn’t expecting to see much divergence between those two groups, but it would be interesting to at least set a baseline,” McDowell said. McDowell said the CO1 mitochondrial

TOP LEFT: Taimane Kamaka and Kau’i Taylor check out their coquí. TOP (l to r): Stephanie McDowell, Rachel O’Toole, and Vanessa Gary photograph every captured coquí. BOTTOM LEFT: Makenna Francis, Micheal Duggan and Rachel Bonn prepare samples for gel electrophoresis as visiting alumnus and BioCurious founder Tito Jankowski ‘04 observes.

Hawai‘i presents a unique pressure to organisms that come here—either they adapt within the confines of that pressure, or they go extinct,”McDowell said. “Hawai‘i has so many endemic species that have gone through that same process. gene, or cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, is considered the best gene for barcoding animal species DNA. While learning the history of the coquí in Hawai‘i, the students then isolated the DNA from their coquí specimens, purified the DNA using a micro centrifuge, amplified the CO1 gene and purified that, then sent the results off for DNA sequencing. From the quest to learn if the coquís had speciated, McDowell also was tackling a larger, more controversial question on Hawai‘i Island. Are the coquís a nuisance to be destroyed or an amphibian to welcome? “Being from the southeast, I grew up with frogs in the summer and it was a part of my childhood memories with the frogs chorusing in the summertime, so I don’t mind coquí frogs chirping—I find it pleasing,” McDowell said.

“I wonder if the perception of the coquí would change if they had been shown to speciate from the Puerto Rican introduction,” she added. “And if that’s the case, will people’s perception of the coquí frog change if it is the Hawaiian coquí frog?” Unfortunately, the specimen of Puerto Rican coquí frog McDowell acquired wasn’t viable, but the students were still able to move forward and publish the gene sequence of their own coquí catch for that gene on the Barcode of Life Database (BOLD).” “If not now, who knows? Maybe in another 50 years or 100 years, it will diverge to the point that it is considered a new species,” McDowell said. “We could at least make a baseline to show that in 2015, frogs collected has this particular sequence. And in 2055, we can do the same study to compare it.”

BOTTOM RIGHT: Olivia Crowl and Elizabeth Jim hunt for coquí.

O’Toole said she and a few other students hope to continue the project through independent research projects senior year. “What I like about the class is that we actually do the process,” O’Toole said. Senior Olivia Crowl agrees. “Collecting coquí frogs was something that I never thought I would be doing and when Mrs. McDowell told us we were going to take the bumpy bus ride to catch frogs in Honoka‘a, I thought she was kidding!” said Crowl. “Yet, now knowing that my work in catching the frog, isolating the DNA, and publishing it online will soon be viewed by so many people and will also bring further knowledge to the scientific community brings me a very rewarding feeling.” To see Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy’s specimen record on the saddle wrasse on the BOLDsystems database, hosted by Coastal Marine Biolabs with funding support from the National Science Foundation, visit http:// boldsystems.org/index.php/Public_RecordView? processid=SDP113021-14 ■ Editor’s Note: Lisa M. Dahm is former managing editor of North Hawai‘i News and Admission Office manager at HPA. MA KE KULA WINTER 2015/16 15

COMES TO

Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy BY A N DRE W PER A L A ‘ 72

CALL IT A SESSION of graduate school journalism. Or a live connection into one of the world’s top newsrooms. This past October, some of the Upper School’s best student writers were the stars of a unique experiment in modernday reporting. Under the tutelage of Fred Barbash, creator and editor of The Washington Post’s “Morning Mix,” the students worked on writing stories that subscribers of a major metro paper would want to read. This was Journalism 101 for the 21st century: researching and writing about real-life experiences and issues in a style and format not seen until very recently in major newspapers. The students already were enrolled in Aaron Schorn’s semester-long Digital Journalism class and Barbash was on campus for about a month to co-teach the class, which he said is “doing such advanced work.” But for this weeklong evening seminar, the students worked as colleagues with a journalist who has been The Washington Post’s national editor, London Bureau chief, and Supreme Court correspondent, among others. At 5 p.m. Hawai‘i time each day, the students listened, and sometimes participated in editorial meetings between Barbash and his reporters back in Washington, D.C. As each of Barbash’s half-dozen talented 20-something reporters ran through their list of story possibilities, he asked questions and sometimes engaged in collegial debate, firm and focused, but respectful. He then gave them the go-ahead or “hold off for now.” “They’re a really good team. Some of the best,” he said after one class. The students then worked with Barbash on local story projects with an 16 WINTER 2015/16 MA KE KULA

eye to possibly seeing them published in The Washington Post, a significant achievement for any high school journalist. In two years, Barbash has directed—as section creator, editor, and reporter—one of the Post’s several major initiatives into online news. “Morning Mix” is a daily blog that covers news stories from around the nation and the world. Recent stories ranged from extensive coverage of the San Bernardino tragedy to a lawsuit filed by the ACLU against the governor of Indiana for blocking Syrian refugees. Stories also included Supreme Court coverage and lighter fare, including how scientists created the worldʻs first in vitro puppies. The Washington Post reporters—and HPA students—working with Barbash adhere to traditional reporting standards: Stories must follow the basics of answering who, what, when, where, how much, and occasionally, why. But, in a twist from traditional second-day news stories, the writing style must be deliberately engaging—not as opinion, but as a new form of reporting best suited for fast-paced online reading. The need is urgent as newspapers, long locked to print, explore digital formats including video and audio to report stories to an audience that has evaporated in recent years. “People get their news in different ways now,” said Barbash. His diligence and oversight are paying off. Growing from zero readers to hundreds of thousands each month, “Morning Mix” now averages more than 1.1 million page views per day, and climbing. As announced in November, “Morning Mix” has played a major role in The Washington Post overtaking The New York Times’ online readership. Working with the HPA students is critical to the next forward leap the Post must make, said Barbash, who was deeply impressed by the students, their intellectual curiosity, eagerness, and resourcefulness. Here’s an example: at midweek, after the nightly editorial meeting with the D.C. crew, Barbash put a story on the big conference-room screen from one of his reporters that needed editing.

Line by line, Barbash went through the story; fixing a typo, clarifying two sentences, rewriting an awkward phrase. But then senior Kate Sensenig spoke up. She told Barbash that his editing of several of the paragraphs didn’t flow. They made the story “clunkier.” “Huh,” Barbash said, looking at the text again. He didn’t flinch or argue. He listened, then asked Sensenig where the writing could flow better. She suggested a rewrite on several sentences, and rearranging some of the paragraphs. Barbash made most of the changes. He watched Sensenig as she reviewed the revised text on the big screen. She nodded assent. “Good. That’s really good,” Barbash said of Sensenig’s editing. Later, outside the classroom, Sensenig said, “I’ve been surprised at how patient he is.” But she also felt he would want her to speak up. As a writer coming from a theater background, Sensenig said, “I’ve always struggled with hooking the reader. Mr. Barbash is really good at that. He says that in journalism a story is like a music composition, it must have a theme. “I just thought that the story he was editing was drifting away from the theme.” The next evening, Sensenig and her research partner, fellow senior Will White, discussed their reporting project with Barbash and the class. They had chosen to report on coquí frogs and how the amphibians are moving into Waimea. Barbash hadn’t heard the coquís in full concert yet. But after listening to White and Sensenig pitch their story, he knew it would be a hit with his readers. Barbash worked with the young writers, going through the basics of a story. He did not tell them fully what to do. He pointed them in a direction, then waited for them to state the next step or steps needed for the story to sing. Over the course of 30 minutes, White and Sensenig mapped out what needed to be done: get at least three, or better yet, four good quotes. Go out

and hunt coquí frogs at night with an eradication team. Research and report on the frogs’ economic impacts, perhaps in real estate. Interview game biologists, interview people who are just residents of the area and have something to say about the frogs. Turns out, not everybody hates them. Good reporting discovered that. “Yes,” said Sensenig outside the classroom. “I’ve found [in this class with Barbash] that I’ve had to look at all sides for a story.” Asked why he paid such close attention to the students as they critiqued his editing and worked on their story projects, Barbash said, “These are my readers.” And they would soon become his reporters. On Friday, November 20, 2015, the byline “By Will White and Kate Sensenig” appeared in The Washington Post above their 1,500-word story. “Tiny frogs as loud as power mowers drive Hawaiians to despair” details how as many as 50,000 of the noisy frogs can inhabit each acre of an infested area on Hawai‘i Island, five times their density in their native Puerto Rico where natural predators keep them in check. There, the frogs are beloved. Here, they drive most people, well, to despair. The story is a terrific read. ■ Editor’s Note: Read Will White and Kate Sensenig’s story at https://www. washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/11/20/how-the-worldsloudest-frog-travelled-6000-miles-to-drive-some-hawaiians-to-despair/ Fred Barbash reports that Jordan Virtue’s ’16 story on shave ice also has been accepted for publication by The Washington Post’s travel section; publication date to be announced. 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.

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The Person I’m Supposed to Be…

[faculty] voices

The mother I’m supposed to be calls deep on my courage to pledge allegiance to my kids to be that mother that can let go and let flow to embrace a life with no guarantees, allows them freedom to live with imperfection. In the Republic of themselves for which they stand They must be indivisible from compassion, connection, and perseverance. The mother I’m supposed to be needs to surrender and walk into tenderness showing my kids they are the proof of my vulnerability.

Julie Camarillo

Photo courtesy Jane-Grace Cootey ’23

Middle School English Teacher

WAS AWARDED THE GIFT of professional development this past summer to attend a Writer’s Workshop for teachers at Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, where I met incredible educators from around the world. There were 21 fellows from Kenya, Trinidad/ Tobago, the Philippines, South Africa, Australia, and from across the United States. We lived, wrote, read, laughed, cried, and nurtured our writers within. Exeter faculty members designed and taught the workshop, which encouraged and provided creative space to develop our writing, with the goal that we cannot teach writing if we cannot write.

The woman that I am continues to sail with trade winds that always bring me home. This was a time for teachers of writing to become students of writing and to refine our own writing skills. Reading literature rich in language, gave way to discussions rich in experience. The piece I am most proud of was inspired by a poem, “The Person I’m Supposed to Be.” This went through many drafts before I felt like I could share this with all of you. Thank you HPA for the professional development that already has influenced my students and will continue to do so. ■ 18 WINTER 2015/16 MA KE KULA

The wife I’m supposed to be comes to me in the language of ceremony. I do, pledge allegiance to my husband who holds daily court at the Brew Pub capturing barflies with endless fishing tales. In the Republic for which I stand, I perfect the delicate art of knowing when to be quiet, to endure, and to wait allowing his gruff and calloused exterior to settle into my wisdom. The wife I’m supposed to be is an evolutionary process like poetry on a page, taking my shape from the husband I have joined. The daughter I’m supposed to be weeds through a lifetime of lessons designing my moral landscape. Pruning feminine rules that choked my mother’s generation. I pledge allegiance to my gender to enjoy the fruits of my mother’s labor. In the Republic for which I stand I nurture inner strength and self-reliance that have been planted by her. The daughter I’m supposed to be celebrates The blooming freedom that was cross-pollinated by the generations before me. The woman that I am calls deep upon skillful navigation, tacking waters of motherhood, wifely duties, and filial obligations. I pledge allegiance to myself to be tender, loving, and respectful. In the Republic for which I am splicing knowledge from all my selves anchoring this privileged vessel* to humility and reverence. The woman that I am continues to sail with trade winds that always bring me home. —Julie Camarillo, Middle School English Teacher / June 23, 2015 *privileged vessel=the sailing vessel which in a collision was “in the right.”

[faculty] profile Justin Brown

by Katie Woods

Middle School Math

“Math’s power comes from the way it trains our brain for problem solving,” says Middle School math teacher Justin Brown. “That problemsolving approach is powerful and something that you will take with you your whole life.” Brown, who speaks about teaching and math with palpable enthusiasm, didn’t always plan on becoming a teacher. An interesting turn of events led him to what he passionately considers his true calling. Brown began teaching at HPA this fall after working for 10 years at Kohala Middle School. He currently teaches sixth grade Math Foundations, seventh grade Pre-Algebra, eighth grade Geometry, and stewards sixth grade advisory. “Working at HPA has been amazing. It has recharged me as a professional… The focus is totally on the students and I love it.” Originally from Santa Cruz, California, Brown moved to Hawai‘i Island in 2005 with his wife, Waimea native Erin Baldwin Brown. The two now have a four-year old daughter, Kilihea. After graduating from Brown University in 1993, Brown, who loves the outdoors, originally planned on becoming a park ranger. However, a change of heart took him to San Diego, where he worked at a tutoring company while exploring other career options. Something clicked. Working with students proved deeply satisfying to him and he had great success, regularly receiving positive feedback about his work. An avid surfer, Brown admits that the 2-10 p.m. work schedule also was ideal for accommodating morning surf sessions.

Tucking the positive tutoring experience in his back pocket, Brown moved back to Santa Cruz, where he pursued a more corporate route, working for the O’Neill wetsuit company. It was not long before he realized that the typical desk job was not for him. Recalling his joy and success while a tutor, Brown enrolled at Bethany College to obtain his teaching credential. After graduating, he taught for three years in the public school system, which solidified his desire to continue teaching. He went on to earn his Master of Arts in Education at San Jose State University. Brown planned on working in elementary education, however, with no positions at that level available at the time, he accepted a job teaching seventh and eighth grade math and science. He views this now as a stroke of luck, as he immediately connected with this age group, describing it as the perfect fit. Brown finds that he has a particular knack for putting middle schoolers at ease when it comes to learning math. “A lot of students come to me with anxiety about math, so really my whole process is to create a comfortable environment where students feel free to take risks, to make mistakes, and just feel relaxed, so when I do challenge them they’re in a place of being willing to try rather than give up. And that’s been pretty successful for me. “The environment I create and the connection I make with my students I think really enables me to get through to them and help them accomplish things they didn’t believe they could accomplish.” Seventh grade Pre-Algebra student K-Jaye Walker enjoys Brown as a teacher and testifies to his teaching philosophy. “He teaches in a way that makes you want to learn more… I’m excited for that class… I put my best work into that class.” Classmate Camille Helmuth agrees. “I never really liked math, but I was kind of good at it. When I got to his [Brown’s] class, he actually made it fun.” Brown enjoys being part of the HPA ‘ohana and working with students such as K-Jaye and Camille. “I love the small class sizes. It allows me to really connect with my students, spend time with them, get to know them as learners and as people,” he says. “I also love the diversity of experiences offered here; it’s an incredible opportunity for all of our students to have these amazing experiences throughout their school career.” Brown plans to add multi-layered activities and projects to his curriculum that will allow students to “make those connections that they don’t make with just instruction and practice.” As a sports enthusiast, Brown uses a sports metaphor for explaining the importance of math and problem solving. “When students ask, When am I ever going to use this?’ I tell them, football players lift weights in the weight room to make them stronger on the field. They don’t have to carry weights on the field, but lifting those weights helps them to perform better on the field. For us, the field is your real life, so you’re going to be a better problem solver because of all the [math] training you’ve had.” K-8 Principal Midge Jambor is thrilled to have Brown as part of the HPA ‘ohana. “It’s obvious that he is passionate about kids and he has teaching in his gene pool. He has great energy and such a positive attitude. We feel very lucky to have him.” ■ Editor’s Note: Freelance writer and editor Katie Woods lives in Waimea with her family. MA KE KULA WINTER 2015/16 19

On Stage at Gates Performing Arts Center

Singin’ in the Rain —Simply Delightful! as R.F. Simpson, Erika Horton as Dora Bailey, Curtis McMackin as Rod, Patch Wong as Roscoe Dexter, and HPA faculty members in cameo appearances. Sixteen other HPA students played supporting roles, with 27 more students in the orchestra and assisting with production. HPA theatre instructor Marina Tichotsky was director, music director, and costume desi-

gner. Phillip Cheng was orchestra director, Jared Terpak was technical director, Tani Cordova and Elizabeth McDonald were choreographers, with tap dancing choreography by student Sarah Rouse. Film was by student Daniel Matsumoto, with Ari Bernstein as video advisor. ■

Photos by Patrick O’Leary

Ka Makani Players presented Singin’ in the Rain, “the greatest movie musical of all time,” November 12-15. Based on the iconic 1952 movie of the same name, the Singin’ in the Rain cast featured Tanner Riley as Don Lockwood, Sarah Rouse as Kathy Seldin, Colby Camero as Cosmo Brown, and Christine Ocheltree as Lina Lamont. Also featured were Kaika Painter

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We Come From Everywhere —Learning About Immigration

Photos by Patrick O’Leary

We Come From Everywhere, presented by second and third graders on November 20, celebrated the diverse origins of Americans—from Native Americans to immigrants from around the world. The students learned about immigration and how their families found their way to Hawai‘i; some of the students’ stories and facts were intertwined into the musical. ■

Theseus and the Minotaur

Photos by Patrick O’Leary

Greece was the word in Theseus and the Minotaur, presented by fourth and fifth graders on October 9. Young Prince Theseus, son of Poseidon, entered the labyrinth and saved Athens from the Cretan Minotaur, which was devouring Athenians. ■

Twenty-one seniors tested their comedic skills at the school’s inaugural Student Comedy Night on November 20. The show featured a fun mix of short and entertaining acts. All performers were students in Corey Humphreyʻs semester-long class, Honors English 12: Humor in Literature. “The semester began with students studying literature by David Sedaris, Kurt Vonnegut, Douglas Adams, and others,” said Humphrey. “We also studied comedians and satirical videos; the focus all semester has been the study of the comedian’s implicit argument and the rhetorical and comedic devices used to create this argument” Throughout the course, students researched elements of comedy, experimented with improvisation, wrote jokes, and created visual humor. Audience members voted for Kate Sensenig’s stand-up, Nothing to Say as the evening’s “Most Humorous Act.” ■

Photos by Patrick O’Leary

Bringing Humor in Literature to Life - HPA Launches Student Comedy Night

Left: Chris Rowe demonstrates the art of stand-up in The Jamaican Joker. Center: The audience voted Kate Sensenig’s stand-up, Nothing to Say, as the evening’s “Most Humorous Act.” Right: English teacher Corey Humphrey (in dino suit) and her husband, David Lewis, test their comedic skills as emcees. MA KE KULA WINTER 2015/16 21

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Photo_Patrick O’Leary

The McKendry Era Begins

22 WINTER 2015/16 MA KE KULA

On July 1, Robert McKendry began his tenure as the eleventh head of school at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy. As he completed his first 100 days, McKendry sat down with Ma Ke Kula to outline his key initiatives and to look ahead at things to come.

Where did you go to school K-12 and how would you describe yourself as a student? I attended several schools while growing up in the Pacific Northwest. Enumclaw Elementary, Kapowsin Elementary, Pope Elementary and Ballou Junior High School in Washington State, then Tillamook Junior High School and Tillamook High School in Oregon State. My parents were dairy farmers in those days. They bought and sold three farms, with a short non-farm break in Puyallup, so we moved a lot. I quickly learned to view moves as opportunities; I’ve never been particularly fearful about pulling up stakes and trying something new. I took readily to school from early days, balancing work and play on our farms with steadily greater interest in and commitment to my studies. A bit of a nerd, I cared about doing well, while enjoying an extracurricular mix of athletic and musical pursuits. When did you know you wanted to pursue a life in independent school education? It is somewhat surprising that I found my way to education as a career. Many of us can likely identify with putting teachers on a pedestal; working hard both to get the grade, and to avoid “the look” of disapproval. Combining those feelings with little experience mentoring or teaching younger children, education didn’t seem like the career for me. After nearly 15 years in for-profit business settings, my three-year stint as business manager at Parker School changed all that. This was my first school and non-profit experience. Working at a place so passionate about its mission captivated me, and I was immediately drawn to being part of an effort with such deep and positive meaning. Before long I was chaperoning Lower School trips to Volcano National Park and a high school hike in Haleakala Crater on Maui. Being around the energy of faculty members matured my earlier feelings of healthy fear into deep respect and admiration. The work being done by such talented and committed people was so very meaningful, and I felt privileged to contribute in even the smallest way.

How did you “find” HPA? During my freshman year at University of Oregon, I met Fiona Ednie ʻ89. As we got to know each other, I heard about HPA, and how her parents, Dick and Sandy, worked hard to put their four children through the school. As a public school kid, such commitment to and sacrifice for a school intrigued me, and it told me something about how they viewed the school as special and worthwhile. After stints in Seattle, Michigan, and the San Francisco Bay area, we decided we wanted to raise our family in Waimea. Having now lived here for 12 years, I can say unequivocally there is no place I’d rather be, and nothing else I’d rather be doing! What makes HPA unique? Having visited more than 30 schools in the last year, it is clear to me that HPA brings a unique mix of students, culture and location-based advantages to the world of boarding schools. Families who visit our school find an unusually welcoming culture, and our environmental and cultural aspects bundled with outstanding academic and extracurricular programs combine to put HPA in a category of one. How do you think your financial experience can help HPA? Like any organization with big dreams, HPA has to move into the future with boldness and prudence. We have a relatively complex financial model, which depends largely on tuition and fees and auxiliary revenues, supplemented by the Annual Fund and endowment income. As we see from time to time in the news, schools and universities are facing a range of financial challenges, from uncertain enrollment to increased demand for financial aid to skyrocketing expenses. I’m happy if my financial management experience can help us prioritize the importance of a healthy balance sheet, while also moving forward to make the investments in our program that will position HPA to thrive in the independent school landscape.

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How would you describe the head of school’s role at HPA? In broad terms, my job is to make sure the school is achieving our strategic goals. No one can do that alone, so I see my role as supporting every person’s work at HPA: serving more as the conductor of an orchestra than a musician trying to play each instrument. The job also comes with a lot of “chief” roles, from chief cheerleader to chief storyteller to chief street cleaner. Cheerleading and cleaning? Easy! Now I’m learning how to tell our stories. Time in the classroom and interacting with our students and faculty in other ways invariably provides the best material. How would you describe your management philosophy, management style? My management philosophy is about service. I see my job as serving each person at the school: students, faculty, staff, and our extended ‘ohana. Service takes a number of forms, from creating the kind of working environment that frees people to do their best work with confidence, to fundraising to provide the essential resources for that work. It might seem paradoxical, but service also means maintaining an environment of healthy accountability. As is true of our students, I think most of us do best in a framework of high expectations paired with support, and we owe it to our students to hold adults at HPA to a high standard. Where do fun and family come in? When we can, we enjoy spending time together at the beach, or at the family’s Ahualoa cabin, where we read, pull weeds, fix fences, play with ATVs and clear invasive guava trees. Something about focusing on not cutting off your foot while running a chainsaw for three hours completely clears your mind. We also like camping at Keanakolu, cheering the kids at soccer or volleyball, and playing games at home. What have you enjoyed most about your first 100 days? Cheering on our students and celebrating their many talents and accomplishments! 24 WINTER 2015/16 MA KE KULA

From the open mic at Lava Lounge to persuasive speeches in Ms. Hayslip’s class, from football, cross-country, and volleyball to Singin’ in the Rain, I’ve been rapt with attention, I’ve laughed to the point of tears, and I’ve gotten caught up in emotional moments of victory and defeat. I have to say, though, that one of the best things has been opening car doors at Lower School drop-off on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There is no better way to start a day! What have been your priorities and key initiatives during the first 100 days? HPA has been doing essential work the last several years on programs, and now I’m excited that we are making a deep and thoughtful commitment to nurturing the relationships that will sustain our school over the long term. I aspire to strengthen our school—physically, programmatically, and financially. At the core of our ability to realize this objective is shifting away from tuition dependence to increasing the support we earn from our ‘ohana. What has been the most challenging or surprising part of your new role? I’d have to say the biggest surprise to date is that fundraising is actually enjoyable. I have discovered what an honor and a privilege it is to work with people who are interested in helping HPA be the best it can be. A very pleasant surprise along these lines was receipt of the significant commitment that is allowing us to build a multipurpose covered play area at the Village Campus, and to embark on our long-held dream of bringing Middle School students back to the Upper Campus to take our program to a new level of coordination and cohesion. What is the biggest opportunity? Our biggest opportunity is in the area of sharing our story in clear and compelling ways, not just to our ‘ohana, but to the world as well. We have so many dreams and plans as a school for the preparation of our students. To make them possible, we need

OPENING PHOTO: Welcoming Upper School students back to school at the first assembly of the year. OPPOSITE, Left: Lending a hand at the Village Campus Ulumau Garden workday in November with son, Caleb, and third grader Dylan Vincent. Right: Demonstrating a dance step during flagpole with Upper School math teacher Kristine Dahlquist. TOP, Left: On the road in Japan with host and Odaiba Hilton General Manager Christian Baudat. Center: Attending classes with daughter, Malia, during Parents Weekend. Right: Greeting students during Lower School drop-off. BOTTOM: Connecting with parents, alumni, and friends in Taipei.

addition of grades K-6 and the growth of our local population. We believe that we offer the best, most powerful experience to boarding and day students by holding fast to our boarding school roots.

to connect and share those plans in new ways. Our program is exceptional and getting better, our student body is uniquely diverse, and our location is second to none. Better outreach locally, nationally and internationally will help ensure we are filling our community with students who are best suited to succeed and help others to do so in our environment. With the announcement of a major gift to upgrade the Village Campus and move the Middle School to the Upper Campus, is there a place for Middle School boarding? Absolutely. In the context of returning Middle School students to the Upper Campus after 40 years at the Village Campus, we will be ready as a community to talk about a return to Middle School boarding. At our January planning session for consolidation, I expect Middle School boarding to be a popular topic. How does boarding benefit our day program? We believe (and research shows) that the boarding experience offers material advantages to young people that extend beyond simply better preparation for college. No other population of day students in Hawai‘i has a similar experience, with the kinds of opportunities fostered by our residential life program. Our day students rub shoulders with a critical mass of peers from around the globe. The benefits around this cultural exchange are self-evident, broadening perspectives and generating international connections to last a lifetime. We were founded as a boarding school, and we continue to be at heart a boarding school. Over the years our day program has grown with the

As the school reviews its strategic plan priorities, can you share the timetable for completing this strategic plan update and what’s next? Our 2012 strategic plan, We Are One, prompted us to make significant investments in our program. We are still implementing changes driven by the plan, and the goals outlined in that plan will continue to be relevant for years to come. That is why the current strategic planning cycle is viewed more as a plan revision than the kind of starting-from-scratch process performed in 2011-2012. We will certainly see significant changes and revisions. Starting with recent parent surveys and continuing with focus groups, we are in a data-gathering phase. We anticipate presenting a revised plan at the board’s April 2016 meeting, preparing us to launch new initiatives in the 2016-2017 school year. What are your longer-term goals for the school? I’d like to see the school on firmer financial footing, with fully realized, unique programs built internally and through partnerships with other educational institutions. I also envision a school with sufficient endowment resources to care for our extensive physical plant while fully supporting enrollment of qualified students regardless of their ability to pay tuition. Fifty years from now, how do you hope people will describe your tenure at HPA? I hope that people will say we openly met the challenges of the day, converted them into opportunities, and continually built on the solid foundation of our legacy to make HPA stronger, more institutionally confident in our identity and place in the world, and ultimately to earn a place as one of the top independent school options for any student, anywhere. ■ MA KE KULA WINTER 2015/16 25

Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy Welcomes New Head of School

Robert McKendry Fun Facts First job: Pigeon bounty hunter. As a boy, I took a lot of pride in keeping the hay barn clear of pigeons so our cattle could eat clean hay in the winter. Favorite color: Blue-green. My favorite color since grade school, I truly saw it in real life for the first time while flying over the Kohala Coast, descending into Kona airport. Favorite food(s): A local grass-fed beef hamburger with ALL the fixings. Favorite author(s): J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, because they opened up new worlds. Recently, I’ve enjoyed Chip and Dan Heath, as well as Jim Collins, for the wisdom they have to offer for exploring new worlds of possibilities today. Book(s) I’m reading now: The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and the Golden Age of Journalism by Doris Kearns Goodwin. Music I’m listening to now: Ao Vivo, a wonderful live jazz album by Natasha Patamapongs ‘03 and her band, Mello Motif. Favorite cartoon character: As a kid, the whole Looney Tunes gang. Today, I’d have to go with Gromit of Wallace and Gromit, or Shaun the Sheep. Hobbies: I have this romantic vision of being a gardener and living off the land. My mother always had huge gardens growing up, but my pursuit of gardening has been more episodic. To actually qualify as a hobby, gardening might have to wait for retirement at this point, or until the kids go off to college. Meanwhile, I read and fix minor things around the house. Something that might surprise you about me: I played alto saxophone in the University of Oregon marching band and tenor in the basketball pep band— good times!

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Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy kicked off the 2015-2016 school year with the installation of new Head of School Robert McKendry. The installation ceremony, attended by all employees, school trustees, McKendry family members, student, alumni, and parent representatives, and friends, was held on Friday, August 7, at HPA’s Davies Chapel. Kumu Kuwalu Anakalea offered an opening chant. The Reverend Diana Akiyama presided and Gregory R. Mooers, HPA Board of Trustees chair, commissioned McKendry as HPA’s eleventh Head of School. “We viewed it as our job to hire as our chief executive officer a leader who, in addition to having a wealth of passion and commitment, was familiar with and approving of the HPA of today…the foundation on which we will build the HPA of tomorrow, without losing the momentum on a variety of initiatives we now enjoy,” said Mooers. “We believe we have succeeded in finding such a leader. For myriad reasons, we see Robert as just the right person at this point in the history of HPA.” McKendry joined HPA as chief financial officer in 2010. He previously served as Parker School’s business manager and treasurer on Hawai‘i Island and also held public accounting and private sector financial management positions in Michigan, California, and Hawai‘i. He earned his degrees in finance, management, and accounting from the University of Oregon and Baker College. He and his wife, Fiona Ednie McKendry ’89, have two children at HPA.

Gregory R. Mooers (right), Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy Board of Trustees chair, congratulates new Head of School Robert McKendry during McKendry’s installation ceremony held on Friday, August 8, at the school’s Davies Chapel.

“Young people need places full of people who care about them; safe and nurturing, and also vibrant, challenging and stretching,” said McKendry. “HPA is that kind of place, and I meet alumni all around the world who carry with them a deep sense of appreciation for their years at HPA. It is my honor to support this crucible. To pour myself out in a life’s work of love and care for the people who give so much to help students really live.” ■

The McKendry Family, clockwise from front: Caleb ‘23, Fiona ‘89, Robert, and Malia ‘21.

Giving Back to Our School and to Our Community Thanksgiving Baskets, Food Drives, and a Cash Donation

Upper School Service Days Students and teachers worked on various service projects around Hawai‘i Island on September 18 and November 13. Projects included painting with Habitat for Humanity, assisting at Waimea Nature Park, cleaning up a local theater, and more!

Students in grades K-12 shared their blessings with island families this Thanksgiving. Lower School students (top) collected non-perishable food for the Waimea Food Pantry, while Middle School advisories created 12 beautiful food baskets for the Annunication Catholic Church in Waimea. Eighth grade volunteers (standing right) Umikoa Kealoha, Paloma Field, Anna Sorensen, Scout Johnston, Hikari Shaver, Todd Hill, and Middle School teacher Julie Camarillo delivered the baskets to church representatives on November 24. The Upper School Student Council also raised $350 for the Waimea Food Pantry. ■

Happiness is… Spending the Day with Friends HPA’s seventh graders recently visited their young friends at Small World Preschool in Waimea as part of an ongoing “buddy” program between the two schools. The older students played with the preschoolers and later read books with their young friends. ■

LEFT: Kaija Cooper reads to Vincent Jakus-Prunet and Hailey Domingo. RIGHT: Kaden Parker (left) and Koa Higgins push cars driven by Riley Taga and Jeremy Kamakea.

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HPAstudentcouncil Will White ‘16 President

Everyone at HPA knew the 2015-2016 fall semester was going to be different. Under new Head of School Robert McKendry and an executive student council with three of four members new to student government, nobody knew quite what to expect. However, this is HPA; what we did know is that it would be excellent, and the guessing was about the ways in which it would be so. It began when the residential program welcomed a record 80-plus new boarding students to Waimea. When the goodbyes to parents were all said and done, returning students and veteran dorm parents alike lauded the ensuing weekend of bonding activities as “the most fun I’ve had to kick off a year yet.” Soon the excitement transformed to focus as the HPA community settled into the academic year. But we all know that focus wanes with academic attrition, and HPA takes pride in instilling a sense of life balance in its students, providing ample

opportunity to let loose, relax, and enjoy the simple pleasures of high school and Hawai‘i Island life. Weekend hiking, camping, and beach going have seen an increase in participation this year, and student council is perfecting the art of putting on dances. November’s bayou-themed Fall Ball enjoyed a resoundingly positive response, and was said to be a step up from the previous year’s event. Having so many wonderful opportunities, the HPA community understands the importance of gratitude. HPA goes the extra mile by acting on its thankfulness, and putting it to use in our island community. On September 18 and November 13, HPA students and teachers took their Fridays off to work on various service projects around Hawai‘i Island, ranging from building houses with Habitat for Humanity, to picking up trash at the beach, to cleaning up a local theater. Ultimately, it takes money for HPA to provide the full range of experiences that makes it unique, and students know this. This is the reason fundraising at HPA is so efficient and fun. HPA’s annual Pumpkin Patch brings students of each class together for a Sunday of manning booths, and volunteering to bring in funds for our school. Whether HPA students are peddling drinks out of portable coolers, or assisting buyers at the

2015 International Coastal Cleanup

booming senior auction, the desire to give back for what they have received drives their involvement. Given the strength of school pride among HPA students, it’s no surprise that October’s Spirit Week was nothing short of spectacular. It began with Pajama Day and a brief, unplanned Monday morning dance party at assembly. Next came the traditional Tacky Tourist Tuesday, followed by Way Back Wednesday, and Twin Thursday. The festivities reached their climax on Friday, October 29, on Halloween Costume Day, which featured a group of HPA faculty as expertly-recreated Mad Max characters storming the Friday flagpole assembly on a tricked-out golf cart, and various other impressive feats of Halloween madness. The energy continued with a Saturday night 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on-campus horror movie marathon; it took a whole sleepless night to bring the spirit back to civilized levels this year. As we move into the next semester, HPA looks forward to more things that made the first semester great. Student council can always count on the widespread enthusiasm of the HPA student body to make its initiatives thrive. We can expect another unforgettable installment of HPA Olympics, and more of the activities and attitudes that give the community its stellar reputation. ■

Students Share Their Passion for “Will to Give” Seventh graders Camille Helmuth and Katie Kuyper recently presented a check for $580 to Mango Medical Foundation for the New Hope Children’s Orphanage in Swaziland. The students heard about the local non-governmental organization (NGO) and its work in Swaziland during a presentation in Matt Piercy’s social studies class last year. Helmuth and Kuyper were passionate about supporting the work of the foundation and orphanage and decided to study Swaziland and raise funds as part of their “Will to Give project”.

The Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor team gather around debris found in the area. About 80 HPA students in grades four, five, and seven, and 12 teachers and parent volunteers, recently participated in the annual International Coastal Cleanup sponsored by The Ocean Conservancy. The students, who focused their efforts at Spencer Beach Park, Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor, and Kawaihae Surf Park gathered 800 pounds of debris, including 848 cigarette butts, 373 plastic and metal bottle caps, and 161 food wrappers. The students also gathered 138 yards of fishing line, 55 yards of rope, 192 beverage bottles and cans, bedsprings and car axles. Seventh graders analyzed and documented their findings. The International Coastal Cleanup is the world’s largest volunteer effort for oceans and waterways. Volunteers of all ages from every continent remove trash and record specific types of marine debris being collected, allowing The Ocean Conservancy to compile, analyze, and track this data year-by-year and make discoveries about the behaviors that cause the debris. ■ 28 WINTER 2015/16 MA KE KULA

L to r: Molly Harris, Susan Scanlon, Amy Duerler, Matt Piercy (back), Camille Helmuth, Katie Kuyper, Midge Jambor, and Timothy Duerler. Midge Jambor, K-8 principal, and Piercy also attended the check presentation at Mango Medical, where the group learned more about the foundation and received many expressions of appreciation for the students’ work. ■

Celebrating Makahiki The Middle School held its Makahiki games on November 24 at the Waimea Park. Students from Kanu o ka ‘Āina also supported the event, which was a qualifying event for the Kā Moku o Keawe Makahiki in Waimea on January 16, 2016. Makahiki is a holiday covering four consecutive lunar months, from October or November through February or March. The focus of the season is to celebrate the bounty of the land. In ancient Hawai‘i, many religious ceremonies occurred during this time. Work stopped and commoners made offerings to the chief, or aliʻi, and spent time competing in sports, feasting, dancing and renewing communal bonds. Warfare was forbidden during the four lunar months of the Makahiki season. ■

Cultural Exchange Brings Students Together Students from Hiroshima’s Kokutaiji High School Visit HPA

In an unprecedented school event, 40 students from Japan flew for a visit to HPA on October 14, completing the first cycle of an ongoing travel partnership between Hiroshima’s Kokutaiji High school, and our very own Ka Makani. In March 2015, four HPA students—Riccardo Falco ’16, Clarence Chardeau ’16, Jin Wei ’16, and I—got the ball rolling with a campus tour and homestay experience in Hiroshima with Kokutaiji students and their families. A few months later, an impressively large group of many of the same students who received us rolled into Waimea ready to have the favor returned. We were privileged to welcome our hosts turned visitors, and helped lead tours and activities, as they did for my friends and me in March.

By Will White ‘16

As student body president, I’ve developed a fondness for public speaking, and was very excited to give my first welcome speech in a foreign language. What was even more exciting was sharing my home and school with such a genuinely interested and gracious audience throughout the day. We laughed through the language barrier, reveled in the richness of the HPA community and in the beauty of our island, and enjoyed together a day of cultural exchange that made me just that much more proud to call myself an HPA student. ■ Editor’s Note: In March 2016, a group of HPA students will again visit the Kokutaiji Campus as part of HPA’s OurWorld travel program. MA KE KULA WINTER 2015/16 29

HPAohanaassociation

Parents Weekend 2015 Brings Hundreds of Parents to Campus

Pamela Heitz, President pamelaheitz@sbcglobal.net

“Teamwork divides the task and multiplies the success!” —Unknown The purpose of the HPA ‘Ohana Association is not only to support HPA in its mission to provide exceptional learning opportunities for its students, but to bring parents and families together to enjoy the HPA aloha spirit. This year the ‘Ohana Association has been busy bringing parents, students, teachers, and staff together for many events. We started the school year with our E Komo Mai (“welcome” in Hawaiian) events. Once again we had two separate events for our families, one at the Upper Campus and one at the Village Campus. Each year this event continues to be a great way for new families to meet current families and new keiki finding new friends while listening to some great music and grabbing a bite to eat. This is a tradition that will continue on for many years to come! The ‘Ohana Association also came together to say “thank you” to our amazing teachers. This year we tried something new for the teachers at the Upper Campus—we gave them two days of goodies and massages! Needless to say it was a HUGE hit! We also gave the Village Campus teachers Starbucks gift cards. For the next Teacher Appreciation in April, we will give the Village Campus teachers massages and goodies and the Upper Campus teachers will receive Starbucks gift cards. Last but not least PUMPKIN PATCH 2015! This year we all came together, kept together and worked together for SUCCESS! With more than 10,000 people attending from around the island we provided a great opportunity for the community to spend the day with their families while experiencing the HPA Aloha Spirit. The money raised will help student clubs, groups, and athletics along with scholarship monies for the OurWorld travel abroad program! We are already planning for Pumpkin Patch 2016, if you are interested in volunteering your time we would love to hear from you!

Hundreds of parents from near and far were on campus for Parents Weekend 2015. Highlights on opening day, October 15 included class visits at the Middle and Upper Schools, Head of School coffee talks, presentations by Dale Stephens, founder of UnCollege (“Create Your Own Educational Experience”), and HPA guidance counselors (“Strengthening and Supporting Student Success: What Every Parent Needs to Know”), a special lunch at both campuses, and a residential program meeting for boarding parents. The much-anticipated Upper School Performing Arts Showcase at Gates Performing Arts Center capped off a wonderful day!

Lower School students enjoyed an enriching day on October 16 with school specialists in physical education, music, library, art, Hawaiian studies, and garden, as parent conferences commenced at the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools. A huge mahalo (thank you) to our parents for joining us at Parents Weekend 2015. We look forward to seeing you at Parents Weekend 2016! ■

Another Record-Breaking Day for Pumpkin Patch!

‘Ohana Association board members Kelly Brennan, Heidi Emmons, Pamela Heitz, president; and Diane O’Toole presented Head of School Robert McKendry a check for $51,000—raised at this year’s Pumpkin Patch—at the Upper School assembly on November 9, 2015. In December, we were very excited to offer many more opportunities for our families to come together. On December 1, we hosted the Village Campus lighting event with musical entertainment by the Middle School handbell choir, directed by Georgia Poláková, along with ʻukulele performances by Dagan Bernstein’s after school class. Families enjoyed hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and other goodies. We also had fun on December 5 at the annual Waimea Christmas Parade, where we enjoyed the parade from our big tent while enjoying hot chocolate and goodies! Thank you to everyone who joined us for a great evening! We closed 2015 with a general ʻOhana Association meeting on December 8 at the Isaacs Art Center with special guest speakers Head of School Robert McKendry and Will Zucker, HPA’s Director of Annual Fund. ■ 30 WINTER 2015/16 MA KE KULA

More than 10,000 people from around the island were on campus for the HPA ʻOhana Associations 24th Annual Pumpkin Patch on October 18. The popular community event featured familiar favorites and a new Keiki Korral for children under five, which included a bouncy house, keiki maze, games, and a petting zoo. Also new this year was a waterpark with five giant waterslides, and a White Elephant sale! There was plenty of mouth-watering food, a new food court with indoor seating, and amazing entertainment all day long! Mahalo to all of our volunteers and to everyone who joined us at this year’s event! ■

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Coachescorner

Boys Cross-Country Wins HHSAA DII & BIIF DII Championships

Stephen L. Perry Athletic Director

The girls volleyball team finished BIIF play in second place for Division II with outstanding matches against Pahoa and Konawaena. Senior Kau‘i Taylor (top) and sophomore Madi Lee led the way throughout with their all-around play. At HHSAA, the girls played well with a straight set win over Pahoa and losses to Damien and Kapa‘a high schools.

Photo courtesy Tony McCafferty

Girls Volleyball Finishes Strong at HHSAA

The boys team pulled away at the Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) Championships at Kamehameha on October 24, earning the DII BIIF title. Senior Nate Ladwig (pictured right) and sophomore Ilan Naibryf led the way with outstanding runs. On October 31, the HPA boys team finished in eighth place overall and won the DII title at the Hawai‘i High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) Championships held at Seabury Hall on Maui. Ladwig medaled with a 12th-place finish. ■

The girls dominated the BIIF Championships at Kamehameha on October 24 and came away with a convincing win for the BIIF title. Freshman Emi Higgins and sophomore Zoe McGinnis (pictured right) led the way with outstanding runs. One week later, the HPA girls team finished in eighth place overall and finished second in DII at the HHSAA Championships held at Seabury Hall on Maui. ■

Cheerleaders Compete for the First Time This fall season saw the HPA Cheerleaders compete in the BIIF for the first time ever. Coach MJ Allison’s squad members did an outstanding job supporting the football team during the season while also preparing for their own competitions. Seniors Jessica Oh and Catharine Gussman led the way with wonderful performances. Great job to all! ■ 32 WINTER 2015/16 MA KE KULA

Football Falls to Kamehameha in Playoffs The football team finished off the BIIF season with a semifinal loss at Kamehameha. Anthony Palleschi (left) and Alex Brost led the way with their outstanding two-way play throughout the exciting season. A wonderful group of 16 seniors will be missed moving forward. ■

Photo courtesy Patrick O’Leary

Photo courtesy Mauirunner.com

Girls Cross-Country Wins BIIFs

HPA Girls Soccier Team Named 2014-2015 NSCAA High School Team Academic Award Recipient The girls soccer team was recognized by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) with the 2014-2015 High School Team Academic Award. The NSCAA annually recognizes high school soccer programs that have excelled in the classroom, in addition to their performance on the field. The Ka Makani soccer team was one of 398 teams (150 boys, 248 girls) nationwide recognized for exemplary performance in the classroom as a team during the 2014-2015 academic year. Among these programs are 51 schools receiving honors for both their boys and girls teams. To qualify for this award, the team must have a minimum grade point average of 3.25 for the entire academic year. The team GPA is determined by adding every player’s GPA, then dividing by the number of players. The National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) administers an extensive high school awards and recognition program which includes Coach of the Year, All-America, long-term service, and special recognition awards designed to recognize excellence in soccer, academics, and service to the game. In all, nearly

11,000 awards are presented by the NSCAA each year for high school, college and youth soccer programs. These awards and recognition are available only to NSCAA member coaches and their players. For more information about the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, visit www.NSCAA.com. ■

Johnson, Ravaglia are Top Finishers in Bieni Fun Run and Dog Walk About 150 runners, walkers, and friendly canines participated in the Fifth Annual Bieni 5K Fun Run and Dog Walk on September 20, at the HPA cross-country course. Overall winner was Ryan Johnson, son of Bieni Kohler-Johnson with a time of 22:39.30. Sylvia Ravaglia was the top female finisher with a time of 24:01.26. For the second year in a row, first dog was “Ernie” and his human Ricci Bezona with a time of 31:54. Bieni Kohler-Johnson, who graduated from HPA in 1983, passed away in June 2009 after a valiant battle against breast cancer. All net proceeds from the event fund the annual Bieni Kohler-Johnson ’83 Scholarship at HPA, which currently recognizes four young women who are gifted in athletics, academics, or the arts; who understand their responsibility to work hard to develop and share those gifts; and who demonstrate a sincere commitment and willingness to go the “extra mile” for friends, family, or a worthy cause. Mahalo to all the participants, volunteers, major sponsors Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Kukuipahu Ranch, and to event organizers Liz ’83 and Mark Noetzel. ■

About 150 runners, walkers, and friendly canines participated in the Fifth Annual Bieni 5K Fun Run and Dog Walk on Sunday, Sept. 20, at the HPA cross-country course.

Left: Ryan Johnson, son of Bieni Kohler-Johnson, was the overall winner with a time of 22:39.30. Center: Sylvia Ravaglia was the top female finisher with a time of 24:01.26. Right: First dog, “Ernie,” and his human, Ricci Bezona, with a time of 31:54.

MA KE KULA WINTER 2015/16 33

[alumni] Profile

Elliot Kastner ‘09

Elliot’s Big Brainchild

OBOT TEAMS playing football might be a competitive league sport in the far future. But in today’s world, if any real Star Wars droid wore a jockstrap, Elliot Kastner’s robotic practice dummy likely could juke ‘em out of it. Kastner’s Mobile Virtual Player, or MVP, is still in the prototype stages, but its value might prove to be the salvation of football, a sport beset by increasing concerns, including the debilitating long-term effects of concussions. At Dartmouth College, the MVP already has proven its worth to Kastner’s former team. Along with an existing policy of no-tackling between players during practice, the Dartmouth team has seen “an 80 percent reduction” in concussions, according to head football coach Buddy Teevens. Another real advantage for the Big Green team is the dose of reality a moveable tackle dummy provides in practice. Unlike static tackling dummies, the MVP can dart in any direction, and can stop and go faster than just about any human. And just as any self-righting robot should be able to do, the MVP repeatedly gets knocked on its can, and bounces back for more. “Since the MVP has joined practices (beginning this fall), the team has seen a marked reduction in missed tackles,” said Kastner. For a former defensive tackle like Kastner, that statistic is sweet indeed. Designing and building a robot for tackling practice isn’t something Kastner really thought about while a student at HPA. Achieving All-BIIF honors in football, wrestling, and discus occupied his waking hours when he wasn’t studying. Still, Kastner was surprised to join the Dartmouth College football team and find a no-tackling-during-practice policy in effect. The 6ʻ3, 270-lb. defensive lineman quickly adapted though, and played for five years in college, excelling through several seasons even as injuries kept him off the field for many games. In his senior year, 20122013, Kastner won Dartmouth football’s Lester R. Godwin award, given “to the senior football player who, through extraordinary perseverance, has risen above personal disadvantage to contribute measurably to the team.” At Dartmouth’s Thayer School of Engineering, all seniors must undertake a yearlong project that incorporates a solid business plan, realworld mentors, and an engineering solution to a problem that no one has really addressed. Kastner and his engineering partner, former Dartmouth

34 WINTER 2015/16 MA KE KULA

By Andrew Perala ‘72 Photos Courtesy Elliot Kastner ‘09

rugby player Quinn Connell, thought a robotic tackling dummy for the Dartmouth football and rugby teams might be just the ticket. They lined up the support of head football coach Buddy Teevens, found a mentor in Thayer’s research engineer John Currier, and were off, as they say, to the races. The first MVP rolled along on a ball, kind of like the BB-8 droid in the current Star Wars movie – The Force Awakens. That first prototype moved adequately, but was slow. Prototype Two was better. But Prototype Three, with multi-directional, powered wheels to roll on, is the fastest yet, managing a respectable 4.8 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Yes, there still are the glitches that need to be worked out by Kastner and his team that challenge the MVP almost daily. But the MVP has a relatively simple design, and that keeps repairs and upgrades simple. Exactly how simple Kastner won’t say – it’s a trade secret, he says, as he apologizes for not being able to tell Ma Ke Kula how, exactly, the MVP works. But a more simple design produces a more robust product at a better price. Building a reliable product that will be available to players of all ages is a key goal for Kastner and his partners, who are in the process of legally protecting Kastnerʻs invention.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Elliot Kastner ‘09 and the MVP. Photo courtesy Trys Wykes. LEFT: Elliot Kaster ‘09 (left) and engineering partner Quinn Connell work on the dummy. RIGHT: The MVP team on their way to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. L to r: Coach Buddy Eugene Teevens, John Currier, John Cramer, Dartmouth Public Relations; Elliot Kastner ‘09, and Molly Stifler, MVP supporter.

LEFT: On October 8, Elliot Kastner ‘09 and Coach Buddy Teevens appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, who donned shoulder pads and helmet before tackling the MVP. Watch the segment: www.cbs.com/shows/the-late-show-withstephen-colbert/video/79B99F13-C7E4-FA9A-38B8-4ADF791940E3/stephenfinally-gets-to-tackle-a-robot/ RIGHT: Testing an early MVP prototype at Dartmouth’s Memorial Field. L to r: Quinn Connell, Elliot Kastner ‘09, Coach Buddy Teevens, and John Currier.

Their company still is developing a full business plan, including such difficult to project future what-ifs like length of warranty, parts that can replaced on the field, and which factory to choose. The savings in concussion injuries both for the players and the team’s insurance coverage make a lot of sense. Kastner and team hope to tap into an estimated 100,000 teams playing in youth, school, college and professional leagues in the U.S. At HPA, as at many other schools and colleges nationwide, the threat of concussions are taken extremely seriously. The school’s active program to prevent, recognize, and treat concussions has meant the absence of star Ka Makani players in key competitions in recent years. That kind of approach, where you treat everyone in your circle as members of extended family (and a mainstay of the HPA experience), is something that also is preset at Dartmouth, Kastner said. “It’s almost like an ʻohana (family) here,” Kastner said. “A lot like HPA.” Everyone knows that athletes get injured while practicing, while playing games and matches. The release forms that athletes, and in cases of youth, their parents, must sign to participate stipulate that risk.

One of the worst injuries to strike an athlete, though, is one that might not show serious effects until later, sometimes years later. According to some surveys, concussions are likely to hit up to 75 percent of football players in a career. With the likelihood of repeated concussions leading to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) or post-concussion syndrome (PCS) later in life with reduced cognitive and physical abilities among other health effects, coaching staffs everywhere, including at HPA, are exploring every possible avenue to reduce the risk of concussion. Men are not the only athletes at risk. The injury is an equal opportunity debilitator. According to a study published in the 2007-2008 Journal of Athletic Training, women face a higher risk of concussion than men in soccer and basketball, and take “much longer than boys for concussion symptoms to resolve and return to play.” Besides football, rugby, and soccer, there are other likely opportunities for an MVP-type of robotic practice assistant in other sports, “sports we haven’t thought of yet,” Kastner said. The team, he said, welcomes all opportunities for expansion into other sports. Worldwide, the French national rugby team has been using a six-legged “scrumbot” for the past several years. That massive spider-like robot is exceedingly powerful, and exceptionally slow. Not so Kastner’s MVP. The machine has already made major steps in conquering the marketing world. In October, coach Teevens, Kastner, and the MVP were highlighted guests on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The famously tongue-in-cheek comedian/talk show host had some fun with the trio. “This isn’t part of the wussification of the American sportscape?” Colbert asked as he donned shoulder pads and helmet in preparation for tackling the MVP. Colbert put on his game face, made a respectable charge, and knocked down the MVP. Sure enough, the plucky virtual player popped back up, ready for the next tackle. ■ 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.

MA KE KULA WINTER 2015/16 35

Aloha from the Alumni Office! The 2015-2016 school year has been an exciting one, as we have connected with so many of you on the road and back here on campus. Thank you to all our HPA ‘ohana for joining us in cities across the globe this fall, including Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Bangkok! As Head of School Robert McKendry mentioned, he was thrilled to see the HPA spirit well and alive in so many places. If we missed you this year, have no fear! We are currently working on our spring event schedule and will share dates, when confirmed. If you are interested in hosting or assisting with an event in your area, please e-mail us at alumni@hpa.edu. If you haven’t saved the date already, the 2016 HPA Alumni Reunion is scheduled for the weekend of June 2-5, 2016. Classes ending in the 1s and 6s will be coming together to plan their celebrations. If you’re at all interested in joining in the organizing, send us an e-mail; otherwise we will just plan to see you back on campus in June. Stay tuned for registration information and more details soon! I am also thrilled to share the news that starting January 1, 2016, Patrick O’Leary will become an official member of the Advancement Team as Director of Alumni Relations. Patrick has served in a range of teaching capacities at HPA since 2005, including social studies department chair and teacher of Hawaiian history, photojournalism, yearbook, and digital photography, as well as serving as the photo editor for the school’s website, and staff photographer for the Public Relations department. In every position that he has held, Patrick has made an indelible mark on those that are lucky enough to work and/or be taught by him. We truly are delighted that he will lend his passion for our school to our efforts! Patrick is the son of Mrs. Roberta Payne O’Leary ‘61 and Mr. Thomas O’Leary. His wife Hui-Chun works in College Counseling, and the family lives on campus with their daughter HaiChi ‘23 and their son Imaikalani. ■ With best wishes,

Sarah Thiesse Schorn ‘98

Alumni Relations and Communications Coordinator

36 WINTER 2015/16 MA KE KULA

[alumni news] 1960s

1970s

LEE JETTE ’61 shares, “I have, at age 73, started acting in a local community playhouse. A bit part to be sure, but fun!”

IN MEMORIAM CHRIS COMER ‘63

BILL JARDINE ’63 shared these thoughts in memory of his classmate: “Chris Comer, one of the best tackles HPA has ever had lost his battle with cancer in early October. I admired Chris quite a lot and remember his determination and toughness best of all. He was quiet, thin and tough as leather. He was always the smallest guy on the football team, and they put him on the offensive line in spite of his small size. By half time the big guys who had been towering over him were limping, he was covered with dirt from head to toe and grinning like a fool. Those who would like to send a thought, a remembrance and aloha to his wife, Laura, may get his email address from Yours Truly (billjardine@gmail.com).” TOM SOFOS ’69 shares the following news from the Class of 1969: “JOHN GUARD has moved his Pet Shop one block away after 40 years in the same location. He is also recovering from a hip replacement, and is a grandfather for the fourth time. He spent time this summer with JIM ALGER at his home in Utah. PAUL CLEGHORN is a grandfather for the first time. STEVE MUNI reports he is almost fully recovered from his heart surgery and is working part-time pouring and discussing wine. (My dream job. That and growing olives.) RUSSELL BAILEY married off another daughter this summer.”

HENRI MINETTTE ’70 shares, “Left private practice as an attorney and am now general counsel for the Center for Diagnostic Imaging, a national medical imaging company. Trying to convince my company that we need to develop a Hawaii business. One kid done with college, but contemplating grad school. The other is a junior at the Univeristy of Minnesota. She is a business major so there is reasonable hope for employment when she graduates. Still living in Minneapolis, although we make it back to Kona almost every spring for a couple weeks of decompression and ono kau kau. My kids think it is part of their birthright.”

DENICE SHEFFER shares the following news from the Class of 1972: “Life is great isn’t it? Most of us are aging gracefully although some are sliding in to home plate on all fours. My husband Marty and I flew to Kaua’i for a week and had a great Pickin’ in the Park Happy Enchilada band reunion with many friends and band mates. We were also asked to play our homegrown bluegrass music on the KKCR radio station in Hanalei. Marty is now working for the Portland Marriott City Center as Sous Chef and loving it. I am looking for another new and exciting position, or retirement. Not sure which! All’s well and we are enjoying keeping Portland weird. NEVILLE BAYLY visited the area in August, and it was great to see her. We also get to connect with LORING HOWELL a few times a year. Portland, OR is a great place to be!

Big AL SIEMER says ‘I’m sure that by now you’ve heard that I’m in Ecuador and have seen my posts on Facebook. I came here in June on a mission trip and spent some time at an orphanage in a small town called Shell. I got a pretty clear message from God that I needed to return, so I did, and will be here until my son, Christian, graduates in May. The orphanage, Casa de Fe, is a home for abandoned, abused and special needs children. We have children ranging from newborns to 18 year olds. The government drops kids off without any warning so our numbers are always changing. My primary responsibility is to help the orphanage get back on stable financial footing but I also tutor English and read to the handicapped kids every day. It has been a challenge, especially reading in Spanish after nearly 50 years removed from living in Uruguay, but the children make it all worth it. I’m planning on moving to Hawi in October of next year and finally re-growing my island roots. With neighbors like Christi, Lani, Nevi, Andy, Neil and Mike, we should be able to generate some good stories. Greggipoo claims he intends to move in and mooch off me once the house is built; does anyone know a good hit man? Maybe rat poison would be more appropriate. Well, that’s the latest from me. Hope all is well in your neck of the woods. Vaya con Dios, Big Al.’ DAVID GALLAND is south of the border also! ‘Back in Argentina preparing for a four day ride in the Andes. These rides, called ‘Cabalgatas” tend to be fairly grueling affairs. I’ll take an extra horse as a back up. I have recently reconnected with MICK MATHEWSON and GREG RAND... what a pleasure.’ Thoughts of prayer and condolences go to CHRISTI MORGAN and her family for the loss of her father. He is well remembered by several members of the HPA family. Healing wishes also go out to GARY KARR’s wife Elise who is recovering from a stroke. She’s on the mend at home now and is getting better every day. EDIE KAWAI always has great baby news! She says ‘My younger son, Kala, and his wife, Sara, are expecting a second child in May!! Waiting for the surprise!! Luv n hugs XOXOXOXO!!!!” Babies are wonderful!’ JAN MCCORMICK says, ‘The only news on the McCormick front is work-work-work. Dollywood’s DreamMore resort opened to rave reviews in July. My company is buying a

small boutique hotel in Boston...I’m doing the transition and then will oversee going forward. Way too much travel in Q4 for my liking. Anyway... Still living in Tennessee... My girls love it... Will decide next year if it’s permanent. Planning on being back in Hawaii after a long hiatus in 2017. I want my daughter to see HPA. Blessings to all, Jan.’

Laurie Anderson line is a poignant plea against inaction: “Your silence will be considered your consent.”

MICK MATTHEWSON writes that he’s ‘still flying the world…. saw F-15 strike Eagles loaded with bombs take off to bomb Syria. I am eating more fiber and am now VERY happy. Other than being harassed by Rand’s phone calls….. Mom (former Peasley secretary at HPA) is approaching 96. Even with dementia, funny, insightful and full of Ho’o mali mali. Ciao, Baby THE Mick’

DEBORAH DEMPSEY LANDSTRASS ’74 recently got married and went back to her maiden name.

JOHNNY DAVIS is en-route to Maui to defend his Xterra World Championship AARP+10 title on November 1, 2015. Well wishes from all!

As for the rest of the class of ‘72, I am assuming that everyone else is hiding out from the FEDS? Good plan! Next year let’s all file for our Social Security!”

MICHAEL TAVARES ’75 shares “It has been quite a while since I have submitted an update. My wife, Joni, and I have been in Leavenworth, Kansas for more than 19 years now. I am fast approaching retirement from the Department of the Army for the second time. I remain active as a Mason and Shriner. The best news is that we now have four grandchildren. Three wonderful girls (6 yr, 4 yr, and 6 month old) and a very active 3 year old boy. We plan to take a trip to Hawaii in 2017 so I hope to be able to see some of you then.”

1980s

ROBERT MORGAN says, ‘Our family understands climate change as an important issue in our lives. We began to be more conscious of environmental degradation, especially CO2 pollution causing global warming, with the severe drought in California these past years. In September we traveled to Miami to attend a Climate Reality Project Training (climatereality project.org) with Al Gore and feel so fortunate we were able to participate. It was an awesome experience! Along with 1,200 others, we had three intense and life-changing days with Al Gore and expert speakers addressing the causes and consequences of climate change. My two sons, Owen and Cameron, were among onehundred students from around the world who attended and were reminders that all parents and grandparents are stewards of the future. We committed to at least ten actions to educate others about the dire effects of global warming. I urge everyone to advocate for legislation—like the Clean Power Plan and a carbon tax on polluters (and YES, solar power for all Hawaii, for all of us!) --to help abate global warming. An apropos

STEVE WALKER ‘80 continues to serve as a Foreign Service Officer with the Department of State. His current assignment is Consul General in Basrah, Iraq. JENI MCKENZIE LEGUIZAMON ’88 shares, “In the process of separating after 17 yrs, living here in LA still. Enjoying watching my soccer prodigy daughter grow up and experience life. Already being scouted at 7 yrs old! We are proud! Miss Hawaii Nei and glad to reconnect with ERICK BACKMAN ‘89, LORI CARLSON ’89 and ROGER MATHEY ‘87! Wish to see more HPA’rs here. Got an autographed ball from MAX UNGER ‘04 via Erik Backman, mahalo plenty! Would love to see anyone and do a HPA reunion here in L.A. or San Diego! Still playing soccer and coaching Isabella Anuhea’s team. Love to all especially my homegirls Fish, Kukio 1 and Sisker!” MA KE KULA WINTER 2015/16 37

1990s SUMMER ARONSON ’98 shares “My husband and our two kids (7 and 4) have been living in London for several years. Missing Hawaii but life on this side of the pond is great! I work as the Director of Communications for Midwives For Haiti, an NGO training Haitian midwives and delivering high impact maternal and infant health projects in Haiti.”

2000s PAULINA OLDMEN KAM ‘02 shares, “I’m about to launch an Indiegogo campaign to crowdfund my first feature length film, Barranko City, set to be filmed in Lima, Peru in February 2017. The film is about a 22 year old who gets mugged, and the adolescent boy who mugs her. The campaign is called, ‘Barranko City, Freshman Feature Film,’ and goes live 11/11. I’m also publishing a 13 episode series on Tumblr, intended to generate buzz for the Indiegogo campaign. The first episode will be released November 15, 2015. I intend to post the following twelve episodes every Sunday at 11:11 am, the finale coinciding with Super Bowl 50. It is about addiction, celebrity, mental illness, New York City, interconnectedness, surviving in your own skin, and so much more. I’m looking for major support as I am ‘coming out’ as bi polar in a world where the negative stigma prefers I don’t. You can find “Dream Hour W/ POK” on Tumblr under @barrankocityfilms.”

Motif on their website: http://www.mellowmotif. com/ or Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ mellowmotifjazz

HPAgatherings

REBECCA CONCANNON ‘04 shared this photo of Lillian, the newest member of her family!

CAYENNE CLARKE ’05 shares “I left Maui to go on a adventure around the country, I’ve been on the road for about two months and have visited friends and family in five states. I’m currently in California helping my little brother, KEKOA ‘09, with his recovery from a major motorcycle accident last year. I will be in California for an indeterminate amount of time.” EVAN MONIZ ’05 recently was married to his wife, Shiho.

Washington, D.C.: 10/11

Tokyo, Japan: 10/21

2010s ANGIE SHUMOV ’13 is a junior in the school of communications at American University in Washington, D.C. She is currently studying abroad in Madrid, Spain and working as a freelance writer for the National Geographic Channel. LUIGI SAMBUY ‘14 was recently featured in Stanford’s Pulse Magazine for his musical pursuits. Luigi is now in his second year at Stanford. Read the article here: http://pulsemagazine. stanford.edu/luigi-1. ■

Seoul, Korea: 10/24

Taipei, Taiwan: 10/27

ALUMNI EVENT CALENDAR Alumni Back on Campus Day Thursday, January 7, 2016 NATASHA PATAMAPONGS ’03 continues to make jazz music with her band Mellow Motif. Natasha is Thailand’s one-and-only jazz vocalist who has created an international reputation and following. The band’s most recent album Ao Vivo, was released on September 25, 2015. Natasha shares: “To date, the highlight in our career has been the invitation/opportunity to perform at Jakarta’s International Java Jazz Festival (one of the largest in the world) in front of a 115,000 plus audience from all over the world.” Learn more about Natasha and Mellow 38 WINTER 2015/16 MA KE KULA

2016 Alumni Reunion June 2-5, 2016

Please Save The Dates

Bangkok, Thailand: 10/29

June 2 - June 5, 2016

2016 HPA Alumni Reunion Special Reunion Years ending in ‘1 and ‘6 Celebrating the 50th Reunion HPA Class of 1966 If you haven’t received our alumni e-newsletter Ka Makani, please e-mail us at alumni@hpa.edu

Hong Kong: 10/31

[on campus] Lower School

Robert Branco Lead Utility By Katie Woods “I feel honored to be working here,” said Sodexo employee Robert Branco, who has worked in the Upper School dining hall since 2008. “Sodexo is a great company to work for. It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s a great place.” Branco, who was born and raised in Hilo, heads his team of four in handling all the setup, take-down, and cleaning for the three meals per day offered to HPA students, faculty, and staff. The utility team also is responsible for the maintenance and sanitizing of all beverage, condiment, and other food machines and dispensers in the busy dining hall. “We coordinate with the cooks, make sure we have what we need to be ready on time. We’re never late,” Branco proudly said. “You always have to be on it. I try to do the best I can to set a good example and lead and communicate with those who are on my team.” Branco and his wife, Mary Grace, have seven children and nine grandchildren. Though he keeps very busy working six days a week at HPA, he finds time for riding his horse, working cattle on the family ranch in Ahualoa, pig hunting, spending time with animals, fishing, and cooking using vegetables and fruit that he grows. He also has a passion for working on cars and last May Branco earned his Associate Degree in Applied Science in Automotive Technology from Hawai‘i Community College in Hilo. He is very appreciative of his manager, Anela Kahapea, and Sodexo, who were so supportive, allowing him to adjust his work schedule to go back to school. Branco enjoys and is grateful for his job. “Our Sodexo team is great; there are a lot of good things about this place. That’s why I’m still here.” Branco shares one of his favorite recipes, courtesy of smokywok.com. ■

Upper School

Middle School

January 5

Boarders return

January 5

‘Ohana Association Meeting. Time and location to be announced.

January 6 February 2

Classes resume ‘Ohana Association Meeting. Time and location to be announced.

February 5

Gr. K/1 Production, 2:15 p.m., Gates Performing Arts Center

February 12

Grandparents Day

Theme Week Holiday US Production

February 25-27

March 1

‘Ohana Association Meeting. Time and location to be announced. ‘Ukulele Festival, 7-8 p.m., Gates Performing Arts Center

March 5

March 9

Spring Break Begins, 3 p.m.

Spring Break Begins, 3:10 p.m.

Spring Break Begins, end of day

March 27

Boarders return

March 28 April 5

Classes resume ‘Ohana Association Meeting. Time and location to be announced.

April 14 April 22 May 3

MS Talent Show, 2 p.m. Art Show, 6-8 p.m.

Art Show, 6-8 p.m.

‘Ohana Association Meeting. Time and location to be announced.

May 6

May Day, 9:30-11 a.m., Gates Performing Arts Center

May 25

Summer begins, 3 p.m.

Summer begins, 12:30 p.m. Eighth Grade Transition Ceremony, 6-8 p.m., Gates Performing Arts Center Commencement, 10 a.m., Castle Gym

May 27 June 3-5

Alumni Weekend Copy deadline for the Summer 2016 issue of Ma Ke Kula is June 1, 2016 All dates are subject to change without notice. For the most current calendar, visit our website at www.hpa.edu.

Pork with Bitter Melon Stir-Fry 1 bitter gourd, peeled and seeded marinate for 30 minutes with 1/2 tsp. salt for a crunchier texture 1/2 lb. pork, sliced to bite-sized pieces 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp. dark soy sauce (approximate) 1-2 tsp. cooking oil 1-2 Tbsp. water

After marinating the bitter melon slices in salt for about 30 minutes, gently “squeeze” the slices to rid excess salt. Heat the cooking oil in a wok on high heat. Turn to medium heat, then place the minced garlic and fry until fragrant (don’t let them turn brown). Add pork slices to the wok. Stir-fry pork until almost cooked, then add dark soy sauce. Add in the previously blanched bitter melon slices, add a sprinkling of salt to taste, and add about 1-2 Tbsp. of water. Turn the heat up until the water evaporates and transfer to serving plate. Serve hot with rice. MA KE KULA WINTER 2015/16 39

65-1692 Kohala Mountain Road Kamuela, Hawaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;i 96743-8476 Change Service Requested

The bell tower is lifted into place during construction of the Davies Chapel, circa 1967.