BOARDING REPORT
Notes from the dorms
Director of Residential Life, Hamilton Ford ’05
Aloha residential students and families!
With Winter Break having begun, we hope that all of your children had safe and comfortable journeys back to your care, and that you are all enjoying your time together! Here on campus, we are hard at work wrapping up the last semester, taking time to reflect, learn, and grow, and of course prepare for our student’s return to school in January! Our community had a strong Fall semester, with successes found in the classroom, athletic arenas, the theater, and innumerable moments of personal growth. Our team here is privileged and grateful to have had the opportunity to work with each of your children through these moments, and we thank you for sharing them with us and our school community.
As we look ahead to next semester, there are so many different things to look forward to — International Day on February 7; the various BIIF and HHSAA championships throughout February; the HPA Olympics February 26-28; Spring Break in March; Prom and Capstone Showcases in April, Graduation in May, and many, many more! We encourage all of our students to take advantage of their time this break to rest and recharge. Life will begin and get busy again quickly upon their return in January, so being rested and ready for it all will be important!
Thank you all again for your trust and support. Enjoy this time together, and we look forward to hearing all about your child’s winter break when they return in January!
The ‘Why’ Behind the Residential Life Program
As we reflect on the Fall semester, we wanted to share with all of our families what our purpose and goals in Residential Life are here at HPA. There is not a set playbook or precise recipe for achieving these goals and living up to this purpose, but rather they are a guide for us, as we make decisions on policy, programs, and the student experience. The learning we strive for is achieved through the accumulation of lots of little lessons, distributed through our programs, relationships, and myriad other experiences.
Purpose Statement
The purpose of the Residential Life Program at HPA is to promote the development of students as ethically sound individuals and responsible community members in an enriching environment where students from Hawai‘i and the world come to live and learn with each other. The program focuses on the growth of the whole student while striving to positively affect the intellectual, physical, emotional, social, and philosophical aspects of each student.
Residential Life Goals
• A safe, healthy, and nurturing community designed to enhance the continual learning process that takes place intentionally and naturally.
• Competent learners who are independent, resourceful, inquisitive, and creative.
• Sophisticated and perceptive thinkers.
• Effective communicators who listen objectively and critically.
• Culturally-aware individuals who respond to cultural differences with understanding, knowledge, and consideration.
• Responsible individuals with sound ethical foundations.
• Wholesome young students who set high standards for themselves while also leading lives that are intellectually, physically, emotionally, and spiritually balanced.
Comings and Goings Ka Makani Roundup
KA MAKANI ATHLETICS
FALL SPORTS • RESULTS
Football
6-3, 3rd Place in BIIF
Boys Cross Country
BIIF Champions
3rd place at State Meet
Girls Cross Country
BIIF Champions
State Champions
Girls Volleyball
BIIF Champions
3rd place at State Tournament
WINTER SPORTS • ONGOING
Boys Basketball
Girls Basketball
Swimming & Diving
Paddling
Girls Soccer
Boys Soccer
Wrestling
DON’T MISS THE ACTION!
Check out HPA on Hudl for live streams and highlights!
The Buzz Around Campus
The Ka Makani Cafe opened in November in Ko Kākou Hale, providing coffee, tea, and snacks for students. The new hot spot is part of Wynter Radey-Morgan’s senior Capstone Project.
Ka Makani in the Big Apple
Our students had the time of their lives in New York for Thanksgiving with the HPA Travel Program! They soaked in stunning views from the Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge, enjoyed the buzz of Times Square, visited Ground Zero, and caught the NY subway (which included a chance encounter with an HPA alum!).
Ka Makani Pride: HPA Talking Points
Achievements, events, and moments that tell our story
College Horizons at HPA
Long-standing partnership opens doors for Native Hawaiians
READ MORE
Deep Roots, Lasting Vision
Celebrating 75 years of Ka Makani in our latest edition of our Ma Ke Kula magazine
READ MORE
Falling in Love
All Ogre Again
Did you miss the Ka Makani Players’ incredible live performance of Shrek at the Gates Performing Arts Center? Don’t worry—you can watch it now!
WATCH HERE
Senior Speaker Series
Unique perspective and strong connection
On a clear, crisp Waimea morning this past November, Upper School students and faculty entered Davies Memorial Chapel for the first in HPA’s Senior Speaker Series for the 2024-2025 academic year.
The senior members of the Burchell and Camarillo advisories shared inspiring and uplifting messages for their fellow Ka Makani, led by featured speakers, Alexandra J., Isabelle L., and Kekaha C., whose heartfelt thoughts were received with laughter and a few tears from the audience.
WATCH THE HIGLIGHTS
“The Senior Speaker Series gives our students a chance to have a shared experience of not only being together in this space, but also to listen to the unique perspectives of several seniors and their collective HPA experience,” said advisor Patrick O’Leary, who helped organize the programming focused on student reflection, voice, health and wellness, and connections to people and place.
Designed by one of the most renowned architects in Hawai i, Vladimir Ossipoff, Davies Memorial Chapel captures the natural strength, beauty, and dexterity of Hawai ʻ i Island, connecting all generations of Ka Makani.
While messaging within the chapel is not specifically faith-based, HPA is mindful of the importance of making everyone feel comfortable and welcome with a commitment to maintain programming that is rooted in our mission and Core Values.
Summer at HPA has something for everyone
Get to Know Robert Burchell
Perry-Fiske Dorm Parent, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology Teacher
Robert Burchell teaches Chemistry and Anatomy and Physiology, is an assistant swim coach, and a PerryFiske dorm parent. He grew up in rural Indiana and earned a B.S. in biology from Indiana Wesleyan University. He came to HPA in 2019, and lives on campus with his wife and three young children.
What led you to become a teacher?
I aimed to go to medical school, but ultimately decided that $300,000 in debt was not for me. I did a short stint of substitute teaching, and I absolutely loved it.
Do Chemistry and Anatomy/ Physiology overlap in surprising ways?
Many of us remember summer camp with great fondness: a break in the routine, making new friends, adventuring out, and maybe getting our first taste of independence. At HPA, summertime brings all of this and more in a place that inspires connection and growth.
This year, across eight weeks of programming for kids from ages 5-17, Summer at HPA is ready to serve good times, spirited fellowship, and a chance to learn, make, and do!
“Summer at HPA covers a lot of ground,” says Patty Walker, Director of Summer Programming.
“And we have students join us from across the continental U.S. and all over the world!”
The HPA summer experience spans eight weeks, with three primary tracks for potential campers: Ka Makani Keiki Camp, Sports and Enrichment Day Camps, and Summer Academies.
SUMMER ACADEMIES
This camp is both its own perfectly encapsulated summer experience as well as a potential entrée for boarding life at HPA. Summer Academies give students an opportunity to dive deep into an area of passion, with academy cohorts choosing to hone in on the arts, sustainability, marine explorations, STEM, or English language learning. Boarding participants live in HPA’s residence halls with Resident Advisors, many of whom are HPA graduates. Game nights, campfires on Anna’s field, and weekend treks to lush
rainforests and Hawai‘i Island’s best beaches fill the off-hours. A truly global experience, Summer Academies attract students from around the island and across the world, with recent participants hailing from Kazakhstan, Korea, Tahiti, Spain, Mexico, Canada, Japan, and beyond. This four-week program for students from ages 1117 will run this year from June 23Juy 18, with both day and boarding options.
Chemistry is very black and white. There are rules, and there are exceptions to the rules. If you can memorize all of those, you understand it. I like that. Biology is not just black and white… there’s some gray area that gives you the freedom to explore.
Do you have a favorite lab experiment or project you’ve done with your students?
In chemistry, I try to incorporate one or two labs a week with my classes. If I get bored, I won’t have fun on my face, and any lab is fun for me. They’re a lot of work, but fun. In Anatomy and Physiology, my favorite is dissection. Seeing my students cut open a cow eyeball or a brain, when they can see first-hand the parts that are synonymous with their parts… it’s amazing.
“I
aimed to go to medical school, but ultimately decided that $300,000 in debt was not for
me. I
did a short stint of substitute teaching, and I absolutely loved it.”
How would your students describe you?
What do you enjoy doing on your own time?
Usually I’m really extroverted and outgoing. I have a lot of energy and I talk really loud. But I absolutely enjoy quiet times during the breaks in my day.
If you could only listen to one musician for the rest of your life, who would it be?
I work out a decent amount, so I listen to all sorts of music, but I’m a midwest guy. I like country music — and not modern country music. If I had to pick one, I’d say Kenny Chesney.
During the pandemic, we refinanced our house and bought a farm. I always wanted to do that, and I have really, really loved getting into farming… learning about land management, and just working the land. My favorite times growing up were riding on farm machinery with my dad, enjoying being with him. I can do that with my own kids now.
> Read more at HPA.edu
Hoʻonanea
With your support, an HPA education is filled with experiences that go far beyond the ordinary and would not be possible through tuition alone. Through the HPA Fund, you open eyes to astronomy and world politics. You ignite creativity in art studios, Gates Performing Arts Center, and The Michael and Jeannette Saalfeld Energy Lab.
You inspire mālama kaiāulu for our community, our islands, and the world beyond. Our students can follow their dreams with confidence and a superb academic foundation—because of YOU. On behalf of the countless professions, people, and places they will influence, thank you.
onanea Fall Arts Showcase highlighted the remarkable talents of our Upper School students in various artistic disciplines, including photography, drawing, and sculpture. The day concluded with an impressive performing arts showcase at the Gates Performing Arts Center, further emphasizing the importance of arts education.
Photos by Conor C. ‘26
CELEBRATING 75 YEARS
Every aloha shirt tells a story, and Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy’s story is one of warriors and winds, rainbows and ʻōhiʻa, palaka and pines. Our story is shaped by the place and the traditions that define Ka Makani. This year, as we proudly celebrate HPA’s 75th anniversary, we are honored to present this special edition collection.
Inspired by the storied designs made famous by HPA’s McCullough ohana here in Waimea, this fabric was woven and printed in Japan and made with care in Hawaiʻi. These special garments pay tribute to some of HPA’s most enduring elements.
> NOW AVAILABLE — GET YOURS TODAY!
CLICK TO SHOP
Before You Go! News, notes, and announcements
Dorm Refurbishments — Join In!
We are thrilled to announce that while our students are away this winter, we are set to have three new sectional sofas delivered in each dorm’s common room. This is the first phase of an ongoing dormitory refurbishment project. We look forward to welcoming back our students with this exciting new change in January.
The project’s next phase will be to convert the common area fireplaces to electric. This will enable our students to enjoy evening study sessions and dorm gatherings in front of an inviting, cozy fire –bringing these beautiful mid-century hearths back to life! We are seeking $15,000 in support to convertall three fireplaces. If this is something you would be willing to help with, you can donate directly here If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Kim Younger from our Advancement Office at kyounger@hpa.edu
Thank you in advance for considering this request!
Admissions Deadlines Approaching: Spread the Word
Our application for the 2025-2026 academic year is now available! The deadline for new day students is January 15 and February 10 for new boarding students. Be sure to apply for a sibling and share it with your friends and family.
Our admissions team will continue to be on the road in a variety of locations locally and around the world to meet up with prospective students, parents, alumni, and more! We look forward to many good times together as we dive into the new school year. Mahalo for your partnership and enthusiasm for HPA!
Return Travel Reminders
A friendly reminder, HPA’s shuttle service from the Kona Airport to campus will run all day on Sunday, January 5, and Monday, January 6. Please note that classes resume on Tuesday, January 7, and all students are expected to be in attendance.
65-1692 Kohala Mountain Road
Kamuela, Hawaiʻi 96743
www.hpa.edu
Want more info on HPA?
Application inquiries: admissions@hpa.edu
All other questions: connect@hpa.edu
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