BOARDING REPORT
Notes from the dorms Director of Residential Life, Hamilton Ford ’05
Aloha residential students and families!
The start of school is always a wonderful time on our campus, as new and returning residential students fly in from around the world five days before classes begin to kindle new and existing friendships, come together as a community, and prepare not just for the year of school ahead, but also for a year together as a community. Everything in our Opening Days is designed to ensure that every boarding student will see familiar faces in their classes with whom they have already established shared memories; that they know where to go and who to talk to for support; that they know our routines and community norms; and that they feel connected to this place and community.
Our community this year is strong, with students making new friendships from the first night of Ice Breaker games in the gymnasium. The Opening Ceremonies of Dorm Wars the next night brought each dormitory together to begin our year-long competition, and the collection of off-campus activities and Outdoor Program excursions throughout the weekend gave everyone the opportunity to connect with some aspect of our island home. With a successful Opening Days behind us, we now settle into the routines of life at school, rife with opportunities to engage, pursue interests, and ignite passions.
We are all looking forward to a great year with an excellent group of students, and thank you all for your support and trust in our community!
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.
Voices from the Halls
Meet the Prefects
These 21 student leaders came back to school four days early for a jam-packed 40-hour training over the course of three days to prepare for the arrival of the other students, and the year ahead. In addition to training specific to their responsibilities in the dormitories, they also met with a broad range of faculty, staff, and administrators in health and wellness, security, maintenance and housekeeping, admissions, advancement, and student life to better understand the day-to-day operations of the school, and how they as student leaders play an important role in our community. We thank them for their dedication and service, and look forward to working alongside them throughout the year.
Perry-Fiske
Renhe Bai
Yizhou (Charlie) Chen
Eli Heine
Aaron Hsu
Luca Sela
Zane Vannatta
Nicholas Winterowd
Finn Wirum
Jiho Yoo
Carter
Isla Bradford
Caroline (Lark) Hanson
Star Kubby
Haruno Murakami
Contessa Ricci
Robertson
Miron Amanai van Duijvenbode
Juan Garay Gomez
Serah Jones
Holden Lahey
Tatum Lemkau
Mei-chi (Maggie) Lu
Adéla Vystrcilová
Ka Makani Pride: HPA Talking Points Achievements, events,
and moments that tell our story
4 Questions with a Mother/Daughter Powerhouse
This year, Lily Hodges ’25 are HPA’s student body president, while her mother, Annette Hodges P’23, ’25, will be president of the ‘Ohana Association.
READ MORE
Marine Studies at HPA
Since 1987, HPA students and faculty have captured, studied, and tagged more than 3,900 sea turtles throughout the Hawaiian Islands and at international research sites in Japan, New Caledonia, American Samoa, and the Republic of Vanuatu.
READ MORE
Vision and Purpose
Since their time together at HPA, brothers Peter and Randy Vitousek have each become acclaimed professionals in their different fields. Yet their paths still converge in a shared dedication to the land, culture, and future of Hawai’i.
READ MORE
CONVOCATION A ceremonial opening to the school year
Our Upper School students gathered in the Davies Memorial Chapel for Convocation in September. The event represents the ceremonial opening of the school year. Projected onto the wall was a circle of 12 of the world’s faith symbols surrounding a dove —universally recognized as a representation of peace. The arrangement emphasizes the interconnectedness of all these faiths, and their shared values of compassion, love, and respect that transcend individual beliefs. The circle indicates that despite their differences, they form a cohesive whole. While some faiths are not represented and others do not use symbols, the intention of the visual is to make everyone feel they can find safety and peace in the shared space of our chapel.
“Convocation represents the beginning. We have such an opportunity in front of us. We can make this year be whatever we wish it to be. Our individual and collective efforts can make this year special,” HPA Head of School Fred Wawner said. “This is the 75th year of our school’s existence. Why not make it the best one of all? The year that we unanimously unite, take care of each other, and push each other to be our best selves each and every day. Here, we strive to create a community where our differences are celebrated, where respect and understanding guide our actions, and where we each find space for personal reflection and growth. As we embark on this new school year, let this chapel be a reminder of the values we hold dear — openness, peace, and respect in all that we do. May this year be filled with learning, kindness, and the spirit of unity that brings us all together.”
From Classroom to Cosmos
Karly Noetzel ’18 discusses her path and the power of science filmmaking
Karly Noetzel ’18 is in her final year of the MFA program in Science and Natural History Filmmaking at Montana State University-Bozeman, and she is also a science video intern at NASA. Her short film, Water Bodies, debuts at the Maui film festival in September. We asked Karly a few questions about her experience at NASA, Neptune’s rings, and the niche skill of translating science and culture to film.
What sparked your interest in this particular branch of filmmaking?
In undergraduate work [at Denison] I was a double major in cinema and global commerce, and I knew I wanted to pursue a master’s. I found that documentary filmmaking is a combination of everything that I’m interested in, from cinema to ecology, astronomy, and natural history.
What is the most interesting thing you have done so far at NASA?
I got to interview a renowned planetary scientist, Heidi Hammel, for videos that I produced about Neptune’s rings and auroras.
That’s amazing. I’m not sure I knew Neptune had rings. Yes! I worked with the James Webb Space Telescope team; it was the Webb telescope that recently rediscovered these rings. They were last seen in 1989, but these new images really gave everyone a lot more scientific information about it.
How do you describe what you do to other people? How much is art? How much is science?
The filmmaker wears all of the hats. So that comes from conceptualizing to pitching, preproducing, shooting, editing, animating… all the different
“Having such a diverse array of subjects and courses at HPA really propelled the trajectory of my education. I got to take astronomy, oceanography, AP environmental science, and film courses.”
things. I gravitate towards ecology, astronomy, and anthropology, and then I work closely with the subjects to come up with the story that I’m trying to convey. Particularly right now, conveying science information for the public is really important.
Absolutely. That’s something you must have the right skill set for and really enjoy.
It’s very fulfilling! It creates a lot of meaning in my life, contributing to the way we are all trying to understand our Earth and humanity and the universe more in a positive way.
Did anyone or anything at HPA inspire your journey?
Having such a diverse array of subjects and courses at HPA really propelled the trajectory of my education. I got to take astronomy, oceanography, AP environmental science, and film courses. All the teachers I had — pretty much in every class at HPA — inspired a lot of opportunities
to think about the role of humans on the planet and what issues are present. It’s a big theme in the films I like to make.
What advice do you have for HPA students today?
I think just getting excited about the work you’re doing and what you’re learning is really important. Sharing that with people is contagious and inspires other people to do the same.
What is next for you?
I’ll be graduating with my MFA from Montana in May, and then I also plan to produce my thesis film with NASA about the environmental impact of rocket launches and the research that they’re doing to mitigate the ecological damage. With many things that are going to become a bigger part of our world — whether it’s AI or space travel — looking at it from as many angles as possible is really important to protect the planet.
Formal Dinner
Honoring Traditions
Formal Dinner is a cherished tradition, blending the spirit of ‘ohana with the elegance of a formal gathering. Held at Taylor Commons, this special evening is held to offer students, faculty, and staff an opportunity to come together, celebrate achievements, and enjoy each other’s company in a beautifully curated setting. It reflects HPA’s deep-rooted values of respect, integrity, and family, providing a moment of unity and reflection amid the bustling school year.
Your gift creates exceptional Ka Makani learning.
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.
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 ʻohana 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.
> Preorder yours today! Shirts will be shipped in December!
CLICK TO SHOP
Before You Go!
News, notes, and important announcements
Dorm Refurbishments — Join In
Thank you to those who have donated to our important fundraising effort for our Dorm Common Area refurbishment. You have helped us on our way to modernizing our shared spaces, but there is still opportunity to join in! Any questions can be directed to Kim Younger in the Advancement office (kyounger@hpa.edu). Or you can donate directly using this link
Admissions Season is Underway!
Our application for the 2025-2026 academic year is now available! We are excited to welcome the new season of admissions! Be sure to apply for a sibling and share it with your friends and family.
Our admissions team is 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!
HPA Leadership Coming to Taiwan, Korea, and Japan!
Our Head of School, Fred Wawner, and Board Chair, Robert Budway, are hitting the road in celebration of HPA’s 75th year. They will be in Taipei (October 15), Seoul (October 17) and Tokyo (October 19), and look forward to meeting you. An email with more information will be coming soon.
Ka Makani on the Continent
Our team will keep the 75th celebrations rolling with events in Oregon, Colorado, Washington D.C., and New York. Please plan to join us at a regional event near you. We would love to see you!
HPA ʻOhana Days
Our Upper Campus ʻOhana Days run from October 2-5. Event details and schedule will be sent by email to all 9-12 families. We look forward to sharing the HPA experience with you here on campus!
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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