HPA Boarding Report: September 2023

BOARDING REPORT

Notes from the dorms... Director of Residential Life, Hamilton Ford

Six weeks into the school year, and the campus is humming along! This year, we are a community of about 150 boarding students, representing 18 countries, 12 US states, and 4 Hawaiian Islands. This creates a wonderfully eclectic fabric of different backgrounds, traditions, cultures, and past educational experiences.

Also an integral part of our community are our residential faculty. These dedicated professionals work in all areas of school life, as teachers, administrators, coaches, in our Business Office, or Health and Wellness. Many of them are either from, or have lived and worked, in many parts of the world, including over 20 countries and as many US states. Through these backgrounds, we find ways to connect with each of our students over shared common experiences, and a love of seeing the world.

There are a number of ways that we intentionally build in opportunities for connection between community members. Every week, there are roughly a dozen on-or-off campus activities for students to enjoy, like open gym, a trip to the movies and shopping malls, time at the beach, hiking trips, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, board game nights, BBQs, dances, open mic nights, the list goes on! During the week, we have community meetings on Monday evenings, Tuesday Night Intramural Leagues, shuttle buses to town on Wednesdays, and almost always a home athletic event or two! These planned activities throughout each week provide the environment for students to make new friendships, learn from one another, and build bonds that will last a lifetime.

As always, our goal is to provide opportunities for our students to get involved, make new friendships, and find things that they enjoy and are good at, but we can only meet them halfway! As a small school, our community, and the individual students within it, thrive when they get involved! To become the independent learners, problem solvers, and leaders that we hope to graduate, we encourage all of our students to get involved in our many programs. We look forward to telling you more about these programs throughout the year in future issues of the Boarding Report!

Ka Makani Pride: HPA Talking Points

Student-led fundraiser supports families affected by devastating Maui fires

Students ring in the academic year by honoring Maui at Convocation in Davies Memorial Chapel

Fall sports captains share insight on what it’s like to be a student-athlete at HPA

OPENING DAYS

Welcoming Ka Makani back to campus

Opening Days at Hawai ʻ i Preparatory Academy in August were a vibrant and joyous celebration of the return to campus after a long-awaited summer break. The school’s scenic surroundings provided a picturesque backdrop as we warmly welcomed our eager students back to the embrace of our educational community.

With a sense of excitement in the air, students, parents, and faculty gathered to reconnect, share stories of their adventures and set the tone for a successful academic year ahead. It was a time of new beginnings, rekindling old friendships, and fostering a spirit of curiosity and growth that would guide us throughout the school year.

The campus buzzed with anticipation and enthusiasm, as we collectively embarked on a journey of learning, discovery, and personal development in the unique and inspiring environment that HPA offers.

Out & About at HPA

From camping to kayaking, our Outdoor Program gives residential students island perspective

The Outdoor Program at Hawai’i Preparatory Academy is an integral part of our students’ educational experience, offering them opportunities to explore and connect with the stunning natural wonders of the island. From camping adventures at Waimanu Valley to kayaking excursions at Kealakekua Bay, our students have the privilege of immersing themselves in some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in Hawaiʻi.

These hands-on experiences go beyond traditional classroom learning, fostering a deep appreciation for the environment, a sense of stewardship, and invaluable life skills. Camping at Waimanu is a highlight of our Outdoor Program, allowing students to disconnect from modern distractions and embrace the simplicity and serenity of nature. Surrounded by lush valleys and cascading waterfalls, students learn essential survival skills, teamwork, and self-reliance while building lasting friendships.

It’s not just about adventure; it’s about understanding the delicate balance of ecosystems and the importance of preserving these natural treasures. With various other trips and activities, our Outdoor Program encourages students to step out of their comfort zones, develop resilience, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them, making it a truly enriching part of their HPA experience.

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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CAMPUS VIEWS

GIVING BACK

Support the HPA Fund

Together, we keep HPA strong for our children and our community, and we welcome you into this tradition of generosity and mutual effort. The HPA Fund influences virtually every aspect of learning and life at HPA. Through the fund, families, alumni, and friends join together to provide flexible, immediate financial resources that elevate HPA programs and benefit all students, every year.

Cross country runners from around the island kick off a BIIF meet at HPA earlier this semester.