Summer is for Exploring

KA‘I Program: A Partnership for ‘Iolani and Jarrett

‘Iolani School launched the KA‘I (Kukulu Alaka‘i ‘Iolani) Program which stands for the creation of leaders. Thirteen seventh graders from Jarrett Intermediate enrolled this summer. They will return to KA‘I next summer and continue to do so until they graduate. In addition, a new group of 12 Jarrett seventh graders will enter each summer as well. Along with community service coordinator Allison Ishii ’02, ‘Iolani teachers Mel Phingsten, John Bickel and Reid Sagawa ’89 served taught lessons on team-building, goal-setting, integrity, Hawaiian studies, current events and leadership. In addition Oli Fatongia ’99, Gabby Perry ’11, Mark Grozen-Smith ’11 and Brian Freeman ’12 met with students for fun activities. Paddling Coach Brian Yee ’80 took the class on a canoeing field trip. They heard from guest speakers, ventured on field trips, and experienced a summer filled with lifelong lessons.

Kay Fellowship: Chemistry of a Stream

‘Iolani students Mark Grozen-Smith ’11 and Iris Kuo ’12 were the first recipients of the Jack and Violet Kay Summer Research Fellowship, a summer program that supports biology research while providing opportunities for ‘Iolani students to investigate issues beyond their science classes. Under a partnership with the University of Hawai‘i Center for Conservation Research & Training and ‘Iolani School, the students researched the chemistry of Mānoa Stream from the Date Street Bridge to the Ala Wai Canal, establishing parameters for this ecosystem. The data is now being used by Advanced Placement biology students at ‘Iolani for a special research project. They will present the data to public elementary and intermediate schools along the stream, sharing their findings with the community.

Be An Entrepreneur

Self-motivation came alive in the summer course Be An Entreprenuer. Middle school students experienced working collaboratively, stretched their imaginations, took risks and developed problem-solving skills. They created innovative business plans that addressed concerns for Hawai‘i’s communities. They also worked directly with founders of local corporations. Some of the guest speakers included Evan and Kari Leong of Greater Good Radio, Dean Okimoto ’72 of Nalo Farms, Shayna Mora ’04 of Teach for America, Darren Kimura of Sopogy, and Lane Muraoka ’80 of Big City Diner.

Dramatic Players at Edinburgh’s Fringe

Taking 32 students to Scotland to perform in the world’s largest theater festival was a brave move for theater teacher Rob Duval. Even more courageous was staging one of Shakespeare’s oldest plays, A Commedia of Errors, in the native region of the bard’s birth. Yet, the six performances by the ‘Iolani Dramatic Players received great reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, while students experienced the trip of lifetime. In addition to their performing arts contribution, students soaked up the culture and performances of the Fringe. They visited Edinburgh and Sterling castles, met and learned from thespians around the world, and also toured parts of England, including Stonehenge, Stratford Upon Avon, London and Bath. Performing at the Fringe was the culmination after a year of performances, rehearsals, and fundraising.

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