The music of Hawaiian composer Bina Mossman was the theme of the 97th Annual Kamehameha Schools Song Contest.

Early preparations for the Song Contest included the photography of art elements for the program booklet.

Former KS Kapālama Po‘o Kula (Head of School) Dr. Michael Chun and wife Bina spoke to students at the rehearsal. Mrs. Chun is the granddaughter of Bina Mossman.

Kumu Hula Kaleo Trinidad organized the dancers for the hō‘ike rehearsal. The students learn the dances in addition to learning the songs for the competition.

The senior boys won the Richard Lyman, Jr., ‘Ōlelo Makuahine (mother tongue) Award and the George Alanson Andrus Cup (boys competition).

The junior girls won the New England Mothers’ Cup (girls competition).

The combined class song directors wait for the announcement of the order of the singing. From left, senior Reyn Keanu Ruperti, junior ‘Elia Akaka (son of KS Cultural Specialist Hau‘oli Akaka, freshman Josias Fronda (son of KS Senior Land Asset Manager Kalani Fronda) and sophomore Miranda Burgisay.

The freshmen class won the Helen Desha Beamer Award (outstanding musical performance) and the Charles Edward King Cup (combined class competition).

The outstanding student director award went to ʻElia Akaka (junior combined class) for the third consecutive year.

Bina Chun was a featured dancer during hō‘ike.

Bina Mossman’s legacy was shown to be perpetuated through her granddaughter Bina Chun and down to her great, great granddaughter Sariah Mossman, a KS Maui sophomore.

KS Honolulu Regional Director Hailama Farden portrayed KGU radio host Charles E. King.

The dancers swing into high gear for the hō‘ike finale.

The freshmen class celebrated their big night. The Class of 2020 became the first ninth grade class since 2006 to win both the combined class competition and the outstanding musical performance.

Song directors hoist the prized trophies. From left, Junior ‘Elia Akaka - Outstanding Student Director, Junior Teeya Le‘i - Girls Competition, Freshman Josias Fronda - Outstanding Musical Performance and Combined Class Competition, Senior Josiah Kunipo (son of HR Shared Services Coordinator Ed Kunipo) - Boys Competition.

KS staff photographer Michael Young shot his last Song Contest. He will be retiring this June after more than 28 years of service to Kamehameha Schools.