search logo

East Hawai‘i High school seniors in KS’ Kamehameha Scholars program got revved up for graduation at a three-day culture- and college-focused retreat which culminated with greeting the sunrise atop Mauna Kea. The haumāna hailed from Waiākea High School, Hilo High School, Keaʻau High School, Ke Kula o Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu, and Ke Ana Laʻahana Public Charter School.

Kamehameha Scholars get revved up for graduation on culture-filled retreat

Jan. 10, 2019

Contributed by Nadine Lagaso

East Hawai‘i high school seniors in KS’ Kamehameha Scholars college and career counseling program got revved up for graduation at a recent three-day retreat.

The retreat was themed “Kūlia i ka Nuʻu” or “Strive for the Summit” because the haumāna are at the halfway point of their senior year with graduation rapidly approaching.

“With all the pressure of getting things done and the excitement of graduation bogging them down, it’s was important to plan a time together to help them ground themselves, and refocus in order for them to finish strong,” said Kealakūlia Counselor Jessica Waiau.

The Kamehameha Scholars team worked alongside students to plan the retreat, which incorporated completing college and scholarship applications. Activities also included a visit to Pilialoha Farms in Honomū where the haumāna helped to reopen two lo‘i kalo, designing ‘ohe kapala stamps, and an ‘ohana potluck.

The retreat culminated with an early morning trek to greet the sunrise atop Mauna Kea.

“As the sun rose on a new day, we were all reminded that although this is the end of their high school experience, it is just the beginning of their lives and the good things to come as long as they continue to kūlia i ka nuʻu.”


The retreat activities also included a visit to Pilialoha Farms in Honomū where the haumāna helped to reopen two lo‘i kalo.



TAGS
sp2020 goal 2,sp2020 goal 3,kamehameha scholars

CATEGORIES
Kaipuolono Article, Regions, East Hawai’i, Themes, Culture, Hawaii Newsroom, Hawaii High School, Newsroom, Community Education, News Briefs

Print with photos Print text only