As the school year ends, we’re celebrating kumu across KS campuses who dedicate themselves to shaping the next generation of ʻŌ iwi leaders. In every classroom, they help fulfill Pauahi’s vision for an educated and thriving lāhui.
What inspired you to become a kumu at KS?
Growing up, the most influential people in my life outside of my ʻohana have always been my kumu. They were patient, supportive, and taught me many important life lessons. When deciding on an educational path and career, teaching was the one I could truly see myself pursuing. I was fortunate to receive scholarships through the Pauahi Foundation, which allowed me to attend college and earn my degree in education. Because of this, I have always felt a deep sense of responsibility to Kamehameha Schools and Princess Pauahi’s legacy — to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our haumāna, just as my kumu did for me.
Tell us about a time you saw your haumāna use what they’ve learned to make a difference. What did that mean to you?
Every fall semester, I teach a sixth grade elective football class. The culminating project for the course is for students to design and lead a football clinic for our younger haumāna. Working in groups, they collaborate to identify the skills they feel are most important, design engaging drills and activities, and rehearse how to clearly instruct and demonstrate each skill effectively. The younger haumāna truly enjoy the experience and look forward to it each year. I am especially grateful to teach many of our haumāna starting in kindergarten and witness their growth into wonderful individuals, role models, and leaders by sixth grade. Seeing boys and girls progress from first learning how to throw, catch, and run, to playing competitively and sharing their manaʻo with future Warriors on the gridiron is a full-circle moment that I deeply cherish.
What is something your haumāna have taught you about yourself?
Our haumāna come to school from many different backgrounds and life experiences. A couple things working with them have taught me is to trust the process and be patient. Every day isnʻt always going to be perfect, but being patient, giving them grace and allowing them to grow will pay off in the end. Learning this has helped me to become a better father, and I am thankful to have learned this from them.
Where do you see Pauahi’s legacy most in your work?
I see Princess Pauahi’s legacy reflected in my work through helping our haumāna understand the importance of caring for their kino through physical activity while also developing core values such as hoʻomau, mālama, kuleana, kūpono, and learning to become an alakaʻi. I believe it is my kuleana to instill strong foundational skills and values that will help our haumāna find enjoyment in physical activity and grow into positive, contributing members of their kaiāulu later in life.
Shout out a fellow kumu who empowers their students every day!
Shout out to the K-1 kauhale! To all the kumu, coaches, educational assistants, specialist kumu, and our counselor. Our haumāna love each and every one of them for good reason. They pour so much aloha into our keiki every day and consistently find ways to make learning fun and enjoyable. I truly appreciate each member of our team for all that they do and am grateful to come to work alongside them every day.
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Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
