Get to know the Kamehameha Schools kumu who are inspiring haumāna and helping shape the future of our lāhui.
What inspired you to become a kumu at KS?
After teaching in Las Vegas and Oʻahu for a number of years, I returned to my hometown of Hilo. When a 3rd grade position opened up at Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi, I applied. Being able to teach and give back to my community felt like coming home.
Tell us about a time you saw your haumāna use what they’ve learned to make a difference. What did that mean to you?
I’m so proud of many of our haumāna that have exited our kula with a strong kānaka ʻōiwi identity. I've seen social media highlights of a former student of mine, Travis Chai-Andrade, who graduated from Princeton a couple of years ago. It's touching to hear how he has given back to his lāhui through various initiatives focused on protecting Hawaiʻi's ancestral places and uplifting local and Native Hawaiian communities.
What is something your haumāna have taught you about yourself?
My haumāna are so kind and full of aloha. I look forward to their greetings and daily hugs given to me multiple times throughout the day. It reminds me to be happy and show love to those around me, because strong pilina with others is what gets you through your day. It’s taught me to embrace a more easygoing mindset and not sweat the small stuff.
Where do you see Pauahi's legacy most in your work?
Pauahi's legacy is woven throughout my work — in the values I teach, the respect I show our culture, and the way I encourage haumāna to see themselves as leaders of their lāhui. She believed education should transform lives and strengthen our people, and that’s what I strive for every day.
Shout out a fellow kumu who empowers their students every day!
There are many fellow kumu who fit the bill: Kumu Everett, Kumu Kaneakua, Kumu Kay, and Kumu Rutherford, to name a few! We have many awesome kumu at our kula.
TAGS
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our employee ʻohana,
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Kaipuolono Article, Regions, West Hawai’i, East Hawai’i, Themes, Culture, Employee ‘Ohana, Ka ʻohana Kamehameha, E Ola!, Hawaii Newsroom, KS Hawaii Home, KS Announcements, Newsroom, Hawaii, Alumni, Hawai’i, Featured articles, Education, Hawaii campus
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Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
