Kapālama convocation brings whole campus together

Aug. 25, 2017

Contributed by Shaundor Chillingworth

The All-School Convocation provides a time and space for students and faculty to come together at the start of the school year. KS Kapālama held their annual event on Friday, Aug. 18 at Kekūhaupi‘o.

This yearʻs celebration was special as new Kapālama Po‘o Kula Dr. Taran Chun addressed the full student body for the first time. In his speech, Dr. Chun introduced himself and shared some of his wonderful memories of his time on the hill and celebrated the bond shared by all as pua a Pauahi. He also impressed upon students the importance of being a leader that serves first and foremost. To follow in the traditions of our ali‘i and take their example of alaka‘i lawelawe to heart as they grown into Hawai‘iʻs future leaders.

Watch the video above with his speech and see some of the many highlights from the day below. They include:

Kula Ha‘aha‘aʻs Mele Ho‘okipa
The Childrenʻs Choir performance of the mele “Legacy”
Kula Waenaʻs performance of “Ka Na‘i Aupuni”
Hawaiian Ensembleʻs hula to “None Like You”
The annual passing of the torch of knowledge

The tri-campus spiritual theme for this year is “E Kūpa‘ No Nā Kau A Kau” or “Stand Firm in All Seasons”. Senior nä keiki kahu Jessie Dunn and Brailyn Oili presented a reading of Jeremiah 17:7-8 which is the foundation for this yearʻs theme.

Special traditions like convocation are a part of what makes Kamehameha Schools a world-class institution with a strong foundation in Christian and Hawaiian values. It is also a wonderful way to celebrate a new beginning and start a new journey, together.

KSK 2017 All-School Convocation: Hawaiian Ensemble dances to None Like You

Hawaiian Ensemble delivers a stunningly beautiful performance to "None Like You" by New Hope O‘ahu featuring Jana Anguay Alcain.

KSK 2017 All-School Convocation: Kula Waena performs Ka Na’i Aupuni

Honoring the namesake of our Kula and his call to continue his good work for it is not yet done, our Kula Waena performs the mele "Ka Na‘i Aupuni".

KSK 2017 All-School Convocation: Childrenʻs Choir sings Legacy

After presenting Ho‘okupu to Ke Ali‘i Pauahi, the Kula Ha‘aha‘a Children's Choir sings the beautiful mele "Legacy" that resonates with all who have been touched by Pauahi's love and generosity.

KSK 2017 All-School Convocation: Mele Ho’okipa

KS Kapālama Kula Ha‘aha‘a haumāna and kumu open the All-School convocation with mele ho‘okipa.

KSK 2017 All-School Convocation: Passing the Torch of Knowledge

One of the fun, annual traditions at the All-School Convocation to start the new year is the passing the torch of knowledge, a relay connecting all of our haumāna from Seniors to kindergarteners.

KSK 2017 All-School Convocation: Scripture Readings

Nā keiki kahu Jessie Dunn and Brailyn Oili read the scripture that is the foundation of this year's spiritual theme - "E Kūpa‘a No Nā Kau a Kau" (Stand Firm in All Seasons). The seniors read Jeremiah 17:7-8 in ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i and English.

Hawaiian ensemble performed a beautiful hula to "None Like You" by New Hope O‘ahu.

New Kapālama Po‘o Kula, Dr. Taran Chun, and KS Executive Vice President for Education, Dr. Holoua Stender.

At the end of the convocation former KSK Kahu Kordell Kekoa(right) introduces Kahu Sherman Thompson (left) who will be serving as interim KSK Kahu this year.

The 2017-2018 tri-campus spiritual theme.

A fun part of this annual tradition is the passing of the torch of knowledge, connecting all of our haumāna from seniors to kindergarteners in a relay around the gym.