Everybody needs clean water. Kamehameha kumu are teaching students to be wise environmental stewards who protect our waters and island home.

On Feb. 13, the City and County of Honolulu recognized volunteers and program partners who have made significant contributions to the city’s Storm Water Quality improvement efforts at its biennial Good Neighbor and Environmental Hero Awards.

The Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Middle School was awarded the 2019 Clean Water Hero Good Neighbor Award for its community service efforts in Kalihi. Each semester middle school students, staff and parents maintain areas in their community through the Adopt-a-Block and Adopt-a-Stream programs.

In addition, KSK Middle School Student Activities Coordinator Gail Vannatta and Student Activities Assistant Lisa Akana were named Environmental Heroes and presented volunteer medallions.

“Our community service is unique in that we involve our parents and family members,” said Vannatta. “Parents have told me that in addition to that great feeling of taking care of our community and island, the educational component of being a role model, leading by example and why it’s important to be of service to others are excellent lessons for the students to learn.”

A display of the Environmental Hero awards, which features the middle school honor, is currently showcased at Honolulu Hale Lane Gallery and will be moved to the Kapolei Hale Courtyard in March.

The school’s next community service day is scheduled for Earth Day on March 9. To participate, visit the KS Kapālama Middle School sign-up page.  

TAGS
sp2020 goal 4,world-class education

CATEGORIES
Kaipuolono Article, Regions, Themes, Culture, Leadership, Kapalama Newsroom, Kapalama Middle School, Kapalama Home, Newsroom, Campus Programs, Kapalama, Health and Wellness, Department News, Features

Print with photos Print text only