Island Youth & Schools

Annual state progress report puts two Molokai schools at the front of the pack, and the rest in line for restructuring.

For those keiki in Molokai schools that didn’t make the grade, state restructuring, training and new strategies are on their way.

By Zalina Alvi

Two Molokai schools are among only 10 schools in Maui County to make the grade in annual state progress report.

Maunaloa Elementary is the only one on the island, and one of only four in the county, achieving what is called Adequate Yearly Progress, while Kilohana Elementary is in pending Good Standing (meaning they didn’t pass this year, but they have one more chance).

Youth in Motion presents the Molokai Challenge for 2008. 

By Zalina Alvi

Looking for a challenge? How about racing from Maui to Molokai for charity?

On Aug. 30, Youth in Motion is presenting the Molokai Challenge 2008. Contestants will have to travel the 15 miles from Maui to Molokai in any non-motorized craft, which applies to windsurfing, kiteboarding, sailboats with or without kits, canoes with kites, outrigger canoes, one-man canoes, paddle boards, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks and many others.

Keiki Surf Meet brings out young and old to catch some waves for second round of competition

These keiki don’t want to pose for a picture. They want to get into the water! 

By Patrick Mason

The second round of the triple crown-style keiki surf competition took place during another beautiful day of surf. Despite the high tide and less than desirable conditions, the keiki were there early, eager and excited as they practiced before their heats for the 19th year of the competition.

Visiting church group comes ready to work.

Members of the First Baptist Church of Lincoln Park took a break from their cleaning duties to pose for a picture with Ho`olehua Homestead Association President Ochie Bush.

By Jennifer Smith

While most people visit Molokai to relax and take in some sun, members of the First Baptist Church of Lincoln Park came to the Friendly Isle ready to work. Reverend Daniel Russell traveled with 15 other dedicated Baptists for a little over a week preaching, teaching, and doing community service.

“We think it’s great,” Russell said. “We see not only the natural beauty, but also the beauty of the people.”

The girls of Kime Ka La outplayed 16 teams to capture the gold medal at the Aloha State Games Women’s B division on June 29. 

By Kimberly Helm 

June turned out to be a winning month for the Molokai Girls Volleyball Club. Playing on Oahu, which hosts the largest club region in the state, Kime Ka La came out on top in two of the three largest, most competitive and highly respected tournaments in the state.

On June 7 to 9, the club played in two competitive Aloha Region Juniors Tournaments. On the first day's tournament, the club experienced high caliber competition, playing against some of the toughest 18's club teams in the state. Although the club did not make it to the top pool, it stayed competitive throughout the tournament. The second day's tournament was an open junior’s tournament that also included two boys’ teams. Kime Ka La went on to win the tournament with a perfect record of 6-0.

Molokai families traveled to Maui to participate in the annual parade that draws hundreds of spectators every year.

By Viola Wichman 

Yawhoo! Molokai’s 4-H Clover Lopers were out in numbers as 14 kids and 10 adults ventured to Maui to participate in the 43rd Annual Makawao Paniolo Parade. 

Our group's ages ranged from 5 to 16 years old. We marched in four lines with adult leaders bringing up the rear. 

This year marks the second time the Clover Lopers were able to participate in this wonderful experience (thanks to support from our community).Next year we’re going back – this time on horseback. Brian Kramer of Kula Kai Farm, our gracious host, has invited us back and will be providing our mounts, yeehaw.

Super computers and top secret observatories visited.

Students use 3D glasses to watch satellites circle the Earth in real time at the High Performance Computing Center in the Maui High Tech Park.

 By Howard Selnick

You would not believe the amount of doors that were unlocked for our Molokai middle school team to participate in a three-day technical career program held on Maui for students throughout this school district. The Maui Economic Development Board created this program, in part to expose our students to job opportunities on Maui in the field of computer technology.

Island youth tear it up on East End.

Local skateboarders jam it out in contest.

By Patrick Mason

People of all ages showed up to enjoy the first Maui Skate Tour Series at the Molokai skate park on Saturday. The event is the product of collaboration between the Maui County Parks Molokai district, Hi-Tech Skateboards, Aloha Skateboards, and the community.

“It is a great family oriented event allowing families to come together and enjoy the wonderful facilities we have here,” said Molokai Park District supervisor Billy Amoral, with a smile on his face. “It is always a success when parents come out to support the kids.”

As a part of the tour, six instructors were on hand to teach kids how to jump on boards and have some fun. The event is the first to take place at the park since it was officially reopened this February.